Posted February 19, 2024
Note: This article and photos appeared in the January issue of Hi-Lights, the Plymouth High School student newspaper.
By Gabe Meredith
of the Hi-Lights staff
Most classes have specific guidelines and final projects that students must follow without flaw, but not every class is like that. Wood Processes is an introductory class that teaches students the basics of woodworking. Throughout the semester, there have been many projects that they have to follow plans to build. For their final project, the students are able to make whatever they want using the techniques they have learned.
For this project, students get to choose the design of their project and they get to choose the type of wood they use. To use different types of wood they would have to pay the school for the wood they need. To determine how much they owe, they use a formula (length x width x thickness/144) and then multiply that by the cost of wood per every board foot.
The final project represents more than just a design or project. “At the start of the semester, I give students a drawing/plan, and over the semester I hope the students can learn to develop the skills to make their drawings and plans as well as make the projects,” said wood processes teacher Ken Odekirk. With class time learning these skills, students will learn about how to create and plan projects.
The students had from Dec. 19, 2023, until Jan. 18, 2024, to work on their projects. Without a teacher-designed plan, the students get free reign in class and have to use their time management. With larger projects, many students use time outside of class to continue their progress.
The first thing students come up with is a plan and the cost amount and then they end up starting to cut their boards. Once the boards are properly cut and sized, they are assembled to match the student's design plan and they can use the joining method of their choice. Once completely assembled, the project is sanded and then finished with stain or polyurethane.
With different classes and study halls, many students spend time in other classes to get their work done. “I like having wood processes and furniture making, because I can learn how to be accurate and it helps with getting work done,” said junior Corbin Drees-Wasmer. With constant work time, students aim to finish their projects.
Consisting of varying projects, there are different difficulties. “Different projects show what students can do and how well they can make it depending on how easy or difficult it can be and it also shows the abilities and talents of students,” Mr. Odekirk said.
Some students are making their projects specific to what they want to learn more about. “I'm making a wood bowl because I want to learn more and improve my skills on the wood lathe,” said senior Tyler Shallue. The wood lathe spins wood so the wood can be cut and made into circular and spherical objects and can also be used to make bowls and mugs.
Learn more:
• Read the Hi-Lights article about Momentum show choir.
• Explore our interactive, award-winning District Report Card to learn more about how we prepare students to become their best in any path they choose after graduation.
Juniors Thomas Killian and Emmett Lodl made U.S. flags
Freshman Eva Haak created this shelf.
Senior Tyler Shallue turned this wooden bowl.
