Woodworking for Girls

Who says woodworking is just a guy thing?

A couple years ago Ron Cox, technology instructor at Clearwater High School in rural Clearwater Kansas, was puzzled by what he thought was a unique phenomenon. He noticed that quite a few girls were attracted to the computer-automated manufacturing and other types of woodworking projects that were going on in his classes. However, no matter how much they seemed to enjoy watching from afar, Cox had no success convincing female students to sign up for one of his woodworking classes.

He mentioned his befuddlement to another teacher who knew exactly what the problem was. There were boys in the class. The girls did not want to risk being teased by boys about their woodworking efforts, especially when they had no idea whether or not they would be good at it.

With a little more discussion, Cox arrived at what has proven to be an ideal solution— a new program called Woodworking for Girls. This is the same introductory course he has taught for years; the only difference is that no boys are allowed. “They love it,” said Cox. “It has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.”

Since it was first introduced, Cox has taught the one-semester course six times, twice in the fall and once in each consecutive spring. In each instance, there has been full enrollment (15), and the girls keep signing up.

Each semester, the girls pick a project to create as a group. By the end of the course, they will all have built a variation of a bookcase or a table, etc. Cox said that he tries to incorporate computer automated woodworking in every project the girls undertake which gives them a better appreciation of the power of technology. The girls design parts for their group project using Mastercam CAD/CAM Software (from CNC Software Inc., Tolland, CT).

Mastercam also allows them to write programs for the school’s CNC (Computer Numerical Control) router, so that the pieces from which their projects will be assembled can be mass-produced automatically. This approach ensures that each of the girls will be able to assemble and finish a high quality item at the end of the semester. This has turned out to be a real confidence builder.

Cox has posted many photos of the girls and their projects on the school’s web site. Their smiles attest to how proud they are of their work. Interestingly enough, after taking the introductory Woodworking for Girls class, many of these female students go on to take advanced woodworking and manufacturing courses, even if there are boys in the class. Some even participate in an after school activity designing and manufacturing energy efficient vehicles that the students race in the Kansas ElectroRally.