In the week leading up to winter break, energy was high across campus, and while focus can sometimes be a challenge, our middle school students were fully immersed in their Project Lab work. Excitement buzzed through the classroom as students engaged in a hands-on, interdisciplinary exploration of residential engineering.
This week’s learning was enriched by a special guest, Irene, a Mountain Academy parent who shared her expertise in residential engineering and design. Early in the week, students visited the Porter Ranch building site, where they observed the many stages of the engineering and construction process and gained insight into how ideas move from concept to completion.
Back in the classroom, students connected this real-world experience to their math learning. As they studied ratios, rates, and proportional relationships, they applied these concepts by designing and building scaled graham cracker model homes. Just as professional engineers do, students began by drafting detailed plans, which required approval before construction could begin. They then built structurally sound walls capable of supporting “plumbing and electrical work”, otherwise known as carefully placed candy decorations.
The final projects were nothing short of impressive. One team designed a two-story home that could be opened to reveal individual rooms inside. Another created a slanted roof complete with realistic icicles. Many groups added thoughtful details such as pools, hot tubs, roads, holiday lights, and wreaths, demonstrating both creativity and precision.
Through this project, students experienced the power of applying academic skills to real-world challenges, strengthening their problem-solving, collaboration, and design thinking while having a great deal of fun along the way.