The sounds of hammers hitting nails isn’t uncommon to Ayden Church, sophomore, who grew up surrounded by family interested in construction.
Church’s interest in building and engineering began when he was five, and led him to take Algebra, Manufacturing, Productions, Entrepreneurship, and Design (AMPED) last year, and eventually Geometry in Construction (GIC).
“I was told by the teachers that geometry and construction was the essential part to the two sides class,” Church said. “You do math and then you apply it.”
For the first time at MHS, the GIC class is building a tiny home, which Church said he is looking forward to.
“I know the basics, but I don’t know as much as I will by the end of the year,” Church said.
Zach Avila, GIC teacher, has taught GIC along with Jeff Walner since its beginning at MHS six years ago. During that time, most projects have been small sheds, three of which are utilized at MHS for tools, supplies and athletic equipment.
You do math and then you apply it.
— Ayden Church
Avila said the movable tiny home project of this year is unlike any past build and presents many additional challenges. GIC classes have done some insulation, drywall, and a small amount of electrical work, but nothing of this scale.
“It is going to be a bit of a learning curve; we haven’t done it before,” Avila said. “It has to be built stronger than the typical wood frame home because it has to withstand moving. There’s a lot of guidelines and rules about how pieces and parts are connected.”
The project also will have to be kept weather-tight and constantly covered while building, as there are strict moisture regulations for homes, Avila said.
Avila said they are still about three weeks out from starting the project.GIC has already covered safety and tool identification and are now moving into tool usage.
“We know the project is going to be a challenge, but I think it will be a great experience for the kids,” Avila said. “It’s one of those things that sticks with students throughout high school and beyond, which is something not every teacher can say.”
It’s one of those things that sticks with students throughout high school and beyond, which is something not every teacher can say.
— Zach Avila
Once the home is completed, it will likely be auctioned off for roughly $30,000, which will cover the building costs.
Audrey Cox, freshman, took GIC for the hands-on component.
Cox said she wanted to be in an engaging and less formal math class than regular geometry, and has formed interest in construction as her family owns a farm for which they are often constructing items for.
On their farm, Cox said her family has built tiny houses before, so the project caught her attention.
“It’s interesting because usually I can’t say that math is really boring,” Cox said. “I think it’s going to be really fun.”
