Hammond Middle School PACE Class Launches Dory Boat Models at Winkler Botanical Preserve |
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[Update, July 2011: All students in the PACE class passed both the PACE class and their math classes!] ASF built these boats at Hammond as part of a PACE Class, which was for both math and career and technical education. Matt Cupples is the CTE teacher. Jim Cooney is the math teacher. Joe Youcha was the ASF representative. Robin Muir and Rob Dutton were critical ASF volunteers. There were 14 kids in the class. We built models of the new Potomac River Dory Boats we are building at the shop. The kids' first project was to each build their own simple "pine wood derby" sailing model. They were done with those by October. We then started on pretty sophisticated, plank-on-frame models which they launched June 11. The kids did the layout, set up and building. Along the way, they learned how to use fractions, measure, use basic geometry and coordinate planes. The project was funded by the Juvenile Court Service Unit. It was part of a Federal earmark we got through Jim Moran. All of the kids needed to catch up in math. Many needed help to improve their behavior. Most were sixth graders who had also participated in our boat building/ math remediation camp for rising 6th graders. We'll be doing both the camp, and this class again.
Jodie and her staff at Winkler, especially Gary, were wonderful and let us sail the boats in their pond. We're looking to continue and expand that partnership.
Joe Youcha and Hammond PACE Class. |
