Instructions

Complete each section below. Read the instructions for each part carefully. You might need a pencil and some scratch paper for the math problem.

Part 1: Tool Time!

Match the tool on the left with its primary function on the right. Write the correct letter in the blank space.

Part 2: Measure Twice, Cut Once

Solving a real-world building problem requires careful math. Read the scenario below and calculate the answer. Show your work!

Scenario: You have a single board that is 8 feet long. You need to cut four identical pieces from it that are each 19 inches long. Each time you make a cut, the saw blade removes 1/8" of wood (this is called the "kerf"). After making the four cuts, how much of the original board will be left over? (Hint: 1 foot = 12 inches)

Part 3: Know Your Wood

Wood is generally classified as either hardwood (from deciduous trees that lose their leaves) or softwood (from coniferous trees with needles). Read the statements below and circle whether they are True or False.

1. Oak, maple, and walnut are common examples of softwoods. True / False
2. Softwoods like pine and cedar tend to be less expensive and grow faster than hardwoods. True / False
3. The term "hardwood" means the wood is always physically harder and more durable than any "softwood". True / False
4. Coniferous trees (softwoods) are typically evergreen. True / False

Part 4: Safety First

Read the following description of someone working in a shop. Identify at least four different safety rules that are being broken.

Alex is excited to build a small box. He heads into the workshop wearing flip-flops and a favorite hoodie with long, dangling drawstrings. He finds a power drill but doesn't check if the drill bit is secure before plugging it in. Without putting on safety glasses, he begins drilling into a small piece of wood that he is holding down with his other hand, very close to the drill bit.

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Part 5: Design Challenge

Imagine you are tasked with building a simple, strong wooden stand for a tablet computer. The stand should hold the tablet at a slight angle for easy viewing.

In the space below, describe the basic pieces you would need to create it. What is one type of woodworking joint you could use to connect the pieces strongly? (Examples: Butt joint, lap joint, dovetail joint, mortise and tenon).

Answer Key

Part 1: Tool Time!

A. 2
B. 5
C. 6
D. 3
E. 4
F. 1

Part 2: Measure Twice, Cut Once

1. Convert total board length to inches:
8 feet x 12 inches/foot = 96 inches

2. Calculate total length of the four cut pieces:
4 pieces x 19 inches/piece = 76 inches

3. Calculate total wood lost to the saw kerf:
4 cuts x 1/8 inch/cut = 4/8 inch = 1/2 inch (or 0.5 inches)

4. Calculate total wood used:
76 inches (pieces) + 0.5 inches (kerf) = 76.5 inches

5. Calculate leftover wood:
96 inches (total) - 76.5 inches (used) = 19.5 inches

Answer: There will be 19.5 inches (or 19 and 1/2 inches) of wood left over.

Part 3: Know Your Wood

1. False (They are hardwoods)
2. True
3. False (This is a common misconception. The classification is botanical. Some softwoods, like Douglas Fir, are very hard, while some hardwoods, like Balsa, are very soft.)
4. True

Part 4: Safety First

Answers may vary slightly, but should include four of the following:

• Improper footwear: Wearing flip-flops instead of closed-toe shoes or boots.
• Loose clothing/dangling items: The hoodie drawstrings could get caught in a power tool.
• Not wearing eye protection: No safety glasses were used while operating a power tool.
• Workpiece not secured: The wood should be secured with clamps, not held by hand.
• Hand too close to the tool: Holding the piece close to where the drill is operating is dangerous.
• Not checking the tool: Did not check if the drill bit was secure before use.

Part 5: Design Challenge

Answers will vary, but a good answer should include the following concepts:

• Pieces: A base piece (for stability), a backrest piece (to lean the tablet on), and a small front "lip" or ledge piece (to keep the tablet from sliding off). A support piece or "foot" behind the backrest might also be included to keep it from tipping.
• Joints: A simple but effective joint would be a butt joint reinforced with screws/glue, or a lap joint or a dado (a channel cut into the base for the backrest to sit in) for a stronger connection. More advanced answers might suggest a mortise and tenon.