2008 Grant Proposal Details

Planer for Wood Shop   Madison Middle School

Total: $500

Description:  The planer in the wood shop is about 40-50 years old and is not functioning correctly. I propose to purchase a new planer to replace the old one. I had several people assist in looking at the current planer and took it to a repair shop and the consensus was that the machine is very tired and needs major parts replaced. Repairing the old planer could cost as much or more than purchasing a new one.

Why is this important?  2. Why is this project important? Students use the planer on a daily basis to shape and form the lumber they are using in their projects to the correct size/thickness. Most of the wood that we have in the wood shop needs to be planed in order to make it usable for student projects, and it is very frustrating to students and the teacher when the planer won’t work. I usually have to borrow a bench planer from home to get by. I have had to adjust project plans to try and use alternative tools because we can’t count on our planer.

Who will be served?  3. Who, and how many, will be served? I have six wood shop classes that vary in size from 19-27 students and each of those students use the planer on a regular basis. This is also a class that helps to generate interest in the industrial arts education that is available at North Eugene. Many of our students come from disadvantaged homes and this class creates an opportunity that they might not normally receive. There will also be an after school program this year that will serve another group of students. By the time a student finishes their career at Madison they will have most likely spent at least one semester in the wood shop and tools that operate efficiently and safely will ensure a great experience for all!

How will this be evaluated?   4. How will you evaluate the success of this project? Students will again be able to incorporate the planing process into their projects, thus they will learn how to use a correctly functioning planer, and the safety procedures involved in that process. I will also evaluate their finished projects and the success they have had in the process of building, including planing their projects.

Does this build on existing programs?  5. Does this proposal build upon existing programs at your school, and if so how? Yes, currently we have wood shop for 6 periods. Students apply their math in a real world setting, and they must communicate using drawings and written project plans and directions which supports the language arts. Students also often create and build projects for the school, or other teachers, to help with a need in their classes. Additionally, this is also a class that helps to generate interest in the industrial arts education that is available at North Eugene High School and to encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and try something new.

Budget:  It will cost $1000.00 to replace the planer and this grant would cover half of that cost. Thank you for considering this request and supporting your schools!

Proposal #:  66