The first wood project that 8th Grade students make is a cutting board. As long as supplies last, we will make the cutting boards from reclaimed pieces of the old gym floor that was replaced in 2019.

The teacher hands out study guides and demonstrates the proper use of power tools used in this project: Table Saw, Planer, and Mitre Saw.

After the demonstration and reading the study guides, students must pass a written safety test for each power tool before starting their project.

The teacher will demonstrate each step in the process:

Cleaning/pre-sanding and cutting pieces

Glueing strips together

Planing

Router edge

Sanding

Stain/finishing

Each student will make their own cutting board but for the first part of gluing the boards together and planing they need to work with a partner. After planing we'll cut the boards to size and they each will be able to work on their individual pieces.

After the edges are routered and hand-sanded to a smooth finish, students may draw a design on the boards with pencil and color it with sharpie or a wood burner, after which mineral oil is wiped over them. The next day any excess oil can be wiped off and boards are ready to be used.



Evaluation:
2 points -- Wood cleaned/pre-sanded and cut properly
2 points -- Nicely glued strips
3 points -- Routered edge, Sanded smooth
3 points -- Final design, stain, finish

10 points total