West Virginia University offers My First Project as a new and exciting program that was cooperatively developed by Woodcraft, Worthington Elementary School, and the WV Education Alliance. The program is an applied woodworking project for youth. This course will allow the student to build confidence, strength of character, and problem solving capabilities.

Computer Requirements

• Adobe Acrobat
• Macromedia Flash Player
• Java

(Free software plug-ins are available in the Getting Started portion of the course.)

Course Goal
The hands-on portion of the course allows students to use their hands to build confidence, strength of character, and problem solving capabilities useful in all aspects of life and in every educational experience.

The hands-on thematic curriculum can:

• Assist students in communicating and understanding ideas non-verbally.
• Enhance the skills of spatial visualization required for higher mathematics.
• Provides students with take-home, physical evidence of their mastery of skills.
• Provide an opportunity to execute precise work and to produce useful products.
• Train the eye and hand to see accurately and to feel the sense of beauty in form.
• Provide relevancy of other subject matter relative to their lives.
• Provide non-academic areas for demonstration of skills and pursuit of excellence.
• Provide a non-contrived opportunity for engagement of multiple intelligences.
• Provide an opportunity to engage physically and actively in learning exercises.
• Provide an opportunity for engagement and success even for those disinclined for academic involvement.
• Allow students to gain confidence as real world problem solvers.

Course Structure and Schedule
This is a non-credit course. Cost is $120 per student. A certificate for course completion will be issued.

Materials will be supplied by Woodcraft at www.woodcraft.com

• Do a Search in the Woodcraft website using “Birdhouse” 
• Order My First Project Birdhouse Kit.

Course Overview/Subject Matter
Topics to be Studied:

Wood Structure

• The Material
• Composition
• Tree Growth

Wood Classification

• Hardwoods
• Softwoods
• Wood Grades
• Lumber Defects
• Wood Types
• Wood Movement
• Measuring Lumber
• Lumber Cuts

Design Consideration

• Wood Figures
• Grain Patterns

Manufactured Woods

• Veneer
• Plywood
• Composites

Lesson Plans

Special Projects to be Included in the Course

• Build a Birdhouse
• Keep a Journal

Methods of Student Evaluation

• Respond to five scenarios posted on the discussion board.
• 5 Daily Assignments
• 5 Surveys
• Final Assignment

Materials
To order My First Project Birdhouse Kit, go to http://www.woodcraft.com/depts.aspx?DeptID=1024

Registration

Register online through our secure server or fill out this form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning. You will be given class access by email within five working days. Call 1-800-2Learn2, or email WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions. Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted.