Seventh Graders Craft Creative and Functional Clocks in Woodshop

In The Peck School’s Woodshop, seventh graders are taking time into their own hands—literally—by designing and building one-of-a-kind clocks. This long-standing woodworking tradition, led by Mr. Mortensen, has been a highlight of the seventh-grade curriculum for more than 30 years.

Each student begins with a simple block of wood and transforms it into a working clock that reflects their personal interests and creativity. Using tools such as the band saw, router, drill press, and laser cutter, students craft designs that are as artistic as they are functional—ranging from coastal landscapes to sports-themed creations.

“The clock project gives students an opportunity to really stretch their imaginations,” said Woodworking Teacher Mr. Mortensen. “It’s utilitarian—it tells time—but it transcends that. It becomes something beautiful, something that expresses who they are.”

While the project allows for artistic freedom, it also builds technical skills. Seventh graders are introduced to new tools like the saber saw and router, expanding on the foundational woodworking techniques they learned in sixth grade.