Tool Identification

“We shape our tools and thereafter they shape us.” - John Culkin

This month we continue to review the three manufacturing skills we believe are primary skills which enable the next generation to win in manufacturing. Tool Identification is the second chapter of Blake Prepares for Manufacturing where the character Blake learns that it takes many tools to manufacture something at his Dad’s manufacturing business. Blake learns more about each tool and how they are identified. The below age based activity guide will help support you as you teach your Future Maker to identify tools you and your family use at home.

Elementary
Simple build projects with basic tools like birdhouse kits, cardboard constructions
Tool scavenger hunts: Find the tool used to measure length.

Middle School
Compare tools and application to different materials like wood, cardboard, and plastic
Introduce more advanced tools like calipers, levels, basic power tools.

High School
Advanced build projects to project plan and develop a tool list.
Compare similar tools (hand tools vs. automated) to explain differences in use, precision, and outcome.

Within our book, Blake Prepares for Manufacturing is an activity that applies the manufacturing skill or character trait taught within the story to real-life. We invite you to purchase a copy of the book and participate in them with us!

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Joe & Amanda