NWB Curriculum
Foundations in Woods Manufacturing
Blending academic and technical training with real-world manufacturing experience, the NWB approach prepares students for careers and college by teaching life skills and industry certifications such as the WCA standards.
Foundations 3
Course Outcomes
- Recognize and practice safety behaviors within a lab setting.
- Define basic woodworking terminology.
- Use a variety of electric and hand-powered tools and equipment to create table components.
- Demonstrate competency through a certification process on the following equipment: multi-router, jointer, thickness planer, and lathe.
- Demonstrate basic woodworking techniques (e.g., sanding, glue-up, assembly).
- Demonstrate accuracy and correct use of a tape measure and other measuring tools.
- Explain and demonstrate the process of dimensioning a piece of wood (FEE system).
- Identify specific elements of the project that were inspired by the Arts & Crafts Movement and explain how they were created in the woods lab.
- Use jigs and templates in multiple stages of table construction.
- Identify various joinery types (i.e., dovetail, box joint, mortise and tenon) and demonstrate proficiency in creating each one.
- Demonstrate proficiency in sanding techniques using electric and hand-powered equipment.
Building Modules: Outcomes and Assessments
1. Project Overview & Skills Review
Outcomes
- Recognize program philosophy, expectations, employer perspective.
- Describe and adhere to woodshop protocols and practices.
- Explain how to identify, reduce, and eliminate hazardous conditions around machines and equipment.
- Describe the origins and background of the Arts & Crafts Movement.
- Recognize common features and characteristics of various Arts & Crafts styles.
- Identify specific craftsmen of the period and how each one’s work contributed to the movement.
- Identify measurements up to 1/32 on tape measure.
- Add and subtract measurements (fractions, decimals).
- Explain relationships among numbers, reductions.
- Demonstrate accuracy and correct use of measurement tools.
- Explain the importance and relevance of measurement skills in the workplace.
- Three measurement skills required to master:
- Names of marks
- What the marks mean
- How to use them
Assessments
Formative:
- Woodworking masters organizer
- Research activity
- Arts & Crafts one-page summaries
Summative:
- Measurement certification test
WCA Standards:
Tape Measure
- 1.1.1 Measure Lengths (US Customary) (Level 2)
- 1.1.3 Measure Inside Dimension (Level 2)
2. Wood Talk
Outcomes
- Identify common characteristics of wood samples.
- Describe general characteristics of various wood species.
- Identify common defects in wood samples.
- Consider how water can affect a piece of wood.
- Identify potential flaws in a hardwood sample.
- Explain how basic flaws in a wood sample were caused and how they might be corrected.
- Describe the wood philosophy of George Nakashima and how it applies to the project.
- Use the board footage formula to calculate the price of a given board sample.
- Identify the structure of plywood.
- Identify the structure and properties of hardwood, MDF, OSB, chipboard, and composite sheet goods.
- Identify grading used for hardwood and softwood plywood.
- Explain how knowledge of plywood basics is relevant to woods manufacturing.
- Define common wood-related terminology.
- Explain the process of dimensioning a piece of wood.
- Describe how various machines are used to flatten a board.
- Calculate board feet on sample pieces of wood.
- Determine the cost of wood samples using the board-foot formula.
- Describe how specific equipment is used to flatten a board.
- Identify parts of a board (i.e., face, end, edge).
- Identify dimensions on a large piece of plywood.
- Create lines and shapes using a rule or T-square.
- Describe wood grain and explain the importance of positioning.
- Design parts layout using principles of orientation, accuracy, and grain direction.
- Demonstrate geometric understanding of multiples and which cuts to make first.
- Describe how skills used in parts layout (e.g., efficiency, accuracy) are important in the workplace.
- Describe the ways that waste affects a production floor.
- Identify the three categories of waste in lean principles.
- Explain how lean principles can be applied to the woods lab activities and processes.
- Identify at least three “wastes” in the classroom woods lab.
- Describe and demonstrate the process of Parts Take Off in preparation for a Bill of Materials.
- Identify names of parts and materials within a project.
- Determine measurements and numbers of components needed for a project.
- Complete a Bill of Materials for a table project.
- Explain the relevance of using a Bill of Materials in the workplace.
Assessments
Formative:
- Wood talk organizer
- Language of wood activity
Summative:
- Wood talk organizer
WCA Standards:
Tape Measure
- 1.1.1 Measure Lengths (US Customary) (Level 2)
- 1.1.3 Measure Inside Dimension (Level 2)
Combination Square
- 1.2.1 Verify Material Squareness (Level 1)
- 1.2.2 Layout for Perpendicular Cuts (Level 1)
3. Manufacturing the Carcass
Outcomes
- Read and pull information from a working drawing.
- Calculate board footage and square footage.
- Calculate the total cost of a project component.
- Complete a Bill of Materials (BOM) for a project component.
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make a cabinet carcass.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Identify dimensions on a large piece of plywood.
- Create lines and shapes using a rule or T-square.
- Describe wood grain and explain the importance of positioning.
- Design parts layout using principles of orientation, accuracy, and grain direction.
- Demonstrate geometric understanding of multiples and which cuts to make first.
- Create lines and shapes using a rule or T-square.
- Describe wood grain and explain the importance of positioning.
- Design joinery layout using principles of orientation, accuracy, and grain direction.
- Use hand tools for marking and cutting materials.
- Apply edge banding to a piece of plywood.
- Demonstrate correct sanding techniques.
- Use clamps and glue materials to assemble the carcass.
- Conduct a self-assessment on the carcass component.
Assessments
Formative:
- Bill of Materials
- Parts layout activities
- Carcass assembly
Summative:
- Parts layout rubric
- Carcass assembly rubric
- Sanding rubric
- Final cabinet evaluation
WCA Standards:
Tape Measure
- 1.1.1 Measure Lengths (US Customary) (Level 2)
- 1.1.3 Measure Inside Dimension (Level 2)
Combination Square
- 1.2.1 Verify Material Squareness (Level 1)
- 1.2.2 Layout for Perpendicular Cuts (Level 1)
Calipers
- 1.3.1 Measure Thickness (Level 1)
- 1.3.2 Measure Depth (Level 2)
Table Saw
- 2.1.1 Ripping (Level 2)
- 2.1.2 Ripping Narrow Stock (Level 2)
- 2.1.3 Cross Cutting (Level 2)
Edge banding
- 8.1.1 Edge banding (Level 1)
4. Manufacturing the Legs
Outcomes
- Read and pull information from a working drawing.
- Calculate board footage and square footage.
- Calculate the total cost of a project component.
- Complete a Bill of Materials (BOM) for a project component.
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make cabinet legs.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Identify the Arts & Crafts-influenced elements in the project cabinet legs.
- Describe how geometry and measurement skills are used to create the cabinet legs.
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make shaped cabinet legs.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Identify different types of mortises & tenons.
- Explain how mortises & tenons are used in woodworking.
- Describe the factors that determine joinery strength.
- Identify a minimum of three types of joinery used in woodworking.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Identify dimensions on a large piece of plywood.
- Create lines and shapes using a rule or T-square.
- Describe wood grain and explain the importance of positioning.
- Design parts layout using principles of orientation, accuracy, and grain direction.
- Demonstrate geometric understanding of multiples and which cuts to make first.
- Create lines and shapes using a rule or T-square.
- Describe wood grain and explain the importance of positioning.
- Design joinery layout using principles of orientation, accuracy, and grain direction.
- Use hand tools for marking and cutting materials.
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make shaped cabinet legs.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Use a jig to place legs on the carcass.
- Demonstrate proper sanding techniques.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Demonstrate proper sanding techniques.
- Conduct a self-assessment on the leg component.
Assessments
Formative:
- Bill of Materials for legs
- Cutting parts, joinery
Summative:
- Sanding rubric
- Legs rubric
- Cabinet evaluation checklist
WCA Standards:
Tape Measure
- 1.1.1 Measure Lengths (US Customary) (Level 2)
- 1.1.3 Measure Inside Dimension (Level 2)
Combination Square
- 1.2.1 Verify Material Squareness (Level 1)
- 1.2.2 Layout for Perpendicular Cuts (Level 1)
Calipers
- 1.3.1 Measure Thickness (Level 1)
- 1.3.2 Measure Depth (Level 2)
Marking Gauge
- 1.5.1 Mark Line Parallel to Edge (Level 1)
Table Saw
- 2.1.1 Ripping (Level 2)
- 2.1.2 Ripping Narrow Stock (Level 2)
- 2.1.3 Cross Cutting (Level 2)
Planer
- 3.2.1 Planing for Thickness (Level 1)
Jointer
- 3.3.1 Face Jointing (Level 2)
- 3.3.2 Edge Jointing First Edge (Level 2)
Portable Router
- 4.7.4 Template Cutout (Level 1)
Sander
- 7.4.1 Sand Flat Pieces of Solid Lumber (Level 2)
- 7.4.2 Sand Flat Pieces of Veneered Panel (Level 2)
- 7.5.1 Sand Solid Wood Panels (Level 2)
- 7.6.1 Sand 45° or Any Angle (Level 1)
5. Manufacturing the 5-Piece Door
Outcomes
- Read and pull information from a working drawing.
- Calculate board footage and square footage.
- Calculate the total cost of a project component.
- Complete a Bill of Materials (BOM) for a project component.
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make cabinet doors.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Identify the Arts & Crafts-influenced elements in the project cabinet doors.
- Describe how geometry and measurement skills are used to create the cabinet doors.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Describe how geometry and measurement skills are used to make a cabinet door.
- Demonstrate how to mill a panel to required thickness.
- Measure door components to ensure accurate fit.
- Use clamps to hold glued pieces in place.
- Identify hinge types for mounting doors.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Use a jig or template to cut parts for a door.
- Describe how geometry and measurement skills are used to make a cabinet door.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Demonstrate proper sanding techniques.
- Attach a door to the carcass.
- Conduct a self-assessment on the door component.
Assessments
Formative:
- Door Bill of Materials
- Creating the rails and stiles
- Cutting rails and stiles
- Assembling the door
- Hinge mounting
- Door installation
Summative:
- Door rubric
- Sanding rubric
- Cabinet evaluation checklist
WCA Standards:
Tape Measure
- 1.1.1 Measure Lengths (US Customary) (Level 2)
- 1.1.3 Measure Inside Dimension (Level 2)
Combination Square
- 1.2.1 Verify Material Squareness (Level 1)
- 1.2.2 Layout for Perpendicular Cuts (Level 1)
Calipers
- 1.3.1 Measure Thickness (Level 1)
- 1.3.2 Measure Depth (Level 2)
Marking Gauge
- 1.5.1 Mark Line Parallel to Edge (Level 1)
Table Saw
- 2.1.1 Ripping (Level 2)
- 2.1.2 Ripping Narrow Stock (Level 2)
- 2.1.3 Cross Cutting (Level 2)
- 2.1.5 Edge Rabbeting with a Dado Set (Level 1)
- 2.1.6 Groove, Dado, Plough with a Dado Set (Level 1)
Planer
- 3.2.1 Planing for Thickness (Level 1)
Jointer
- 3.3.1 Face Jointing (Level 1)
- 3.3.2 Edge Jointing First Edge (Level 1)
Hinge Bore & Insert
- 6.4.1 Hinge (Level 1)
Sander
- 7.4.1 Sand Flat Pieces of Solid Lumber (Level 2)
- 7.5.1 Sand Solid Wood Panels (Level 2)
6. Manufacturing the Drawer
Outcomes
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make the project drawers.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Explain how dovetails and box or finger joints are significant elements in Arts & Craft designs.
- Describe how geometry and measurement skills are used to create the drawer.
- Read and pull information from a working drawing.
- Calculate board footage and square footage.
- Calculate the total cost of a project component.
- Complete a Bill of Materials (BOM) for a project component.
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make a dovetailed drawer.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Explain how dovetails and box or finger joints are significant elements in Arts &Crafts designs.
- Recognize different ways to create the same type of dovetail effect on a workpiece.
- Describe how geometry and measurement skills are used to create the drawer.
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make shaped cabinet doors.
- Use hand tools for marking and cutting materials.
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make a dovetailed drawer.
- Explain how dovetails and box or finger joints are significant elements in Arts & Craft designs.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
Assessments
Formative:
- Drawer Bill of Materials
- Milling lumber
- Parts and joinery layout
- Cutting
- Creating joinery
- Assembling and fitting the drawer
- Completing the drawer
Summative:
- Drawer rubric
- Sanding rubric
- Arts & Crafts details rubric
- Cabinet evaluation checklist
WCA Standards:
Tape Measure
- 1.1.1 Measure Lengths (US Customary) (Level 2)
- 1.1.3 Measure Inside Dimension (Level 2)
Combination Square
- 1.2.1 Verify Material Squareness (Level 1)
- 1.2.2 Layout for Perpendicular Cuts (Level 1)
Table Saw
- 2.1.1 Ripping (Level 2)
- 2.1.2 Ripping Narrow Stock (Level 2)
- 2.1.3 Cross Cutting (Level 2)
Planer
- 3.2.1 Planing for Thickness (Level 1)
Jointer
- 3.3.1 Face Jointing (Level 2)
- 3.3.2 Edge Jointing First Edge (Level 2)
Calipers
- 1.3.1 Measure Thickness (Level 1)
- 1.3.2 Measure Depth (Level 2)
Marking Gauge
- 1.5.1 Mark Line Parallel to Edge (Level 1)
Table Router
- 4.8.1 Rabbeting (Level 1)
Sander
- 7.4.1 Sand Flat Pieces of Solid Lumber (Level 2)
- 7.4.2 Sand Flat Pieces of Veneered Panel (Level 2)
- 7.5.1 Sand Solid Wood Panels (Level 2)
- 7.6.1 Sand 45° or Any Angle (Level 1)
7. Manufacturing the Breadboard Top
Outcomes
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make a cabinet top.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Describe how geometry and measurement skills are used to create the cabinet top.
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make a cabinet top.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Demonstrate proper operation of table saw, planer, and jointer.
- Use appropriate sanding techniques.
- Demonstrate how to cut, assemble, and finish a breadboard panel.
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make a cabinet top.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Describe how geometry and measurement skills are used to create the cabinet top.
- Describe how to create a breadboard panel.
- Describe how to create breadboard ends.
- Explain the basic operations of the chosen project clamping and gluing system.
- Describe how geometry and measurement skills are used to mount the cabinet top.
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make a cabinet top.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Describe how geometry and measurement skills are used to create the cabinet top.
- Describe how to machine a breadboard joint.
- Describe how to attach the breadboard ends.
- Explain the basic operations of the chosen project clamping and gluing system.
- Describe how geometry and measurement skills are used to mount the cabinet top.
- Identify materials, tools, and procedures used to make a cabinet top.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Describe how geometry and measurement skills are used to create the cabinet top.
- Describe how to create contrasting splines and plugs.
- Describe how to attach the breadboard top to the carcass.
- Describe how geometry and measurement skills are used to mount the cabinet top.
- Follow proper safety procedures for operating equipment.
- Demonstrate proper sanding techniques.
- Conduct a self-assessment on the door component.
Assessments
Formative:
- Top Bill of Materials
- Milling lumber for the top
- Creating the breadboard panel and ends
- Creating the breadboard components
- Top complete and mounted to carcass
Summative:
- Breadboard top rubric
- Sanding rubric
- Cabinet evaluation checklist
WCA Standards:
Tape Measure
- 1.1.1 Measure Lengths (US Customary) (Level 2)
- 1.1.3 Measure Inside Dimension (Level 2)
Combination Square
- 1.2.1 Verify Material Squareness (Level 1)
- 1.2.2 Layout for Perpendicular Cuts (Level 1)
Marking Gauge
- 1.5.1 Mark Line Parallel to Edge (Level 1)
Planer
- 3.2.1 Planing for Thickness (Level 1)
Jointer
- 3.3.1 Face Jointing (Level 2)
- 3.3.2 Edge Jointing First Edge (Level 2)
Sander
- 7.4.1 Sand Flat Pieces of Solid Lumber (Level 2)
- 7.6.1 Sand 45° or Any Angle (Level 1)
Portable & Table Routers
- 4.7.1 Edge Profile (Level 2)
- 4.8.2 Edge (Level 1)
- 4.8.3 End (Level 1)
Hollow Chisel Mortiser
- 6.7.1 Mortise (Level 1)
9. Finishing and Final Evaluation
Outcomes
- Make decisions for finishing the project cabinet.
- Identify coatings for finishing wood and wood products.
- Select methods for applying coating materials.
- Identify tools and equipment needed to apply finishing materials.
- Correct surface defects such as dents, cracks, and stray marks.
- Recognize and practice safety behaviors within a lab setting.
- Define basic woodworking terminology.
- Use a variety of electric and hand-powered tools and equipment to create table components.
- Demonstrate competency through a certification process on the following equipment: multi-router, jointer, thickness planer, and lathe.
- Demonstrate basic woodworking techniques (e.g., sanding, glue-up, assembly).
- Demonstrate accuracy and correct use of a tape measure and other measuring tools.
- Explain and demonstrate the process of dimensioning a piece of wood (FEE system).
- Identify specific elements of the cabinet project that were inspired by the Arts & Crafts Movement and explain how they were created in the woods lab.
- Use jigs and templates in multiple stages of cabinet construction.
- Identify various joinery types (i.e., dovetail, box joint, mortise and tenon) and demonstrate proficiency in creating each one.
- Complete the project cabinet with required components at a satisfactory level.
Assessments
Formative:
- Module organizers
- Presentations
Summative:
- Foundations 3 final exam
- Final cabinet evaluation rubric
WCA Standards:
- None
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.