|
|
|
Turn down the heating element on a gas water heater.
Try any other heat-saving idea your family agrees to.
Transportation
Walk or ride your bicycle to run an errand or go to school.
Participate in a car pool to attend school or another activity.
Help your family keep lists of errands to reduce driving.
Use public transportation if it is available to you.
Try any other idea to use the family car less.
REQUIREMENT 3B | Do a cleanup project that
benefits your community.
Cleaning up after ourselves is something we all should do.
However, you have probably noticed that not everyone remembers
to do that. Sometimes you will see an empty lot where people
have dumped trash or where weeds have grown tall. As you travel,
you may see trash along the roadside. As a Bear Scout, you can
help your community take care of these problems. This is another
good way to show pride in your community. By giving your time,
you can make a big difference.
With your family or den, discuss a cleanup project you can
perform as a group. Plan your project on the next page. Then go do
it!
OUR CLEANUP PROJECT
Our project is
_____________________________________.
We will need to contact Mr./Ms.
______________________ to get permission to do our
project.
Our project date will be
_____________________________.
Our project will take ________________ hours to
complete.
We will need these supplies:
Gloves
Trash bags
S afety or other protective clothing, if needed
Water
First-aid kit
S afety glasses
Sun protection
Bear Elective Adventures
Snapshot of Adventure
Learning to build things that are useful or fun is an
important skill. You might grow up to build houses as a career
or models as a hobby. Or you might just learn some skills
that will help you in everyday life.
Building materials may include wood, cement, plastic,
steel, or a combination of all these things. For this adventure,
we will focus on wood. You will learn about hand tools and
how to use them safely. You will learn how to choose the right
type of wood for a project and follow project instructions. And
before you are finished, you will use your new skills to make
two projects from wood.
REQUIREMENT 1 | Discover which hand tools are
the best ones to have in your toolbox. Learn the rules
for using these tools safely. Practice with at least four
of these tools before beginning a project.
NOTE TO AKELA: Cub Scouts are not allowed to
use power tools.
A woodworker may have dozens—or even hundreds—of tools.
You will only need a few tools to complete this adventure.
Using the right tool for the right job is very important. This
keeps your tools in good working order. It also keeps you safe. It
is a good idea to inspect your tools before using them to be certain
they are in good condition.
A Scout is trustworthy. Show that you can be trusted to
use tools by following safety rules.
Here are some tools you might want in your toolbox. You may
borrow these tools from your parent, neighbor, or den leader, but
always ask permission first.
When you have finished learning about these tools and how to
use them safely, practice using them on pieces of scrap wood.
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses aren’t really tools, but they can help keep you
safe when you are using tools. It is extremely important that you
protect your eyes when working with tools and wood. You will
need a good pair of safety glasses that are kid-sized.
Safety glasses are different from regular glasses or sunglasses.
They are designed not to break when something hits them. They
also cover a larger area around your eyes to keep sawdust and
other construction debris out. Keep them clean with a soft cloth,
and store them in a safe spot. Wearing safety glasses while working
is like wearing your safety belt in a car. Don’t think about it. Just
do it!
Hammer
A hammer is used to drive nails into wood. There are many
different kinds of hammers. The best one for a Cub Scout is an 8-
to 10-ounce claw hammer like the one shown here.
To drive a nail, tap it in gently until it stands up by itself. Then
move your hand out of the way, and give several firm hits. For the
most force, hold the handle near the end, not near the head.
If a nail bends, pull it out with the hammer’s claws. Set a small
block of wood next to the nail. Place the head of the hammer on the
block of wood, and slide the claws under the head of the nail. That
creates a lever that helps you easily pull the nail out. Start over
with a new nail.
S afety: Do not use a hammer that is too large or
heavy for you. Grip the hammer tightly so it does
not slip from your hand. Be careful of the fingers
on your other hand. If they get in the way, it will
hurt!
Screwdriver
A screwdriver puts a screw into a piece of wood. Screws do a
better job than nails of holding projects together when the pieces
will be under strain.
There are two main kinds of screwdrivers: slotted and Phillips.
Pick the one with a tip that matches the screw you want to drive.
A slotted screw has a single slot across its head. A Phillips screw
has an “X” design.
Screws go in more easily if you first make a pilot hole with a
brace and bit (see the following page). The pilot hole should be
smaller in diameter than the screw. It can also help to rub a little
soap on the threads, or ridges, of the screw.
S afety: Use the longest screwdriver you can handle
that is practical for your job. Pick the screwdriver
that best fits the screws you are using. Only use a
screwdriver to drive screws.
Brace and Bit
A brace and bit is used to drill holes. This is a two-part tool.
The bit does the drilling, and the brace turns the bit. There are
many kinds and sizes of bits depending on the material and size of
hole needed. All bits for wood have a spiral edge that digs out small
pieces of wood as you turn it.
The brace has a hole where you insert the bit. Tighten the chuck
so the bit is held firmly in place while you are working with it.
To use the tool, guide the bit into place with one hand. Press
down firmly with one hand on the head to keep the bit in place.
Turn the handle clockwise with your other hand to drill your hole.
Before you drill all the way through the wood, turn the wood
over, and finish your hole from the other side. This step will keep
the wood from splintering.
S afety: The bit has a sharp point, so be careful
when handling it. Always use two hands. You may
need an adult’s help to get the hole started. Put on
safety glasses before you begin.
Hand Saw
A hand saw lets you cut boards along straight lines. A 20-inch
hand saw is best for boys your age.
Before you begin sawing, draw a pencil mark on the board
where you want to make your cut. Start the cut by making a notch
on the mark at the edge of the board. This notch will act as a track
for the blade to sit in. Steady the blade with your thumb well
above the cutting edge, and then draw back gently to create the
notch.
Now, remove your thumb, and begin sawing down the pencil
mark. Be sure to tilt the saw at a 45-degree angle to the board.
Cutting the wood is a simple action of pushing the saw away from
you at a downward angle, then pulling it back toward you. Each
time you do this, the sharp teeth of the saw will cut deeper into
the wood. You may need to straighten the saw handle to correct the
direction of the cut, but be careful not to pinch the saw. If this
happens, gently work the saw back and forth to release the blade.
S afety: A saw has sharp teeth. Be careful when you
carry it and when you lay it down. It is a good idea
to keep your saw hanging up when not in use so you
don’t brush up against the teeth. Always know
where all your fingers are when using a saw. This
tool will create sawdust, so safety glasses are a
must.
Coping Saw
A coping saw lets you cut curves and odd shapes in wood.
Hold the wood securely with a vise or C-clamp (see below) so it
can’t move. M ark the curve you want to cut, then follow it with
the saw, making long back-and-forth strokes. A heavy blade is a
good idea.
S afety: Like a hand saw, a coping saw has lots of
sharp teeth. Be careful with your fingers, and wear
safety glasses.
Vise or Clamp
At times, you may feel like you need a third hand to hold the
wood you are cutting or drilling. Using a vise or clamp is like
having that third hand. To use a vise or clamp, place the wood
between the jaws then tighten the tension bar to hold the wood in
place.
S afety: Vises and clamps can pinch fingers and
hands, so be careful as you tighten them. If you are
using a vise, make sure it is properly secured to a
table.
Measuring Device
Carpenters have a favorite saying: “M easure twice and cut
once.” To measure things you are cutting, you can use a measuring
tape, a ruler, or a speed square. A speed square rests on the straight
edge of a board to help you mark a straight line across it. A
measuring tape or ruler lets you measure the length of a board you
want to cut.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper is just what it sounds like: a piece of heavy-duty
paper that has a scratchy surface on one side. Sandpaper is used to
rub off any rough edges on your project. It comes in grades ranging
from very coarse (very scratchy) to very fine (not very scratchy).
M ost of the time, you will shape the wood with a coarse
sandpaper first. Then change to a finer sandpaper to make a
smooth surface.
You can make a hand sander by nailing or gluing a piece of
sandpaper around a wooden block you can hold in your hand.
Home improvement stores also sell hand sanders.
Small First-Aid Kit
When working with tools, it is always a good idea to have a
small first-aid kit nearby. It should include adhesive bandages in
case you cut yourself and tweezers, a small magnifying glass, and
some antiseptic in case you get a splinter.
Practicing With Tools
Here are some ways you can practice using your tools:
With a hammer, see how many hits it takes you to drive a
nail into a piece of wood, or see how many nails you can
drive in five minutes.
With a screwdriver, see how long it takes you to place one
screw through two small pieces of wood. You could also use
a vise or a clamp with this, which is using two tools at one
time.
With a saw, see how well you cut using different thicknesses
of wood. Check your cuts to make sure they are straight
down, not slanted.
I practiced using the following tools:
1.
_________________________________________________
2.
_________________________________________________
3.
_________________________________________________
4.
_________________________________________________
Once you have finished with your tools, wipe them off with an
old cloth or rag, and place them back where they belong. This will
help your tools last longer. It will also help you find them the next
time you need them.
A Scout is helpful. Working with tools can be messy. If
you notice safe ways you can help clean up, offer to
help!
REQUIREMENT 2 | S elect, plan, and define the
materials for the projects you will complete in
requirement 3.
You can use the tools you’ve learned about to make many kinds
of projects. But all of them will begin with similar steps. Here’s
how to plan a project and read instructions or drawings.
1. S elect your project. Will it be something useful, something fun
to play with, or a gift for another person?
2. Read the directions. If you are using project instructions or
drawings, read through them completely before beginning. Then
read them one more time.
Just as a road map shows the route from one place to another,
project instructions or drawings show you how to complete your
project from beginning to end. It is important to read through the
instructions before you begin to gather your materials. They may
tell you the best type of wood for the project, how thick it should
be, and how much you will need. You might also need other items,
such as nails, screws, glue, and paint. You will also be able to
determine which tools you will need.
The next page includes the instructions for a simple tic-tac-toe
board. As you can see, the picture only shows the finished result.
It does not show any dimensions or other details.
Later in this adventure, you will find more detailed instructions
for other projects. Compare those instructions with the tic-tac-toe
instructions. Which one helps you understand how to build your
project in a better way? How could it be helpful to have both kinds
of instructions (written and illustrated)?
Tic-Tac-Toe Board
Cut a block of wood so it is 4 inches by 4 inches by 1
inch. Mark evenly spaced holes, and drill. Paint golf tees
—five of one color for “X” and five of another color for
“O.”
3. Determine the type of wood needed. If your instructions do
not tell you the type of wood you need for your project, you
can decide this by asking yourself some questions.
Do I want to paint or stain my project? Some woods might
hold paint better than stain. Also, you may want to paint
an inexpensive wood that has some flaws. But you may
choose to stain one that has lots of color or pattern.
Does my project need sturdy wood to hold it up (like a
stool, chair, or a table)? Using the wrong wood type might
mean you end up sitting on the floor!
Is my project a showpiece (like a stand for a pinewood
derby car) that will show off a pretty color or pattern of
wood? Using wood with a pretty color or an interesting
pattern is a fun way to make the project more attractive.
Will my project ever be outside? If your project will stay
outside (like a flower box), use a strong wood that takes
paint well. Also use a good sealant so the weather won’t
damage it.
By answering these questions, you will determine the right
type of wood for your project.
Here are common types of wood:
Pine, cedar, fir, cypress, and spruce are soft and easy to
work with.
Oak, walnut, hickory, maple, birch, and elm are hard and
more sturdy.
Oak and walnut have interesting grains.
Cedar has pretty colors and a nice smell.
Since different types of trees grow in different parts of the
country, is there another type of wood where you live that is good
for projects?
If the type of wood you want to use is not important, think
about finding wood that has been recycled. Your parent or den
leader can help you locate a place to find recycled wood. Some
ideas are house construction sites, cabinet shops, or wooden pallet
companies.
REQUIREMENT 3 | Assemble your materials, and
build one useful project and one fun project using
wood.
Useful projects include things like toolboxes. Fun projects
include things like tic-tac-toe boards. With your parent or den
leader, pick one useful and one fun project, and build both.
Below are some ideas to get you started. You may also choose
projects that aren’t listed here. Your local or school library is a
good place to begin searching for projects.
Toolbox Or Art Caddy
Materials and Tools
Five 1- by-6-inch pieces of wood to be cut to various
lengths
Broomstick piece or dowel, 18 inches long, for the handle
Wood screws
Wood glue
Hand saw
Brace and bit
Screwdriver
M easuring tape
Instructions
1. Cut two pieces of wood 17 ½ inches long for the two long sides.
|
|