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Learn from Failure
6th (not grade specific but age could go from 6 to 8 age range)
Production (ESSENTIAL SKILL)
Focus on following directions and learning how to use tools safely by learning about manuals.
Cutting
Sanding
Finishing
The specific tool is not important, but learning the safety procedure processes that are Universal from tool to tool. Furthermore, they work on understanding
Read Manual First
Get Help from Trainer
Identify Base safety equipment needed (Safety Glasses for example)
Identify Specific Safety Procedures to the Tool.
For instance, my students build skateboards by drilling, sanding, painting, and assembling them. They then apply by skating them in Gym class. The concept of failure is if they drill their board incorrectly they do not get another. If they rush the process the quality is not as good. In skateboarding you have to fall hundreds of times to get a trick down correctly. We learn how to do it safely (helmets/pads), but still need to learn.
This project could be exchanged for another. The key is picking one that has a consequence if done incorrectly. Also very difficult for teachers to understand they need to let them do projects incorrectly.
Sixth grade students work on PRODUCTION, by learning equipment safety and how to use power and hand tools. Students prepare their own skateboard project by using Drill Press, Spindle and Hand Sanders. They finish painting their decks with their design. Assembly of wheels, trucks, bearings and grip tape complete their board for them to take home. For instance, while using the power tools they learn about tensile strength, composite manufacturing, and production safety procedures.
Science - Tensile Strength, Chemical (Paints, Poly) Properties
Math - Scale, Measurement
Language - Nonfiction Manual Reading and Writing.
History - Evolution of Power Tools, Skateboard Origin
Art - Paint decks with design and color skills
PE - Skate decks learn proper safety and riding techniques
Advancement -
Later in older grades can add projects that incorporate more disciplines and have tolerance requirements. My students can build electric guitars where they use all the same tools, but have to solder, tune and finish a working instrument. We also add Laser Engraving and extra projects.
Learn from Failure allows them to make a mistake in a controlled environment working safely to complete a quality product they will use.
PRODUCTION
(6th Grade) Project
Students will learn transferable skills of Practical Problem Solving by building their own project. These process based projects will allow students to learn the proper way to safely use tools (power and hand) while creating a personally useful product. They will be allowed to make mistakes in a safe environment.
Manuals - How to read and create your own for directions and safety.
Tools - learn how to understand the setup of what safety features are universal.
Tools - Properly used in the production of a product they use.
Design - Allow freedom to pick their finishes and aesthetics of final product
Students will apply their knowledge by building a personal product.
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