Students work with a visiting artist/carpenter using reclaimed wood pieces off cuts, wheels, dowels, and safe building materials to design and build simple moving models inspired by transportation and invention. This project connects art design, engineering, and creativity while given students hands-on experience working with real materials.
Workshop projects: wooden cars, airplanes, rocket, and space shuttles, boats, various other projects depending on classroom needs. Materials provided: small scrap, wood pieces, wood blocks sand sandpaper wheels, dowels, safe, wood connectors. This project encourages reusing, sustainability and community partnerships. Student learning: students practice, designing building, problem-solving, safe tool, use, creativity, collaboration, revising, and improving designs.
| Grade Suitability | K-7 |
| Maximum Class Size | 22 |
| Time Required | 2-5 hours depending on the project; prep 2-5 hours |
| Material Required | Artist will provide. |
| Material Cost | $5 per student |
| Language of Instruction | English and French |
| Communities | All |
| Special Notes | A longer version of this program is also available. |
Jacques is an educator, carpenter and woodworking design artist with over 20 years of experience working with students in elementary classrooms. Through years of substitute teaching and working as an educational assistant, they have developed a strong understanding that children learn best through hands-on experiences, creativity, problem-solving, and meaningful opportunities to build confidence through making.
Jacques has extensive experience in carpentry and woodworking with a particular interest in design and creating functional projects. His work brings together experience working in education with woodworking, to deliver engaging learning opportunities for students. They believe that working with real materials helps children develop perseverance, curiosity, collaboration skills, and pride and creating something with their own hands.