Lesson Title: Introduction to High School Woodworking
Woodworking is more than just cutting and assembling pieces of wood—it's a blend of creativity, precision, and problem-solving.
In this introductory lesson, high school students will gain hands-on experience with essential woodworking tools, learn the importance of safety in the workshop, and put their knowledge to the test with an interactive Goosechase Scavenger Hunt. Whether they're aspiring carpenters or just curious about working with their hands, this engaging lesson for high school students provides a strong foundation in woodworking skills while ensuring a fun and safe learning environment.
Grade: 9 - 12
Subject: Woodworking
Learning Objectives:
- By the end of this lesson, students will:
- Understand the basics of woodworking, including key tools and materials
- Learn about the safety procedures required while working with woodworking tools
- Demonstrate their learning through a Goosechase interactive experience
Materials:
- Mobile devices (tablets, phones, or laptops) with the Goosechase app installed
- Woodworking tools (saws, chisels, sanders, drills, clamps, etc.)
- Safety gear (goggles, gloves, ear protection)
- Sample wood pieces
- Measuring tapes and rulers
- Projector/whiteboard for discussion
Preparation:
- Create an Experience on the Goosechase app with a series of Missions focussed on woodworking practices, the history, and safety protocols.
- Develop Missions that require students to demonstrate their understanding of what you’ve taught. Example Missions:
- Tool ID Challenge: Take a photo of a tool and describe its function.
- Safety First: Record a short video explaining the key safety rule associated with a piece of equipment
- Measuring Matters: Solve a measurement challenge and submit the correct answer.
- Proper PPE: Snap a selfie wearing the correct personal protective equipment.
- Wood Types: Find and identify different wood samples in the shop.
- Find example Missions in the Goosechase Templates below.
- Adapt the difficulty of the Missions based on the proficiency levels of your students to keep the activity inclusive and engaging for everyone.
- Prepare hints or resources that might help students solve the Missions if needed.
- Divide students into teams and assign each team a mobile device with the app, or have students complete the scavenger hunt individually.
- Run your Experience during one class period or longer.
- App Set-Up
- Dedicate time to ensuring all students have the Goosechase app downloaded and joined to the Experience to avoid any tech issues.
Lesson Plan Outline:
- Introduction to Woodworking
- Discuss the importance of woodworking and its applications.
- Overview of common woodworking tools (e.g., saws, chisels, sanders, drills, clamps).
- Explanation of different types of wood and materials used in woodworking projects.
- Woodshop Safety
- General workshop safety rules (no loose clothing, tie back hair, wear protective gear).
- Proper handling and use of power tools and hand tools.
- Emergency procedures, including fire safety and first aid basics.
- Demonstration of correct posture and hand placement while using tools.
- Hands-On Demonstration
- Teacher demonstrates proper use of basic woodworking tools.
- Students practice handling tools under teacher supervision.
- Goosechase Scavenger Hunt
- Read through Missions with students, emphasizing the importance of evidence and analysis in their responses.
- Monitor progress and provide assistance as necessary.
- If working in teams, encourage them to strategize and collaborate to solve the Missions.
- Sit back and enjoy watching your students collaborate and demonstrate their learning.
- Debrief and Reflection
- Discuss the students’ favorite Missions and what they learned.
- Encourage students to reflect on how they can care for our environment in their own lives.
- Optionally, award prizes to the team(s) with the highest score.
Optional Post-Experience Activities:
- Woodworking Project
- Students create a small woodworking project (e.g., a wooden box, picture frame, or simple shelf) to apply their skills and demonstrate safe tool use.
- Wood Type Research Paper
- Students research different types of wood, their properties, and common uses in woodworking projects.
- Workshop Safety Poster
- Students design a safety poster highlighting key workshop rules and safe tool-handling techniques to display in the classroom.
Assessment
- Observe students' participation and collaboration during the Goosechase activities and whole-class discussions.
- Demonstration of safe tool handling.
- Reflection responses on key woodworking and safety concepts.
Ready Made Experience To Try
Woodworking Tool Identification
Use this Experience to engage your students in a hands-on review of the various woodworking tools they will be using throughout the semester.
Workshop Safety!
Use this Experience to engage students in an interactive activity that focuses on safety measures in the workshop.
Want a copy of this lesson plan to use with your class?
What is Goosechase EDU?
Goosechase is an online platform that helps educators create and run interactive learning experiences in their classrooms and beyond. Sign up and try creating an Experience, or contact us to learn more about our school and district-wide solutions!
