Hands On Deck teaches traditional industrial arts to build mechanical skills in learners of all ages.
Class Schedule
2025 Fall Classes
• Elementary Mechanical Skills focuses on individual projects that balance fine motor skill development, math competencies, and fit and finishing techniques. • Industrial Arts is our banner program we offer for older students that blends modern technology education with traditional industrial arts. • Wings, Wheels, and Keels, and Applied Robotics have an emphasis on applied math and sciences while producing projects that fuel creativity and challenge the mind.
Elementary Mechanical Skills introduces young builders (ages 5-8) to essential tools, materials, and hands-on techniques for constructing practical projects for everyday use. Through guided projects and open ended exploration, students develop critical thinking skills and learn how to approach and solve problems creatively.
Semester Macro Projects: Mortise and Tenon Box, Paper Making and Pen and Ink Set w/ Box, Laser Engraved Cheese Board, Laminated Name Stool, Double Signature Journal, Puzzle Board, and Labyrinth Marble Maze
Semester Micro Projects: Knots, Tool Making, Model Construction, & Build and Bolt
Industrial Arts meets older students where they are at with a goal to build individual and group projects in community utilizing techniques and projects to foster success with challenge in every class. Projects range from a simple scroll saw puzzle to full size furniture including lamps, tables, and chairs.
Outcomes: • Enhanced Technical Skills - Students will develop stronger mechanical and technical abilities, particularly in woodworking and boat building. • Fostering Craftsmanship and Creativity - The program emphasizes craftsmanship, encouraging students to take pride in their work and think creatively. • Improved Problem-Solving and Teamwork - Students will learn to tackle challenges collaboratively, enhancing their problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in teams.
Wings, Wheels, and Keels is a high-energy mechanical design class for older students to build and race objects that move through air, land, and water.
Blending traditional hand tools with modern technology like vacuum bagging and resins, laser cutters and 3D printers, each student has the opportunity to find their personal building style. Each project ends in a friendly competition, where precision, creativity, and speed all count.
This class has a limited class schedule.
Wooden boat construction is the thin red line that runs through the core of Hands On Deck. We started building boats with youth in the central library on the third floor in 2016, and since then we have constructed and restored over 300’ of boats with youth and volunteers.
This hands-on class introduces students to the fundamentals of woodworking through the lens of boats and boatbuilding. Each day focuses on key skills like measuring, cutting, joining, and shaping, while exploring how boats are built, how they work, and their connection to history and the water.