Transportation

Build a classic toy train, modeled after the toys children enjoyed in earlier years. These trains last a lifetime, and make for the perfect toy to be played with for years! With endless decorating possibilities, this toy train introduces children to the fundamentals of building and crafting with wood.

The parts of this project are all produced and cut by our team of apprentices, who are 13-18 years old. Apprentices train in all aspects of design, production, and education. Learn more about the Apprentice Program HERE.

A gondola is a long, narrow, traditional Venetian rowing boat. Propelled by a gondolier using a single oar, Gondolas have been in use since at least the 11th century. Historically, they were a primary means of transport for Venetians, especially the upper classes. Today, they are enjoyed mostly by tourists as an iconic symbol of the city of Venice. Students will construct a traditional Venetian gondola while learning about the city's history, infrastructure, and how the need to create this mode of transportation came about.

Ancient Egyptian funerary barges were ceremonial and symbolic vessels used to transport the deceased across the Nile and into the afterlife. They were often decorated with carvings and paintings, and sometimes found in large tombs as part of the burial goods. These boats varied in size and design, representing the deceased's journey to the afterlife and serving as provisions for their eternal existence.

Exploring global architecture and transportation is an artful approach in teaching students about international and historical diversity. Building together and learning about communities to understand people and culture is an effective way to continue or ignite interdisciplinary conversations about traditions, climate, and geography.

During this program, students will construct models of architecture and/or vehicles from around the world. 
Students can build castles and temples, pyramids and pagodas, or a funeral barge from far-off lands centuries ago. Use basic workshop tools, wood, and other materials to bring these relics to life. 

Are you teaching a subject not covered in our existing catalog? We can design and create inventive projects that fit your needs.

Choose two mini projects that will take 2 hours to build ($18).

Canals were the world's first steps towards mass movement infrastructure. Before technology like trains and automobiles, boats were the first vehicles capable of moving large amounts of goods and people from one place to another. All you needed was water and a boat! When there was no water, humans devised a way to create waterways. Humans have dug canals since the time of ancient Egypt and China. Connecticut was once home to a canal that helped open the interior of New England to industry and trade. Each student will learn this history and build their own canal boat with unique features to help it navigate these man-made waterways.