It was a busy and exciting week in Nā Pua Keiki as they opened our new Wood Shop for an introduction to woodworking. Students started with the basics—hammers, nails, balsa wood, corks, beads, and popsicle sticks—giving them the chance to explore tools and materials with their own hands.

As one reflection beautifully puts it: “Woodwork is a bit like a magic carpet of skills which last a lifetime. It involves curiosity, creativity, and a rich opportunity to engage with process-based learning, leading to deep involvement and satisfaction."

Earlier in the week, our Middle STEM class shared their own woodworking projects with balsa wood as they prepare for the Science Olympiad. They proudly showed their boomilevers, explained their planning process, and even demonstrated the strength test, inspiring our younger keiki with their hard work and creativity.