Technical Craft at Tikkakoski School

Last Monday, I returned to Tikkakoski school and spent most of the day in the technical craft classroom. Technical craft is working with hard materials like metal and wood.  I saw 6th and 7th graders learning how to MIG weld and spot weld. Some students were finishing a wooden cutting board that they made from scratch. Other students were working on a peg/hook coat hanger. The design and material (wood or metal) was their choice. They had to draw a detailed design on paper with measurements and have it approved by the teacher before they could start working.   

When you look at the photos of the facility keep in mind that this school serves grades 1-9.

There are very clear and strict rules about using the power tools and machines. Some tools/machines may be used by students independently, some may be used with direct adult supervision (which has been me at times) and some may only be used only by the teacher.  Students seem to respect these rules and conditions for working the technical craft workshop.

Students younger than 4th grade do not work in this space. There is a smaller room that focuses mainly on work with hand tools.  In that room, there is a band saw and a couple of jigsaws which students can use with supervision.