During spring of 2023 Marion High School staff Andrea Hansen, Dennis Fleege and Abby Wennekamp submitted a funded Marion School Foundation grant to provide tools/materials for Geometry in Construction, which is year two of the AMPED program.
The math and industrial tech departments are co-teaching the new Geometry in Construction (GIC) class at MHS this year, which is the continuation of the current AMPED Algebra class and GIC counts towards both a math and CTE credit. Students build and sell projects while meeting the Geometry Core Standards. Projects can include, but are not limited to, picnic tables, chicken coops, sheds, book shelves, swinging benches, play houses, etc. GIC focuses on future ready skills such as, working in groups/as a team, communicating professionally, meeting deadlines, completing a piece of work that demonstrates their learning, and student reflection.
In a final grant report, GIC staff shared that they have been using supplies granted by the foundation every day in the wood shop. Tape measures, safety glasses and circular saws are the most common tools they are currently using.
The class goal is for students to build/create items in the wood shop that they will then sell. That profit will be used to purchase new materials and replace equipment as needed.
When asked about the most important “outcomes” from doing this project staff were very enthusiastic.
“Kids LOVE being in the wood shop! When we are able to connect math to something in the real world, students truly buy in.”
The Marion Foundation’s grant program provides teachers an opportunity to receive funding for projects that benefit students in the Marion Independent School District. Grants are made possible because of generous contributions the Foundation receives throughout the year from both businesses and individuals as well as a number of educational funds that are invested with the Foundation for long-term benefit.