8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th Grades  Project 2 weeks

Shop Smart: Safety Starts Here

Eric C
Updated
HS-ESS3-2
Structures can be designed to serve particular functions ...
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP5
HS-ETS1-3
SS.9-12.5.4
+ 5 more
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Purpose

Students investigate why woodshop safety matters by analyzing real shop risks and evaluating how safe tool, machine, material-handling, and PPE practices reduce injury while supporting efficient, responsible use of resources. Working in teams, they create and deliver tool and machine safety presentations with matching posters for hand tools, woodshop machines, and workstation procedures that reflect OSHA/HazCom expectations and strategic tool use. The work builds communication, collaboration, and problem-solving as students make decisions about cost, safety, reliability, and material choices. The unit culminates in presenting safety guidelines to peers and posting the finished visuals at appropriate workstations so the class leaves behind a useful safety system for the shop community.

Learning goals

Students will demonstrate safe daily woodshop practices by selecting and using appropriate PPE, identifying hazards, and following correct procedures for hand tools, machines, and material handling. They will evaluate tool and machine safety procedures using criteria such as safety, reliability, cost, and environmental impact, then create and present accurate workstation-specific safety posters for the shop. Working with peers, students will communicate clear safety expectations, use tools strategically, and develop an action plan for posting and maintaining the guidelines in the woodshop.

Standards
  • [Hawaii] HS-ESS3-2 - Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
  • [Hawaii] 5dee1a13-09d2-4cc9-bbba-dec7daf6c463 - Structures can be designed to serve particular functions by taking into account properties of different materials, and how materials can be shaped and used.
  • [Hawaii] CCSS.Math.Practice.MP5 - Use appropriate tools strategically.
  • [Hawaii] HS-ETS1-3 - Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
  • [Hawaii] SS.9-12.5.4 - Create an action plan to address a solution to a problem or issue and demonstrate substantive evidence of implementation
Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.

Products

Students will create team-based tool and machine safety presentations with matching posters for Personal Protective Equipment, hand tools, and woodshop machines, each designed for a specific workstation and aligned to OSHA/HazCom expectations. Throughout the unit, they will also produce tool-use sketches, hazard notes, and draft poster layouts based on shop observations, family and Olomana ʻohana input, and peer feedback. Teams will finalize clear, visual safety presentations and posters that communicate correct use, storage, lifting, and material-handling habits. The finished posters will be printed or mounted and hung at the appropriate stations, and the presentations will be shared with peers as part of the shop’s functional safety system.

Launch

Begin with a fast-paced woodshop safety gallery walk where teams analyze staged photos, tools, and workstation setups showing correct and incorrect use of PPE, hand tools, machines, and material storage. Have each team choose one tool or machine to investigate, then create a quick mini safety presentation and rough poster draft that explains the main hazards, required habits, and correct use for that station. Include a short real-world story or incident example from a teacher, family member, or community worker so students connect safety decisions to cost, injury prevention, and responsibility. End with teams sharing one key safety rule with peers and posting their draft ideas as the starting point for the final presentation and workstation poster.

Exhibition

Students will present tool and machine safety guidelines to peers through short team presentations supported by clear posters, then install the posters at the matching workstations for PPE, hand tools, and woodshop machines. During a safety walk, teams explain hazards, correct procedures, safe material handling, storage, and machine-prep routines while showing how they chose visuals and information for clarity, usefulness, and safety. Leave the posters displayed as permanent shop resources so the exhibition celebrates student learning and strengthens daily shop practice.