Dadoes are much easier to cut when you use two bench hooks…. You can even chisel out the waste right there. My students are having such success using bench hooks, knee height workbenches and the tool chest I’m reconsidering my thoughts on bigger workbenches. I’d like a better assembly table, but it ain’t nothing ifContinue reading “Teacher Tip: Use Two Bench Hooks”
Tag Archives: teaching Strategies
Technology in Education: The Digital STEM Fair
You’ve been to a science fair, right? Tri-fold boards, volcanoes and blue ribbons. This month, my colleagues and I shepherded the “STEM Fair” into existence. The STEM Fair is a showcase for any Science, Technology, Engineering or Math project our students produced over the course of a month. My school produced forty to fifty blogContinue reading “Technology in Education: The Digital STEM Fair”
This Week in the Classroom: Spring 2012
In the Spring of 2012, I began my third year as a classroom teacher. I planned on teaching the courses below. It didn’t happen. Instead of a woodshop/technology resource, I became a project-oriented classroom teacher. I taught 6th grade Math/Science & MS/9th Grade Math/Science and took part in two environmental education program periods. The paceContinue reading “This Week in the Classroom: Spring 2012”
Course Curriculum: Computer Applications:CAD
After my quick reflections on the Tea Box project and my computer science course, I’d like to take a spin over to my most successful, challenging and rewarding class(es) this semester. I had the opportunity to teach 2 CAD courses with a great, energetic group of young men (and one woman). As the year progressedContinue reading “Course Curriculum: Computer Applications:CAD”
This Week in the Classroom: Computer Science & Electronics
The Fall 2011 semester came to an end last week. I’m taking stock of what-used-to-be (my previous semesters classes) and re-tooling, re-gearing and re-searching my way into new course-load. I’d like to start with my Computer Science & Electronics course. I described this course as: This course introduces computer programming to students with little orContinue reading “This Week in the Classroom: Computer Science & Electronics”
Toy Making Jigs
My son has very strong feelings about woodworking show hosts. “Herm” (Norm) is his favorite – he’s in love with power tools. Me? I prefer St. Roy. In this episode, St. Roy discussed and built several toys from 18th century America. I was especially fascinated by the jig he uses to create small parts. IContinue reading “Toy Making Jigs”
Physics Carriages
In my MWF fourth period class, my students have been discovering and elaborating on the scientific method. I chose cars & ramps (aka pinewood derby car) as an opening project. We spent two weeks learning the different parts of the scientific method and how to measure our results. We create reports (I’m on my fourthContinue reading “Physics Carriages”
The Google Sketch Up Lab
This year, I’ve been working closely with another colleague to create, a project-based CAD course. When I was presented with the challenge, I dove in head first. This week I have been presenting various perspective/drawing challenges to my students in an effort to assess their current capabilities. I’ve been enjoying a curriculum challenge, and afterContinue reading “The Google Sketch Up Lab”
Weather Stations, Web 2.0 Tools and John Merrow
This week, my colleague shanghaied one of my chalkboards for a weather station. While the chalkboard & wind unit may not seem like much, The hand-held reader really catches a teacher’s eye. This type of scientific information begs to be utilized in the classroom. Daily, nay, hourly temperatures can be recorded and used to findContinue reading “Weather Stations, Web 2.0 Tools and John Merrow”
Teacher Tip: Use Pilot Holes for Hammering!
When installing finishing brads and nails, I usually chuck the nail into the bit and punch a hole through the lumber. This results in a minimal hole (the length of the nail minus the depth of my drill’s chuck jaws) which prevents most splitting. I recently “discovered” a secret – the deeper the pilot holeContinue reading “Teacher Tip: Use Pilot Holes for Hammering!”
WSC Designs 