Industrial Arts begins in Third Grade and continues through Ninth Grade. The program offers a unique opportunity for the student to put newly acquired skills and knowledge to immediate practical use, thereby helping to develop an appreciation for the learning experience. It fosters the ability to think in three dimensions and teaches the necessity of following the correct sequence in order to complete a task. Practicing woodworking skills aids in a child’s physical development, particularly in the areas of fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination.
Ideally, students derive from their Industrial Arts experience an enhanced sense of pride in their own work and a greater appreciation for good craftsmanship in general. Moreover, the successful completion of an Industrial Arts project can provide a student with a much needed sense of accomplishment.
Industrial Arts at East Woods is not meant to be a vocational program at any grade level. Indeed, a deliberate effort is made to emulate a home Industrial Arts environment in both the physical plant and the instructional program. Time spent in this area is often a welcome change of pace from the academic environment giving students a chance to express themselves in a positive, creative manner.