Labor
Works for You - Grades 2-4
$22.00
Labor
Works for You is a curriculum set of nine lessons
for students in grades two through four to teach about
investment in human capital, examination of careers in
the construction industry, and awareness of unionized labor.
This curriculum was written with active participation of representatives of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, and the Sheet Metal Workers International Association. It is divided into three units focusing on carpentry,plumbing, and sheet metal work.
The ideal delivery system would involve the classroom teacher and a worker representing the career focus of the unit. In the foreword, teachers are encouraged to contact their local labor council to find union members to help in delivery. However, in the absence of available workers, these lessons can and should be taught by the classroom teacher to encourage student learning in the areas of the construction trades and organized labor.
Unit 1 focuses on plumbing. Students learn about human resources, capital resources, and investment in human capital. They hear a short poem focusing on a task faced by Ms. Ivanov, the plumber, and then move through work stations where they assemble and disassemble a spigot and join and measure pipes. They take part in a story focusing on plumber education and learn about the activities of George Meany and the merger of the AFL with the CIO by role playing various labor organizations huddled together under an umbrella.
Unit 2 focuses on carpentry. Students again learn about resources and human capital by reading a story of a young boy trying to build things for his mom. They participate in Driving a Nail, Sanding Wood, Measuring, and Level Surface work stations. They learn about home construction and construct a house puzzle. They also read a story about Peter McGuire and the origin of Labor Day, later constructing a Labor Day parade featuring events in labor history.
Unit 3 focuses on sheet metal work. Students read about Billy, who lives in a very hot house until air conditioning is installed. They go on a scavenger hunt through the school in search of sheet metal work. Students construct duct work, a down spout, and an ornamental sheet metal piece. They also read about Mother Jones and her actions to eliminate child labor. Finally, they write letters to Mother Jones describing their school activities that build their work skills for future participation in the labor force.
This curriculum delivers education in human capital development, the construction trades, and the historical efforts of organized labor to bring about safe working environments.