A TINY HOUSE AT MCMURRAY!

As a STEAM teacher it's been an honor to be a part of an incredible project --

Yes, I'm still impressed that we succeeded building three tiny houses at McMurray Middle.

We did it. We struggled. We learned. We applied the 4 C's...

The students were incredibly curious. The administration opened the door to make it happen. The business partners influenced a future generation of creators and innovators...

I was approached by Derek Howard, MNPS Project Manager for Facility Planning and Construction -- responsible for McMurray's restoration and renovation.

He said: "Let's start a project with your students. They must understand there are many opportunities in construction -- in case some of them will not make it to college."

I listened closely. We planned. Discussed. Got all approvals...

It began!!!

Mr. Howard connected us to MNPS power business partner, Jason Larkins from Orion Building Corporation. Orion donated all materials: doors, hinges, windows, 2x4's to build the skeleton of the house, paint and additional tools.

Between Oct and Dec 2017, Jason spent two days per week, 4 hrs each time. At this time, basic Construction Engineering concepts were introduced according to STEM.

Between Jan and March 2018, Jason guided the students to design and understand the concepts of elevation, measurements, angles and proportion (house had to be 4ft x 4ft).

April and May brought forth the building process, handle trial and error realities (design had to be changed!!) and the students improved the measurements (to fit the doors).

In summary...

All students learned to use building tools (safety issues were a priority at all times).

All students had full participation during the process.

All students realized their future career path has greater meaning and they could consider a career in a trade like electronics, plumbing, building (with great pay, steady employment and opportunities for growth). As long as the students keep a clean record and accept responsibility for their actions.