Woods class is filled with a ton of fun but also a lot of learning. The class is filled with people that can support you throughout your project but it can also be an independent way of learning. Through the mistakes and errors, woods class prepares students to persevere. To sum everything up, woodworking classes offer an alternative way of learning while still developing crucial skills, problem solving capabilities, and a process of hands on learning.

Sophomore Reid Schultz carefully selects a piece of wood for his project.  He spent 15 minutes evaluating each piece of lumber before deciding on the right piece.

This photo of a student by the rack demonstrates that woodworking begins with decision making even though it may not seem like that. In the process of making a piece of wood, whether its a bowl or a cutting board, students must pick their piece of wood carefully, making sure it is the one they want. It goes beyond grabbing a piece of wood and calling it a day, students must examine flaws in the wood but also look for the benefits, like the size and color pattern. Planning before you take action is very important because if the calculations of the cut are off, the damage might be irreversible and you may have to start all over. This process of planning before you take action is also very important because it teaches students to be responsible.

“The choice of wood is arguably the most important step of the process” – Reid Schultz

Mr. Yates makes sure everything runs smoothly; ensuring everyone’s safety.

The presence of instructor Adam Yates is very important to students, as he needs to be present in order to go on the shop floor. 

Adam Yates is a very important part of the woods class as he has the most knowledge. He has been teaching construction classes for a few years now and is very experienced in the field. He helps assist students who are stuck or don’t know how to change something on the machine.

Reid Schultz from Tosa West is using the miter saw which demonstrates hand on learning as well as skill development.

As students go to start their project, they must be very mindful of the tools and equipment around them as they can pose danger if not used properly. Using the machines responsibly is a very important idea in woods class because the instructor cannot be by someone’s side every second of class, as they have other students to help.

Operating potentially dangerous machines requires the students to focus and be precise. Every cut, adjustment, and measurement must be performed very carefully to ensure the students safety as well as the quality of the project.

“Measurements and adjustments should be exact. Nobody likes to start over.” – Reid Schultz

Student example of hands on learning

Everyday, students must prepare for hands on learning, as this class mainly focuses on engaging students in a different way.

Reid Schultz, a student from Woods II states, “I like the creative nature that comes with taking this class. This class gives me a different perspective on what learning can actually look like.” 

When most people think of school or classes, they think of the typical, sitting down at a desk with a teacher instructing you. Woods class offers a different approach to learning as it can be a more independent way of learning but there is still help there if you need it.

Technology & Woodworking

When people think of woodworking, most people think hand tools, like a hammer. This image demonstrates how modern technology and woodworking go very well together. 

For example, the CNC Router, a computer programmer on the shop floor shows that woodworking requires technical knowledge to code the machines as well. Students can learn that the integration of modern technology is actually useful and that most careers usually require an understanding of physical and digital production.

This image represents the importance of trades in modern society. In the recent decades, schools are leaning more towards preparing students for college courses. The trades are usually overlooked even though there is a high demand for workers. This photo suggests that hands on work should have more attention because it provides students with career opportunities.

This image also represents the skills one earns from hands on learning. While many students are in traditions classes, woodworking provides certain experiences that teaches students problem solving and responsibility.

¨Responsibility is very important; because with it, you are bound to succeed.” – Reid Schultz

Everyday, students in woods class get opportunities to create something with their own hands, in this case a giant bowl.

Students from Tosa West enjoy the process of learning this way, saying “I like using the lathe because you can start with a block of wood and turn it into something different.¨

The process of shaping wood on the lathe can represent personal growth. Through the project, students develop new skills. Every project a student completes teaches the something new which helps them become more experienced.

Aftermath of the game ¨Stump.¨ A game where students hit nails into a log.

In the end, students enjoy woods class because it offers an alternate way of learning, new skills, and experiences. 

This photo represents the fun you can have in the class. Although some people may not find this interesting, it is undeniably a great class to take.

¨Without a doubt, woods class has been my favorite class this year.¨