From September 9-14, the fourth Project Lead the Way course, Civil Engineering and Architecture, worked diligently to research an architectural house style to create a model and present their findings to the class.

The project was a basic introduction to the course. Each student chose a house style, for example a Queen Anne Victorian house or a Federal house, and researched important features that made their style differ from others.

After researching and creating a five slide presentation, the class began constructing models of their specific style. The students were given a base that was 12in, by 12in, and materials such as foam board, hot glue, exacto knives, and construction paper. Creating the model was not easy.

Project Lead the Way student Jake Santis said, “Building the model was easier said than done. The hardest parts were covering the model in colored construction paper and managing your time to build an entire model in three days.”

The project’s purpose was to give the students an interesting way to learn the material rather than read from a textbook. On September 13 and 14, the students presented their style to the class. Every student took notes on their classmates´ projects to eventually take a test on the styles.

Charlie Rasmussen said, “Everyone´s projects were great. They knew their classmates needed to learn the styles for the test which motivated the students to do well.”

The students in the class all enjoyed the project. They loved the hands-on teaching approach.

“The great part about the Project Lead the Way program is that you are never just sitting in the classroom. You´re always doing hands-on work in an exciting way. It really does a great job of introducing you to the engineering world,” said Dominic Barbagallo.

The Project Lead the Way program can lead to college credit and is an excellent way to be introduced to the engineering field. If you’re interested, talk to Mr. Lastova in room C106.