California Career and Technical Education Standards

• BTC.A.A1.3 Convert scaled drawing measurements to full dimensional layout and template appl...
• BTC.A.A2.1 Use common hand tools and accessories, such as planers, shapers, clamping and gr...
• BTC.A.A3.1 Use portable power tools, such as single and compound miter saws, drills, sander...

California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

• M.8-12.G.7.0 Students prove and use theorems involving the properties of parallel lines cut b...1

• Lets mix it up! - Hooks / Set

  Hand out a pre-cut wooden blank that measures 1/4" in thickness, 1 1/8" in width, and 14" in length to each student as they walk in to class (1/4 plywood works perfect for this). Instruct them to get a blank sheet of  8 1/2" X 11 paper from the table. Ask them to make a list of five or more things that they could make with this wood blank.

  After sufficient time, have students share their list of potential projects out loud. You should hear some interesting ideas. Next go ahead and tell them that they will be making a stir stick tomorrow when you are absent. Show the class a completed stir stick that you constructed prior to this lesson.

  Allow for question and feedback.
• It's a sketchy project to begin with. - Guided Practice

  Have the class turn their papers over and get a scale and pencil out and explain that in order to be succesful with this project they will need to layout this project on paper by creating a top view sketch. Review the term "layout".

  This next part is best accomplished using a document camera or drawing on a white board.

  Begin drawing the stir stick on the whiteboard in front of the class and have the class do the same on their paper as you go. Tell the class that they will be drawing this actual size except that the length will be shortened so that it fits on their piece of paper. Allow for questioning along the way. Have students get a compass when it comes to laying out the two radii. Complete the drawing with dimensions and have the class follow along.

  See the attached drawing

  Check for understanding and allow for questions.

  • Stir_stick.jpg [ View Image ] [ Download Original ]
• Laying out the wooden blank. - Demo / Modeling

  Note: this next part is best done using a document camera if you have one.

  Explain to the class that they will need to transfer their drawing to their wood blank tomorrow before cutting and shaping the stir stick. Using layout tools, measure and mark the length to be cut noting that the stick was pre-cut too long. Demonstrate laying out the hole location to be drilled and the radius at the one end. Next go about laying out the radii that form the two curve hips near that same end. Note that the compass center point is extended off the wooden blank and that the radii are tangent to a point 1/4 inch from each edge. Finally draw a line to show the location of the students name.

  Check for understanding, and allow for questions.

   
• Cutting and shaping the wooden blank - Demo / Modeling

  Identify the following tools challenging students to name them.

  A backsaw, a coping saw, a portable drill, metal stamps, a half round file, and sanding paper.

  Take the class into the shop and show them how to use a small backsaw or dovetail saw to cut the wooden blank to length. Demonstrate cutting the radii using a coping saw (You will need several). Show the class how to file the curved edges using the half round file.  Drill the hole using a portable electric drill and scrap wood. Show the class how to freehand stamp their name using the metal stamps or how to use a straight edge to ensure the letters all line up. Finally, demonstrate the level to which you expect students to sand their stir stick.

  Tell the class that they can start shaping this project at anyone of the above steps which should eliminate any long lines.

  Check for understanding and allow for questions.

   
• And you thought is was "just a stir stick" - Closure

  Have the class return to their seats and remind them that you will not be here the following day when they make their stir stick.

  Review your behavior expectations with the class, and assign a few students special duties that will help make things run smoothly i.e., set-up, clean-up, etc.

  Ask for someone to review the steps needed to make the stir stick. It should look like this:

  1. Get the wooden blank.

  2.Transfer the drawing to the blank.

  3. Cut, shape,stamp, and sand the blank starting at any point.

  4. Turn in the stir stick for evaluation.

  5. Turn in your drawing for evaluation.

  Allow for questions and check for understanding.

  Note: If you are in fact having your class do this without you being there then you will need to leave good instructions for the substitute.