The Northbrook Junior High School Woodshop.... this is where students make the magic happen !!

The Woodworking class at NBJH is part of an exploratory and elective program that students are exposed to in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. The other classes in the Exploratory program include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Art, Music, Drama, and Language Arts. Independent Science Research (ISR), Forensics, and Computer Programming are also offered at NBJH. Their websites can be found in the staff directory.

Exploratory means that all 6th and 7th graders take each of the 6 courses for 6 weeks each. Elective means that in 8th grade students elect or choose to take 5 courses for 7-1/2 weeks each. There are limited spots available so not all students receive every class they choose but they usually get most of their favorites. 

The Woodworking course focuses specifically on working with wood although in some cases other arts are introduced if needed such as metal working, electrical, plumbing, and plastics. Students receive safety instruction first, tool and machine demonstrations, choose projects, then build and finish. Each project has a different cost so students pay their bills at the end of the course. Goals are enjoyment, safety, reading a plan, problem solving, using a variety of tools and machines, building relationships, and taking home a functional and beautiful piece of work that is lasting. Many people say that working with your hands in combination with your mind can be "soulful", empowering and therapeutic...... 

I agree:)