Grade 6 students at Lancaster Drive Public School recently put their skills to work, using real tools to build their very own toolboxes in a hands-on carpentry project that brought safety, math and teamwork to life in the classroom.
“I wanted to do this near the beginning of the school year to help build community in the classroom,” says teacher Murray Dee. “You just watch them work together, and it’s amazing to see.”
Murray collaborated with Jeff Cardy, an elementary STEM teacher with the Limestone District School Board’s Experiential Learning Team. Jeff joined the class for the first two days to introduce students to the project and help them get started.
“There were a lot of safety discussions at the beginning, along with learning how to measure and use tools,” Murray says. “Some students didn’t realize they would actually be using the tools themselves for this project. They thought the teachers were going to be using them."
Once students understood the safety precautions and project requirements, the classroom transformed into a workshop.
“Students were setting up the workshop and taking it down each afternoon,” Murray says. “Many began the project feeling intimidated by the tools, so it was great to watch their confidence grow.”
Murray says the project was also a great way to introduce students to future opportunities, including in the skilled trades.
“Students were introduced to pathways such as the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, which many didn’t know about,” he says.
“The students in Mr. Dee's class really embraced this challenge,” Jeff says. “What started as hesitancy ended with full engagement, responsibility and a real sense of accountability for their own projects and those of others.”
"So many students persevered through difficulties, learned the importance of collaboration, and found out how big of a role mathematics plays in construction," he adds. "It was a great week!"
“Experiences like these spark curiosity and interest in skilled trades while helping students recognize the importance and value of real-world, practical learning,” Sara says. “It is exciting to see students developing new skills, building confidence, and discovering possibilities for secondary school and their future.”
The end of the project coincided with the school’s open house, giving families a chance to see what students had created.
“The parent feedback was incredible,” Murray says. “They were saying, ‘This is all my child has been talking about.’ When they saw the final product, they realized how nice the toolboxes were. Many students are now keeping them on their desks to hold their things.
"They are proud of what they made.”
