Wood Shop & Engineering
Wood Shop at Berkwood Hedge School focuses on skill development, collaboration, and creativity.
By embracing “yet” (I do not know how to use that tool YET), students of all grades learn to use tools such as saws, clamps, hammers, and drills safely, while following their creativity to build marble runs, puzzles, sculptures, and more. Wood shop helps nurture a growth mindset, confidence, and manual dexterity at all grade levels, offering benefits that extend beyond their finished projects.
Students cultivate problem-solving abilities, planning and executing designs while troubleshooting any issues that arise. Collaborative projects provide opportunities for teamwork and communication, promoting a sense of community and shared accomplishment. Wood shop nurtures both technical skills and personal growth, preparing students for future challenges.
The Engineering Program supports students’ creative process and growth mindset. All students learn the Design Thinking process, and have opportunities to practice working collaboratively.
In the lower school, projects and small building challenges are designed to stretch students’ thinking and understanding about how to build and problem solve, aiming for innovation and creativity, as opposed to following step-by-step prescribed directions. To support their innovation, students learn how to use a variety of hand tools safely and effectively. Student builders will discover how to build with strength, and functionality, learning about different types of joints, and structures.
Middle school students participate in a quarter-long Innovation & Design class where they solve design challenges both individually and collaboratively. The Collaboration Lab (CO-Lab) space includes smartboards, 3D printers, design software and tools, and materials for creating and making. A critical component of many projects, engineering is integrated into our science curriculum for a hands-on learning experience. Students study and utilize the principles of Design Thinking to solve real-world challenges. For example, during a physics lesson on force and motion, students may collaborate to design and prototype shopping carts that are less likely to cause damage to cars in the supermarket parking lot.
Middle school students also have opportunities to engage with Engineering students at UC Berkeley’s Coleman Fung Institute for Engineering Leadership, attending special viewings of the Fung Institute Cornerstone projects and learning about opportunities in Engineering studies.
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