For their third annual math and science build project, intermediate students at Riverside Public School took a different approach: why not turn their learning into an opportunity to help families and organizations in need?
“We thought this year instead of building something for us, we would build something for the community,” said grade eight student, Austin Milburn. “It’s a good way to give back to our community and help give a fresh start to families in need.”
Milburn and his fellow students had to research ideas for their project, create the designs, price out materials, and write letters to local organizations. Three of the six tables and accompanying benches have been adopted by Chrysalis, Hospice Huntsville, and Habitat for Humanity, who has offered to take the remaining three for their future home builds if no other organizations request them.
(Above from left) Josh Aben, Jack Koop, volunteer Mike Koop, Emily Langfeld, and Haley Brooks work on one of the harvest tables; volunteer Bob Sutcliffe lends a hand to Connor Debreuil and Gavin Campbell
This unique learning experience was conceived by grade 7 and 8 teachers Greg Pitts and Katie Pellerin. The project was funded by the school’s parent council, parent and community volunteers lent a hand with the carpentry, and High Rock Construction helped to organize the April 19 build. Riverside’s gym was filled with the sounds of power tools as excited students had just two short hours to build six harvest tables and twelve benches. And at the end they were left with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
“I think it’s great,” said Milburn. “We’re helping families out and it’s a good learning experience. We have to make measurements and think on our feet to get them built quickly but neatly.”
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