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All grades  Project 5 weeks

Forge & Finish: Building My Dream Desk

Gabriel A
Feb 5, 2026
Updated Feb 5, 2026
Content Expertise
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Collaboration
Effective Communication
Self Directed Learning
1-pager

Purpose

Explore the intersection of craftsmanship and design as you construct a personalized desk for your space, enhancing both functional and aesthetic elements. Dive deep into sourcing sustainable materials and mastering new skills like welding to create sturdy, stylish desk legs. Throughout this journey, harness critical thinking and problem-solving to navigate challenges, using collaboration and communication to engage with your community partners. Develop self-directed learning habits as you document your progress and reflect on growth, ultimately showcasing a project that reflects both your personal and academic development.

Learning goals

Develop your woodworking skills by sourcing quality materials locally and refining precision in craftsmanship. Engage in critical thinking and problem solving by researching the origins of materials and creating tailored furniture plans. Enhance collaboration skills through peer and expert interaction, while leading self-directed learning through project reflection and feedback. Fine-tune welding techniques for constructing furniture, focusing on safety and craftsmanship. Document progress and challenges via weekly videos, fostering effective communication and reflection throughout the project.

Competencies
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • 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.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • 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.

Products

You will create a custom-built desk as the primary product of this project, showcasing your craftsmanship and design skills. Document your process and research in a detailed project journal, including plans, material sources, and construction techniques. Develop a series of weekly progress videos that highlight your learning journey, challenges overcome, and skills acquired, which will be shared at a final presentation with peers, teachers, and community members.

Launch

Organize a visit to your local lumber yard to learn about the sourcing and types of quality wood available. Engage in an interactive session with experts from the lumber yard to understand woodcraft and sustainable practices. After the visit, participate in a brainstorming session with peers, teachers, and community partners to discuss the design and functionality of the desk you wish to build, setting the stage for collaborative project planning.

Exhibition

Host a showcase event where you exhibit your completed desk alongside your progress documentation, including day-by-day logs, research, plans, and weekly progress videos. Invite family, teachers, peers, and local community partners, like a project-based learning teacher, to view your creation and learn about your journey. Facilitate a gallery walk where attendees can provide feedback, sparking discussion on the skills developed and problem-solving strategies used. Conclude with a reflective presentation highlighting your growth in precision, patience, and the integration of woodworking and welding skills throughout the project.

Plan
By Phase By Day Calendar

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Empathize Define Ideate Prototype Test/Present
Empathize
You will explore local lumber yards and eco-friendly woodworking practices, interviewing industry professionals to gather insights on sustainable material sourcing, documenting your findings through notes and photos to share with your community partners during discussions and reflection sessions.
Days 1 - 4
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Edit Phase

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Define
You will synthesize your research on wood sourcing and welding practices into a clear problem statement, framing your project goals and preparing you to brainstorm potential solutions.
Days 5 - 8
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Edit Phase

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Ideate
You will brainstorm and sketch various desk designs, considering different leg structures and wood types while seeking feedback from community partners and peers to refine and diversify your ideas for sustainable and functional furniture solutions.
Days 9 - 13
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Edit Phase

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Prototype
You will create an initial version of your desk using scaled-down models or digital visualizations, gather feedback from peers and community partners, and make necessary adjustments to your design and materials based on the insights gathered, ensuring your final product aligns with both your vision and functional needs.
Days 14 - 19
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Edit Phase

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Test/Present
You will present your coffee table and virtual gallery tour, incorporating feedback from your online community and stakeholders, to validate your furniture's design and effectiveness, and document final reflections on your project's success and areas for growth through a collaborative exhibition and critique session.
Days 20 - 25
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Edit Phase

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Empathize Days 1–4
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Define Days 5–8
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Ideate Days 9–13
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Prototype Days 14–19
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Test/Present Days 20–25
Day 20
Day 21
Day 22
Day 23
Day 24
Day 25

April 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
20 Day 1
Empathize
21 Day 2
22 Day 3
23 Day 4
24 Day 5
Define
27 Day 6
28 Day 7
29 Day 8
30 Day 9
Ideate
1 Day 10

May 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
4 Day 11
5 Day 12
6 Day 13
7 Day 14
Prototype
8 Day 15
11 Day 16
12 Day 17
13 Day 18
14 Day 19
15 Day 20
Test/Present
18 Day 21
19 Day 22
20 Day 23
21 Day 24
22 Day 25
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