Construction Futures

What is Build Up! ? Build Up! is the first phase of the Construction Futures Campaign, an initiative to enhance the image of the construction industry through coordinated educational and community service activities. Build Up! is specifically aimed at fifth graders with educational curriculum that is packaged and delivered to teachers in a Build Up! Tool Kit. Why does Build Up! target students in the fifth grade as opposed to other grades? Build Up! is geared to fifth graders, mainly 10-year olds, because they have the motor skills to work with hands-on materials. In addition, it is at this age that children begin eliminating career choices that they find less enticing. What is included in the Build Up! Tool Kit?

The Build Up! Tool Kit is designed like a toolbox and made of sturdy plastic. The kit includes activities designed to educate children on the construction industry, emphasizing the positive impact on the environment and the importance of construction site safety. The tool kit contains the following materials: Build Up! Teaching Guide: Activities and lesson plans for hands-on activities and resources. "How Do They Build Bridges" Video: An up-close look at behind the scenes during the construction of bridges. Family Pages: student takes home materials that stress construction safety, and suggests family explorations for the entire family to enjoy. Teacher Wrap: Packets of supplemental activities for the student designed to complement and link the Build Up! teaching guide and family pages. Teacher Questionnaire: Solicits feedback from teachers on how to improve the teaching materials and activities. Consumable Materials for Classroom Projects: Includes 12" pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, modeling clay, and 12" rulers for hands-on activities (materials may be replenished for approximately $10-$20/year) 4-Color Build Up! poster: Showcases construction with class activities on the back. "Up Goes the Skyscraper" Book by Gail Gibons: Each kit contains 8 copies. Roadways Supplement: 12 page student activity module and corresponding color poster exploring road building and heavy equipment.
How much does the Build Up! Tool Kit cost? There is no cost to eligible 5th grade teachers! The AGC, Greater Detroit Chapter, the Michigan Chapter AGC, and the Michigan Road Builders Association along with their members and others sponsor the Tool Kits for your school. Contact us to see if you qualify for a free tool kit. Kits may also be purchased for $199.00. How long will it take to cover the Build Up! Material? The Build Up! teachers guide includes approximately 25, one-hour lesson plans, designed to be taught over a 2-3 week period, depending on the activities the teacher chooses to cover with the class. Road-Ways, a self contained addition to Build Up! is designed to be taught in 9-11 one hour lesson. Goals for AGC's Build Up! Program Restore a Sense of Pride for the Construction Industry: Build Up! takes students on a journey of discovery inside the structures that make up their world. It teaches them basic principles of construction and guides then through hands-on activities. Captivate Students' Imagination with a Look at Their Futures: Build Up! looks into the future to reveal futuristic building challenges, such as mile-high buildings, and extra-long bridges, and provides students with important information about the exciting, rewarding, and diverse career opportunities the construction industry offers. Demonstrate How the Industry Contributes to Students' Quality of Life: Build Up! focuses on environmental challenges including land-use considerations and energy efficient buildings. Included in the Build Up! Tool Kit is a "Dear Family Letter" students share with their parents on the vital role construction plays in everyone's life. Create a Positive Lasting Impression: Build Up! exposes children and their parents to the exciting world of construction, emphasizing the variety of career options available to them. Provide a Better Understanding of the Construction Industry: Build Up! creates a future receptive audience who will be the builders, owners, architects, engineers, mayors and city council members for the towns and cities of tomorrow. Build Up! Sponsors Click here to visit our partner page!