LJMU Natural Curriculum Hub: Bow Saw Projects for Outdoor Learning

This session will explore safe, creative and inclusive woodworking activities that support wellbeing, neurodiversity and cross-curricular learning. You will leave with practical ideas, risk assessments and confidence in using bow saws with your pupils. Activities will include:

• Age: KS2 (with supervision)
• Skills: Sawing, drilling, threading
• Activity: Use bow saws to cut small branches into slices then drill holes and thread natural cord to create hanging mobiles.
• Learning Links: Art, design, nature appreciation

• Age: KS1 & KS2
• Skills: Sawing, imaginative play
• Activity: Saw a log section and decorate it as a “pet” using string, paint or natural materials.
• Learning Links: PSHE, storytelling, empathy

• Age: KS2
• Skills: Sawing, sanding, writing
• Activity: Cut discs from branches, sand them smooth and write names or messages/medals using markers .
• Learning Links: Literacy, identity, community building

• Age: KS2
• Skills: Sawing, construction
• Activity: Saw sticks and branches to build small shelters or fairy houses using natural materials.
• Learning Links: STEM, design & technology, storytelling

What to Expect:

• Tool safety and supervision strategies
• Nature-based project ideas (e.g. wood slice mobiles, log pets, fairy houses)
• Links to wellbeing, literacy and STEM
• Opportunities to collaborate and share practice

What to Bring: Comfortable outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear and your curiosity! All tools and materials will be provided.

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Host or Publisher LJMU, School of Education