Highschool Pre-Proposal

Projects Lab / Makers’ Space / Engineering for PAHS

Pre-Proposal; To provide a general shop space that students can use for NTN or any other project-based learning that involves building, construction or experiments. There would be a hand tool wood shop, benches, vices, electric drills, saber saw and more for use for something as simple as a shelf or garden sign "Kale" or more involved projects like a table, skate ramp -- or again any part of an NTN project requiring tools.

My usual clear safety lessons and tool techniques will be presented as obligatory and friendly.

There would be an electronics section with wiring, soldering, connectors & etc, a Machines & Mechanics area with wrenches, RC car shop for the high end repairable and modifiable $500+ cars, computer shop, Arduino projects with programing and 3D printing. There would be a painting section. Eventually the Engineering shop could evolve to have metal working, forging, machining and more.

Two high schools in Marin (Redwood and Sir Francis Drake) that I am very familiar with, have had Engineering shops for over ten years. I was making a film about them. Makers' Spaces in high schools are a trend around the country as many schools now realize the closing of most school shops left a gap because students need a shop space for project-based learning. Though these programs are plentiful, often they are light weight compare to this vision, without the essential student choice and with projects made from paper, popsicle sticks. paper clips and rubber bands.

Many students might not sign up for a full semester Wood Shop course even if one is offered, as at PAHS. There are students who do not have building, design and engineering support at home — these are relevant skills that schools can provide. It is exercise for REAL world problem solving. The choice of projects is fundamental to the program and is the source of motivation.

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