The fourth grade class has finished cutting out their states on the CNC router.

In addition to vector manipulation, students picked up many basic, practical skills with power tools. Every student had the opportunity to drill holes and screw nails into their wooden board in order to hold it down on the CNC router cutting bed. I am happy to say that no student refused this opportunity. During drilling it was not uncommon to hear students remark, “This is really fun!” or “My parents would never let me do this at home!”

One very basic and exceedingly useful skill students practiced was selecting a drill bit to match the size of the screw with which we would woodwork – try saying that last bit 10 times fast. If you have a power drill and a child in fourth grade, next time you need to drill a hole for a screw or a nail or a dowel see if they can choose the right bit for you!