Here's an article that promotes the idea of hands-on learning for our young'uns. The article points out that according, at least, to researcher Peter Gray traditional education in the USA leans more toward scholarly pursuits than making things... and that that's a problem. In his own words: "in the narrowest sense of the word, meaning someone who spends their time reading and writing. Of course, most people are not scholars. We survive by doing things.”
There's plenty of research cited in the article pointing towards the value of project-based hands-on education. I heartily suggest you read it.
The Triangle is alight with organizations (both non-profit and commercial) providing supplemental education to grownups that weren't offered Shop Class and likewise to our children who won't be offered the same.
Choices include Raleigh's TechShop RDU, Durham's SeeSaw Studio, the newly-founded Durham Hackerspace, WoodCraft, Student U, Citizen Schools, and, of course, long-time proponents (before it was cool!) of hands-on education from the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-H. I'm sure there are more. How about put them in the comments?
Just last night my six-year old was operating the drill press with considerable precision. Teach your children to make things. Our kids are more capable than you might think.
Friday, June 8, 2012 at 10:00AM 
We still need more soldering coaches for Maker Faire NC's 'Learn to Solder' area. Can you spare a few hours and show people how to make a cool blinky robot badge?