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Young Builders - Oakview 5th graders learn the construction trade

It’s not every day that ten-year-olds get a chance to design a plumbing system for a house, and build both a bridge and a skyscraper. Yet in Emily Hoffman’s three social studies classes at Oakview Elementary, that is exactly what the students did. Of course, they built miniature versions of the real thing, but they still learned a great deal through the experience.

In October, Hoffman participated in an MAISD workshop for a program called Build Up!, which was sponsored by the Association General Contractors of America and Scholastic, Inc. The purpose of the program is to educate children on the construction industry, while helping to stimulate their imaginations, and improve thinking and team building skills.

At her workshop, Hoffman had received a Build Up! tool kit, which contained materials for about 25 one-hour lesson plans. The $199 toolkit was purchased for Hoffman by Muskegon Construction. Her students worked in two-or three-person teams, and they were responsible for developing budgets and plans, obtaining materials, figuring out a timeframe, and handling the construction and testing of the items they had built.

Hoffman says this was undoubtedly one of the most valuable projects she has ever used with her classes. “The kids just loved it,” she says. “After we finished the first project and were ready to tackle the next one, I could see the excitement building. By the time we were ready for the skyscraper project, they were really into it.” As for what the students learned from the experience, Hoffman says this: “For one thing, they could see how subjects like math, science, and economics really are important. Also, they learned skills such as how to work in teams, cooperation, careful planning, and budgeting. It was just a wonderful project and there is no question that I will do it again.”