Working Hands, Working Minds is available at a reduced price for Affiliated programs and at full price to non-Affiliates. Hard copies can be ordered through our eStore and PDFs can be downloaded by logging into our Extranet on the right side of this page. If you are a YouthBuild program and do not have access to the Extranet, please register here.
Unit One: Teamwork and Leadership
In this unit, students get to know one another in order to build a sense of "team." They discuss the attitudes that underlie effective teamwork and leaders and explore how to respect differences in a diverse group. They analyze the processes and qualities of good leadership and look for examples of teamwork and leadership in the community
Unit Two: Health and Safety
In this unit, students explore the attitudes and behaviors that keep workers safe. They discuss safety rules and are introduced to warning signs in the workplace. They learn how to use safety gear properly and how to operate power tools safely. They learn what creates a safe work environment, practice communication skills for dealing with emergencies, and the the consequences of violence and sexual harassment on the job.
Unit Three: Construction-Related Math and Measurement
This unit addresses students' fears and doubts about mathematics while teaching concepts fundamental to the work site. Students develop an understanding of standard units, learn to convert units, to read a ruler, and practice finding area and perimeter. They are introduced to fundamental geometric concepts related to construction, as well as the tools used to find right angles
Unit Four: Tools and Technology
In this unit, students explore the role of tools in our lives, the history of tool design, and how they have changed over time. They review basic safety principles related to tool use and learn to identify and correctly use basic carpentry framing tools. Through interviews and observations, they explore the future of tools and technology in construction and examine their readiness to adapt to a technologically changing marketplace.
Unit Five: Housing and Community
This unit is intended to extend students' knowledge of the main housing issues that impact their communities and to show them their potential power to influence policy. After reading statistics and doing oral history interviews, and surveying the community and researching key housing issues, students plan a project that addresses an important community or housing concern.
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