Did you know that swinging a hammer in a woodworking shop has a wide range of benefits for students? Woodworking provides the ability to identify a problem, brainstorm the possible solutions, and test your ideas. These skills lend themselves to all aspects of life, both inside the classroom and out. Woodworking classes have recently regained popularity because they build essential life lessons along with reinforcing math, science, and problem-solving skills. In fact, a study from Purdue University showed students benefited from participating in hands-on engineering projects. A woodworking program benefits students in the following ways:
STUDENTS learn how to safely use tools
Students familiarize themselves with a variety of tools that they would otherwise never use. By mastering woodworking tools, they work on using their fine and gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
STUDENTS learn about building
Through hands-on design, students can create a tangible product. This process of planning, construction, and problem-solving connects the classroom to the real world.
STUDENTS use creativity
When doing a project, you need to think differently, problem-solve, and pay attention to detail. The final product is a one-of-a-kind piece.
STUDENTS learn to plan
Students need to visualize a project and use their skills to complete it. They feel empowered when they can confidently use a tool to make a product that matches their vision.
STUDENTS learn to persevere
When a project fails, students have to adjust and fix it. Students learn to cope with adversity and work through the frustration that arises when things do not go right the first time.
The importance in schools
Woodworking allows students to be inventors and engineers. They are actively building with their hands and exposed to a type of learning that is different than what they get in a traditional classroom. Woodworking provides tangible results because the students can see the outcome of their work each day. In addition, it may lead to an interest in possible careers in engineering, carpentry, or architecture.
At Sanford School, we have a state-of-the-art workshop where students safely learn to build individual and team projects. Our woodshop is full of basic tools, as well as a drill press, band saw, table saw, miter saw, nail guns, cordless drills, and much more. We offer courses where students work with their hands and problem solving with materials to create projects.
Ensign Simmons is the Co-Chair of the Science Department and an instructor in the Science and Math departments. He received his bachelor's degree in History, Technology, and Society from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He earned his master's degree in Teaching, Leadership, and Learning from the University of Pennsylvania.
Maria Tate is the Visual Arts Chair and Instructor. She earned her bachelor's degree in Art Education from West Virginia University. She received her master's degree in Painting from the University of Pennsylvania.
See Also: How Design Thinking Inspires Future Engineers, What is Authentic Learning?
