Penn London first graders demonstrate Chompsaw woodworking project funded by Avon Grove Education Foundation

At a March Avon Grove School District board meeting, first graders from Penn London Elementary demonstrated a hands-on woodworking project using a Chompsaw tool purchased with a grant from the Avon Grove Education Foundation.

The presentation, introduced by Dr. Harvey, featured teacher Ms. Harrison and Penn London teacher Miss Shiley, who explained that the tool and accompanying workstations were obtained through a grant. Miss Shiley said the idea began after seeing an online advertisement and that the product developers had appeared on Shark Tank. "Who doesn't want to use power tools?" she told the board, describing how the grant was written and awarded.

Students demonstrated safety and basic technique before showing finished projects. "First, we put on our safety goggles. They keep our eyes safe from pieces of cardboard," said Lily, a first-grade student. Another student described lining up the white line on the saw with the guitar outline and using a hand saw with smaller teeth because it was "easier" to cut. John, a student, summarized a learning outcome: "During this project, we had to use a growth mindset. That means we had to be flexible and try again sometimes."

Ms. Harrison framed the activity as part of the district's Future Ready profile and the Penn London PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports) program. She said teachers began with thinner cardboard to teach technique, progressed to more complex shapes and painting, and incorporated recycling and reuse as part of engineering and sustainability learning. "This also starts for us to dip our toes into the state standards for Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Learning, and Sustainability," she said, describing the reuse and basic engineering work students are doing.

Presenters told the board the activity emphasized collaboration, accountability and citizenship: students held pieces steady for classmates using the saws, followed directions to complete steps, and helped clean up materials so tools will be ready for the next class. Ms. Harrison said the district plans to expand the project to all 13 first-grade classes and later introduce elements to kindergarten, noting safety procedures and adult supervision are part of every session.

Board members and attendees praised the students. One board member told the group, "You did a phenomenal job," and others thanked the Avon Grove Education Foundation for funding the program and encouraged attendance at the Foundation's fundraiser.

The presentation included an invitation for board members and adults in the room to try the tools at demonstration stations after the formal remarks ended.

Penn London staff and students said the activity is intended to connect early elementary students to design and engineering practices, practice growth mindset and collaboration, and provide opportunities for reuse and sustainability in classroom projects.