Author Archives: woodshopcowboy

This Week in the Classroom: A MakerEd Pathway Into Computer Science

This year, I invested more time than ever to developing a pathway into coding for my most reluctant learners.  I also researched extensions for the handful of young people who can really stretch my teaching capacity inside the STEAMworks Makerspaces.  Many of my students begin their coding journey with small, concept-oriented courses and explorations, suchContinue reading “This Week in the Classroom: A MakerEd Pathway Into Computer Science”

Tool Primer: How to Select and Use a Router

The router can do an incredible number of tasks: cut grooves and dados, used with guides to make parts, do complex or simple joinery and create edge treatments for wood. The router can be mounted on a bench or table top or it can be manipulated by hand. The router is the single most versatile tool in the woodworker’s power tool box.

Making a Makerspace: Shop Tour 2015

Most of the time on this blog and @woodshopcowboy or WoodshopCowboy on Facebook, I showcase student-centered projects and articles. Sometimes I make projects for my own enjoyment and personal needs in my own personal makerspace/workshop. Here’s a peek behind the curtain.

This Week in the Classroom: DIY Wood Covered Lab Notebooks

This fall, I opened the classroom with a very simple (sort-of) multi-media project for my students.  Last year, I piloted a number of different end-of-project reflection formats (long form, short form, written and typed) as well as online and offline versions.  I lacked a reasonable and effective in-process journaling format.  This year, I wanted toContinue reading “This Week in the Classroom: DIY Wood Covered Lab Notebooks”

Community Watch: New Woodworking Class at TX/RX Labs!

Over at TX/RX Labs, I have two new Woodworking classes in the works. Build a Box – Great Makers need great tools. Great tools need great storage. Treat your tools right by learning to build a Japanese style toolbox in this class. Students will learn basic techniques for the table saw and miter saw, asContinue reading “Community Watch: New Woodworking Class at TX/RX Labs!”

This Week in the Classroom: 3D Printed Pinhole Camera

Last spring, I had the opportunity to teach one of my dream units:  Light and Waves.  We completed three projects during this time: camera obsuras, cajon drums and a pinhole camera. This 3D-printed pinhole camera combines three centuries worth of cutting edge technology.  First, the body follows the basic design of a camera obscura andContinue reading “This Week in the Classroom: 3D Printed Pinhole Camera”

This Week in the Classroom: Cajón Drums

Cajón drums are wood drums native to South America with deeper roots in the Africa.  The cajon is a wood rectangular prism, with two thin faces.  One of the thin sides, usually the back, has a large hole to allow sound to travel out.  The front face can be struck with the hand, mallets orContinue reading “This Week in the Classroom: Cajón Drums”

This Week in the Classroom: The Camera Obscura

The camera obscura is a old, old project which illuminates the nature of light.  Students can discover some major scientific principles: light travels in straight lines, transparent surfaces allow light to travel through while translucent surfaces let some light through, the principles behind photography, scale, proportion and a whole host of other things.   Essentially,Continue reading “This Week in the Classroom: The Camera Obscura”

This Week in the Shop: 3 Simple Picture Frame Plans

Picture frames make fantastic skill building projects.  You can practice joinery and create precision jigs.  Frames reward practice and good finishes.  They can be made from cheap materials and scraps – meaning they are easy on the pocketbook.  All in all, the perfect project to start with. With one exception.  Miter joints – that is,Continue reading “This Week in the Shop: 3 Simple Picture Frame Plans”