~ Buddy Woodwork Project ~

Every Friday morning in Term 2 we had listened to the sounds of sawing and hammering coming from down below, so it was with great excitement that we learned we were to do some woodwork with our buddies. Mr Harwood had devised a simple DMA ( Design, Make, Appraise) project for us  but first we needed to learn some very important rules e.g. MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE and the importance of safety.

For the Buddy Catamaran we needed:

  • 2 pieces of timber the same thickness and width for the sponsons
  • 3 pieces of timber the same thickness and width for the decks
  • Pencil & ruler
  • Saws, sandpaper, paint, wood glue and varnish

Before we commenced building, we planned the colours we would use and the name for the catamaran.

We soon found out that sawing isn't easy.

But, it can be made easier with the help of a buddy.

We were very fortunate to have some lovely Mums and Dads come in to help - thanks heaps Mrs Campbell, Mr McLeod, Mr & Mrs Soter, Mr Power and Mr Hennessy.

Each piece was given an undercoat, then two more additional coats of paint, while waiting for Mr Harwood's return after the birth of young Joe.

We had great fun playing Kick Stop and Throw Stop with Mrs Mitchell while small groups glued and varnished under Mr Harwood's watchful eye.

How did they turn out? Take a look for yourself but the real test will come in the last week of term when we actually launch them. Stay tuned for the results.

 

 

 

 Our little catamarans had to contend with relatively high, choppy seas and the launching was quite a 'damp affair' but they did very well. No craft sank although quite a few floated in a somewhat unusual manner. One even broke up in the rough seas! Some of us found they do better in the calm waters of the bathtub.

But we had a great time with our buddies, playing games then eating lunch down at Hampton Park - thanks Mrs Hawke and Mrs McLeod. And thank you Mr Harwood and our Year5/6 buddies. We really enjoyed this project.

Click here for news of our special project in Term 4: Seafarers