Woodwork Projects – JSS3 Home Economics Lesson Note (Second Term)

A woodworking project is the making of an item or structure with wood as the main material.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain what a woodworking project is;
2. give examples of woodworking projects;
3. identify the tools and materials needed to make a wooden pencil holder;
4. state the safety rules to follow when working with wood;
5. construct a wooden pencil holder by following the steps.

What is a woodworking project?

A woodworking project is a piece of work in which wood is measured, cut, shaped, joined and finished to make a useful or decorative item.

• Range: projects run from simple, useful items to detailed, decorative pieces.
• Simple example: a pencil holder or a coaster.
• Larger example: a table, a shelf or a garden shed.

What skills does woodwork use?

• Measuring: finding the correct length and width with a ruler or tape.
• Marking: drawing the cutting lines on the wood with a pencil.
• Cutting: removing extra wood with a saw.
• Shaping: giving the wood its form and smoothing rough edges.
• Joining: fixing pieces together with glue or nails.
• Finishing: painting, varnishing or polishing to improve looks and protect the wood.

What are examples of woodworking projects?

There are five common groups of woodworking projects: furniture, decorative items, home accessories, outdoor projects and structures.

1. Furniture: tables, chairs, shelves and cabinets.
2. Decorative items: wooden sculptures, picture frames and wall art.
3. Home accessories: wooden bowls, trays, coasters and pencil holders.
4. Outdoor projects: birdhouses, planters and garden benches.
5. Structures: larger buildings such as dog houses and garden ssheds.

What tools and materials are needed to make a wooden pencil holder?

A wooden pencil holder needs a wooden block or plank, sandpaper, wood glue, a saw and, if wanted, paint or wood finish.

What safety rules apply in woodwork?

Safe woodwork means handling tools with care and working under supervision.

• Supervision: use a saw only with a teacher or an adult present.
• Clamping: hold the wood firmly so it does not slip while cutting.
• Cutting direction: keep your free hand and fingers away from the saw blade.
• Dust: sand in a well-ventilated place and avoid breathing in the dust.
• Tidiness: clear off sawdust and put tools away after work.
• Glue and paint: keep them away from the eyes and mouth, and wash your hands afterwards.

How do you make a wooden pencil holder?

A wooden pencil holder is made by designing, measuring, cutting, sanding, joining and finishing a piece of wood.

1. Design: decide the shape, such as a plain rectangle, a custom shape or an animal.
2. Measure and mark: use the ruler and pencil to mark the size on the wood.
3. Cut: cut the wood to the size and shape marked. Do this with a teacher or parent, depending on the tools available.
4. Sand: rub the surfaces and edges with sandpaper until they feel smooth.
5. Assemble: glue any extra pieces or shapes to the main block. Press them firmly and leave to dry.
6. Finish: if time allows, paint or apply wood finish for a personal touch, then let it dry.

Evaluation

1. What is a woodworking project?
2. Name the five groups of woodworking projects and give one example of each.
3. List the tools and materials used to make a wooden pencil holder.
4. State three safety rules for working with wood.
5. Construct a wooden pencil holder.

Classwork: As in evaluation.

Assignment

Write out, in order, the steps for making a wooden pencil holder, and name one tool or material used at each step.