The Practical Arts
	The practical arts program at Waldorf High School asks students to design and craft objects of utility and beauty. Whether binding a book, weaving a basket, or carving a dovetail joint, they are expected to design their objects, plan their methods, gather their materials, and carry each project through to completion. Working with the substances of the earth - stone, wood, clay, and fibers - they awaken their hands and develop a deep appreciation for the transformative powers of craftsmanship. While the results of their careful work are reward enough, students in our Practical Arts courses also discover a way of working that they apply to other parts of their lives. In addition to practicing good work habits, such as neatness and care of tools, students invest their judgment and patience in coaxing their object into the form and function they've envisioned. They develop a feeling for what is right over time and with the smallest detail. Learning the skills of ancient and modern crafts, they develop respect for artisanship, and the work that human beings have always done with their hands. Practical arts classes are offered as electives. Students in grades nine through eleven must elect two trimesters of practical arts, and seniors must choose at least one trimester of practical arts.

	Basketry
	Elective Course, Mrs. Wells
	Students will learn the techniques via a simple basket such as a garlic basket. Then after looking at several samples and pictures, they will design and create one of their own choosing.

	Block Printing
	Elective Course, Mrs. Cooper
	Good printmaking requires sound composition skills. With cooperative graphic dialog work at the board and individual sketching, we’ll explore what gives rise to strong graphic composition. We will look at examples of printmaking through the ages. Technique level includes how to achieve texture, tone and value with various cutting tools, inking with two or more colors, using overlays, repetition designs, and graduated color change. Using rubber slab and/or linoleum block, students will design blocks which stand alone, or develop a triptych printing sequence.

	Bookbinding
	Elective Course, Mrs. Ruggiero
	Students will make a traditional Japanese bound book and a flat back, case bound book. Students will learn techniques of paper marbling and create paste paper for the covers.

	Jewelry
	Elective Course, Ms. Matson
	Students will learn how to make Native Ecuadorian style bracelets and necklaces. These are woven with tree fibers and seeds from the jungle and are made from all natural materials.

	Textile Arts
	Elective Course, Ms. Delaney
	Students may choose projects in knitting, sewing, crocheting, or weaving. They will receive help in selecting realistic projects for the time period we have available, but they will be expected to complete their project in order to receive credit. Loom or hoop weaving are options as well as hand and machine sewing.

	Digital Arts
	Elective Course, Mr. Oliver
	In this course, students will develop skills in digital photography, digital darkroom and photo-compositing, animation and digital film-making. While most of the time will be spent on individual and small-group projects of student’s choice, some skill-building assignments will be also required of all participants.

	Woodworking
	Elective Course, Mr. Grinarml
	Tenth grade student will make canoe paddles. Other students will work on various projects learning advanced techniques such as dovetail joinery and steam bending.

	Computer Programming
	Elective Course, Mr. Oliver
	In this course, open to beginners and all levels of experienced programmers, students will learn to write graphics software. Each student will design and create their own computer game and/or graphical simulation program. The primary language will be BASIC, though experienced programmers may also work in other languages such as Python or Java.