Grade Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Time Allotment: 3-4 class periods (45-60 minutes each)
In this project, students will design and construct a simple, two-piece wooden stand for a cell phone. This hands-on activity will introduce them to basic woodworking techniques, tool safety, and the importance of precise measurement and design.
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Read and interpret a simple technical drawing or sketch.
Accurately measure and mark wood using a ruler and pencil.
Safely use basic hand tools such as a hand saw, coping saw, and sandpaper.
Understand and demonstrate proper safety procedures in a workshop environment.
Construct a functional object from raw materials.
Explain the properties of wood as a building material.
This lesson addresses several key technology competencies, including:
Design and Engineering Principles: Students will follow the engineering design process by designing a functional product, selecting appropriate materials, and following a set of instructions to build it. They will learn how a design's form directly influences its function.
Measurement and Precision: Students will practice using measuring tools with accuracy. They will understand the importance of precise measurements for ensuring that parts fit together correctly.
Tool and Equipment Use: Students will be trained in the safe and proper operation of both hand and power tools (e.g., hand saw, coping saw, sandpaper, and a drill press under supervision).
Material Science: Students will work with wood, learning about its grain, strength, and how to prepare it for assembly and finishing.
Assembly and Fabrication: Students will join different parts of the stand using adhesives and fasteners, learning about the structural integrity of joints.
Quality Control and Finishing: Students will evaluate the quality of their work through sanding and finishing, learning how to improve the final appearance and feel of a product.
Per student:
(2) pieces of wood, approximately 121" wide x 6" long x 21" thick (pine or other soft wood is ideal)
Pencil
Ruler
Sandpaper (various grits: 80, 150, 220)
Wood glue
Optional: Stain or paint for finishing
Shared tools:
Hand saws or coping saws
Clamps or vises
Drill press (for the slot) or hand drill (for more advanced students)
Wood files or rasps
Introduction to the Engineering Design Process: Explain that every great product starts with a design. Introduce the concept of brainstorming, sketching ideas, and selecting the best one to move forward. The goal is to create a functional stand that is unique to them.
Safety First: Review all workshop safety rules, especially concerning the use of saws and clamps.
Individual Design: Students will use their pencils and rulers to sketch at least two different designs for their phone stand on paper. They should consider factors like stability, aesthetics, and how the two pieces will fit together.
Finalizing the Design: Guide students to choose their best design and finalize it. They will then transfer the key measurements from their drawing onto the two pieces of wood.
Cutting the Slot: Students will use a hand saw or a coping saw to carefully cut out the marked slot on the upright piece. Emphasize the importance of cutting slightly inside the line and then filing to the exact line.
Alternative: The teacher can pre-drill the ends of the slot and have students use a coping saw to cut between the holes.
Smoothing Edges: After cutting, students will use a wood file or rasp to clean up the edges of the slot and ensure the base piece fits snugly. They will then use 80-grit sandpaper to round all the sharp edges of both pieces.
Test Fit: Students should test the fit of their two pieces. The fit should be snug but not so tight that it requires force.
Gluing: Once the fit is correct, students will apply a small amount of wood glue to the slot and press the base piece into place. Use clamps to hold the pieces together while the glue dries.
Sanding: After the glue is completely dry, students will use 150-grit sandpaper to remove any excess glue and smooth the wood further. A final pass with 220-grit sandpaper will give the stand a smooth, professional feel.
Optional Finishing: Students can choose to paint or stain their phone stands.
Completion of the Project: Did the student successfully build a functional phone stand?
Design Process: Did the student brainstorm and sketch multiple designs before starting?
Craftsmanship: Is the stand well-sanded? Are the joints clean?
Safety Adherence: Did the student follow all safety rules?
Final Product: Does the phone stand hold a cell phone securely?