Sixth Graders Begin Building Their Snowshoes

One of the most exciting things about building the snowshoes is that the students are exposed to many different tools and skills. With a solid plan under their belts, the 6th graders have begun the process of assembling their 2008-2009 snowshoes. They began last week with the bindings which involved cutting the fabric and using a punch and grommet set. The buckles were sewn to the laces with a needle and thread, and they used a drill insert the "crampon" screws through the fabric and metal plate.

This week Kirt gave a presentation on the native willow being used for the frame, and then the students went outside to trim the branches off the whips. Several brave families took the whips home to soak overnight in bathtubs filled with warm water and biodegradeable fabric softener. Today the bending and shapin gof the frames begins...