Wood and Metal Works

Course Overview
The Wood and Metal Works course introduces students to the fundamentals of working with wood and metal, allowing them to design and create functional and decorative items. The course focuses on safe handling of tools, basic construction techniques, and creative problem-solving. Students will learn to plan, design, and execute various projects, gaining practical skills in carpentry, metal fabrication, and craftsmanship.
Requirements
- Access to a workshop equipped with basic woodworking and metalworking tools (saws, hammers, chisels, welding machine, etc.)
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, aprons)
- Basic materials such as wood, nails, screws, metal rods, and welding wire
- Measurement tools (rulers, measuring tape)
Target Audience
Children aged 9-18 with an interest in working with their hands, designing, and creating physical objects. No prior experience with tools or materials is necessary, but a willingness to learn and follow safety instructions is essential.
Features
- Hands-on experience with woodworking and metalworking tools.
- Learn to design and execute projects from start to finish.
- Focus on safety, precision, and craftsmanship.
- Exposure to both traditional techniques and modern fabrication methods.
- Create practical items like furniture, metal frames, or decorative pieces.
What to Expect
- Develop foundational skills in using tools like saws, hammers, and drills.
- Gain experience in cutting, shaping, and joining wood and metal.
- Learn basic welding and finishing techniques for metal projects.
- Complete various projects, from small decorative items to functional furniture.
- Understand the importance of precision, patience, and creativity in craftsmanship.
Lesson Plan Details
- Introduction to Workshop Safety and Tools
- Objective: Familiarize students with safety procedures and basic tools used in woodworking and metalworking.
- Activities:
- Learn about different hand and power tools and their functions (e.g., saws, hammers, drills, welding equipment).
- Understand workshop safety protocols, including proper use of safety gear.
- Practice handling tools and performing simple tasks like measuring and cutting.
- Outcome: Students will be able to safely handle tools and navigate the workshop environment.
- Basic Woodworking: Cutting, Shaping, and Joining Wood
- Objective: Introduce students to basic woodworking techniques.
- Activities:
- Learn how to measure and cut wood accurately using hand saws and electric saws.
- Practice shaping wood using sanders, files, and chisels.
- Explore basic joining techniques such as nailing, screwing, and using wood glue.
- Outcome: Students will complete a small project like a wooden box or picture frame.
- Introduction to Metalworking: Measuring, Cutting, and Welding
- Objective: Teach students the fundamentals of metalworking, including handling and shaping metal.
- Activities:
- Learn to measure and cut metal using hand shears or power tools like angle grinders.
- Introduction to basic welding techniques (arc or MIG welding) for joining metal parts.
- Practice shaping and bending metal rods and sheets using hammers and heat.
- Outcome: Students will create a simple metal project such as a small frame or tool.
- Project Planning and Design: Sketching and Prototyping
- Objective: Learn how to plan a woodworking or metalworking project from idea to execution.
- Activities:
- Teach students how to sketch out design ideas and create blueprints for their projects.
- Discuss material selection and cutting lists based on project needs.
- Build prototypes using scrap wood and metal to test designs.
- Outcome: Students will plan and prototype a personal project, such as a small piece of furniture or a metal sculpture.
- Advanced Techniques: Finishing Wood and Metal
- Objective: Introduce students to finishing techniques that improve the aesthetics and durability of their projects.
- Activities:
- Learn about sanding, staining, and varnishing wood to create smooth finishes.
- Practice metal finishing techniques like polishing, painting, and applying protective coatings.
- Outcome: Students will refine the appearance of their project by applying appropriate finishing methods.
- Final Project: Building a Functional or Decorative Item
- Objective: Use the skills learned throughout the course to design and build a final project.
- Activities:
- Each student will design and execute a larger project, such as a chair, table, metal frame, or decorative piece.
- They will go through the full process: measuring, cutting, shaping, joining, and finishing their work.
- Students will present their projects to the class, explaining their design choices and methods.
- Outcome: Students will complete a fully functional or decorative item, showcasing their craftsmanship and creativity.
- Project Showcase and Feedback
- Objective: Reflect on the completed projects and provide feedback to peers.
- Activities:
- Organize a showcase where students can display their work.
- Encourage peer review and constructive feedback on design and craftsmanship.
- Discuss challenges encountered and lessons learned during the project.
- Outcome: Students will gain valuable presentation skills and feedback to improve future projects.