The Wow We Mine Shaft kit (SP_04) is a strong Technology / PAT structures project — learners build a wooden shaft model and think about how mining structures carry loads, stay stable, and keep people safe.
This guide covers the classroom idea, how to plan the build, and where to buy the kit in South Africa.
### What this project teaches
• Structures: vertical shafts, bracing, and load paths
• Stability and safety thinking (why real mines use supports and clear access)
• Design–make–evaluate skills for PAT write-ups
• Optional context: South African mining heritage and engineering careers
Real mine shafts are engineered industrial structures. This school kit is a safe wooden classroom model of that idea — not a working mine.
### Kit facts (Wow We SP_04)
• Product: Mine Shaft School Project Kit (SP_04)
• Made in South Africa by Wow We
• Shop: https://www.wowwe.co.za/products/school-projects-kit-mine-shaft-sp-04
• Teachers hub: https://www.wowwe.co.za/pages/for-teachers-caps-pat-school-project-kits
Check the live product page for current price, stock, and what’s in the box.
### What you may need besides the kit
• Wood glue (and drying time)
• Optional paint or markers for labelling parts
• Ruler / set square for square bases and frames
• Soft surface for gentle stability checks (do not force)
### Suggested classroom plan
1. Intro: what a mine shaft is; loads from self-weight and equipment
2. Sketch: base, vertical members, platforms / cross-bracing
3. Dry-fit parts; identify which pieces form stiff frames
4. Assemble base and lower frame first; build upward in stages
5. Light stability check; improve bracing if it rocks
6. PAT write-up: labelled diagram, method, results, improvements
### Common mistakes
• Building tall sections before the base is square and dry
• Missing braces that stop twisting
• Forcing joints instead of dry-fitting
• Testing with too much force and breaking glue joints
### Related Wow We kits
• Cell phone tower (tall structures): https://www.wowwe.co.za/products/cell-phone-tower-school-projects
• Tower guide: https://www.wowwe.co.za/blogs/news/cell-phone-tower-school-project-structures-guide
• Bridge: https://www.wowwe.co.za/products/school-projects-kit-bridge-a-sp-05b
• Bridge guide: https://www.wowwe.co.za/blogs/news/wooden-bridge-school-project-structures-guide
### Buy the kit
https://www.wowwe.co.za/products/school-projects-kit-mine-shaft-sp-04
School orders: WhatsApp +27 81 544 3750
All school kits: https://www.wowwe.co.za/collections/school-project-kits
FAQ: https://www.wowwe.co.za/pages/wow-we-faq-school-kits-models-shipping
Wow We is a South African maker of laser-cut STEM kits — not affiliated with woww.co.za or WowWee.
