The Math Team was excited to resume the Experiential Learning Woodworking Project for the 2022-2023 school year with Holy Saviour Catholic School Gr 6-8, Holy Angels Catholic School Gr 5-8, St. Edward Catholic School Gr 6-8 and St. Hilary Catholic School Gr 7-8. The classes worked on three projects; Planter Box, Funky Birdhouse, and Storage Box.

This long-term project took part in over five lessons and used about 10 math or science blocks. The learning included: Idea Selection and Research, Blueprint, Templating and Budgeting, Safety Presentation and Build Day.

Aaron Stephens and Karly Baker from the Superior North Catholic District School Board Math Team directly supported all lessons with Zoom presentations and in-class support. They also encouraged the homeroom teacher to further expand from this project through cross-strand lessons (ex., journal writing, media literacy, visual arts and more). Classrooms could also connect to careers within their Xello profile or by viewing skilled trades using VR headsets. There are many great opportunities to document student learning within their digital portfolio, thus making connections and integration with our Brightspace program and creating collaboration with our Technology Enabled Learning Teacher (TELT) team. This Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) project correlates to the Creating Pathways to Success (2013) Ministry document with respect to the K-6 “All About Me” and 7-12 “Individual Pathways Plan” policy and framework. This project focuses on the following three areas of learning in the Conceptual Framework: Knowledge and Skills in the Four Areas of Learning in Education and Career/Life Planning (pg 15. Creating Pathways to Success, 2013): Knowing yourself, Exploring Opportunities, Making Decisions and Setting Goals.

Lastly, students explored and experimented with different aspects of the engineering process and created connections to their preferred learning style. Our students made mistakes, grew and learned as they put together their final builds.This project allows all students to demonstrate their own unique strengths, whether it’s drawing a blueprint, building their product, or developing their budget.

What a wonderful learning experience enjoyed by many!