Sparks in the Schoolyard: What We Lost When Shop Class Disappeared

When we learned with tools, not screens

At some point in junior high, I had to choose a “shop.” My school in Mexico offered some sensible, safe options such as music, typing, and shorthand. But the ones most boys wanted were the two slightly dangerous ones — Electronics and Electricity or Metalwork.

These were not tucked-away electives; they had pride of place at the far end of the schoolyard…