"Furniture Finesse: Crafting Community Comfort"

All grades Project 1 week

Build & Bid: Furniture for the Community

Chris O

D2.Civ.7.9-12

D2.Rel.7.9-12

CCSS.Math.Content.HSG-CO.D.12

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a hands-on learning experience that combines practical carpentry skills with civic engagement and community service. By designing and building furniture tailored to the needs of local families, students will develop a deeper understanding of geometry, problem-solving, and collaboration. This project fosters a sense of belonging and identity as students reflect on their contributions to the community and explore how their work impacts others. Through this immersive experience, students will cultivate self-directed learning and critical thinking skills essential for their academic and personal growth.

Learning goals

Students will develop practical carpentry skills, such as measuring, cutting, and assembling wood, while applying geometric construction techniques to create functional furniture. They will engage in self-directed learning by utilizing feedback and self-reflection to guide their progress. Through collaboration with community partners, students will cultivate an academic mindset, enhancing their sense of belonging and identity. They will also hone critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by addressing real-world challenges and designing furniture that meets community needs.

Standards

[National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Civ.7.9-12 - Apply civic virtues and democratic principles when working with others.
[National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Rel.7.9-12 - Analyze how beliefs, behaviors, and experiences of belonging to communities change over time.
[Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.HSG-CO.D.12 - Make formal geometric constructions with a variety of tools and methods (compass and straightedge, string, reflective devices, paper folding, dynamic geometric software, etc.). Copying a segment; copying an angle; bisecting a segment; bisecting an angle; constructing perpendicular lines, including the perpendicular bisector of a line segment; and constructing a line parallel to a given line through a point not on the line.

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and construct functional furniture pieces tailored to the needs of families in their community. Each student will contribute to the creation of a unique piece, such as a chair, table, or bookshelf, using their acquired carpentry skills. The completed furniture will be displayed in a student-organized showroom and featured on a dedicated website for an auction event. Through this process, students will produce not only tangible furniture but also develop a deeper connection to their community and an understanding of practical geometric applications.

Launch

To kick off the project, students will collaboratively construct a Da Vinci bridge using simple materials such as wooden dowels or sticks. This hands-on activity will introduce key concepts of balance, structure, and teamwork, while sparking curiosity about engineering and design principles. The bridge-building exercise will serve as an engaging entry point into the world of carpentry and furniture design, setting the stage for the week's activities.

Exhibition

Students will transform their school gymnasium into a vibrant showroom, displaying their handcrafted furniture pieces in a professional setting. Each piece will be accompanied by a student-created digital presentation that details the design process, mathematical concepts used, and personal reflections on the project's impact. Families will have the opportunity to explore the showroom and participate in a live auction, with proceeds supporting future community projects. A website will also be launched, featuring photos and descriptions of the furniture, allowing for online bidding and broader community engagement. This exhibition will culminate in a community celebration, fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection among students, families, and local partners.

Learning Journey

Project Activities

Days 1 - 5

Milestone Activities

No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Project Launch: Da Vinci Bridge Construction Activity (Deprecated) 60m Introduction to Carpentry Activity (Deprecated) 90m Community Needs Brainstorm Activity (Deprecated) 60m Essential Question Exploration Activity (Deprecated) 30m Feedback and Planning Session Activity (Deprecated) 60m Reflection Journal Activity (Deprecated) 30m	Geometric Construction Workshop Activity (Deprecated) 90m Design Challenge: Sketching Plans Activity (Deprecated) 60m Woodworking Safety and Tools Introduction Activity (Deprecated) 60m Initial Construction: Cutting and Measuring Activity (Deprecated) 90m Peer Review Session Activity (Deprecated) 30m Reflection Journal Activity (Deprecated) 30m	Assembly Workshop Activity (Deprecated) 90m Problem Solving Session Activity (Deprecated) 60m Community Partner Check-in Activity (Deprecated) 60m Design Iteration Activity (Deprecated) 60m Daily Critique Session Activity (Deprecated) 60m Reflection Journal Activity (Deprecated) 30m	Final Construction Push Activity (Deprecated) 120m Surface Finishing Techniques Activity (Deprecated) 90m Showroom Planning Activity (Deprecated) 60m Feedback and Revision Session Activity (Deprecated) 60m Reflection Journal Activity (Deprecated) 30m	Final Touches and Quality Check Activity (Deprecated) 90m Showroom Setup Activity (Deprecated) 90m Community Showcase Preparation Activity (Deprecated) 60m Community Showcase Event Activity (Deprecated) 90m Reflection and Celebration Activity (Deprecated) 30m
Preparation