Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE -- Building construction management students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville acquired some "building buddies" on Nov. 8. First graders from Potosi Elementary School visited the house currently under construction for the Construction Lab's house building project.

For their lab, students are building a house in Potosi from the ground up. The grade students receive is dependent upon their craftsmanship and if the house is finished on schedule. Students have two semesters to complete the project.

"It's different from any other class because you get to see the progress. It's different from traditional homework." said Keith Hasburgh, Construction Lab student.

Luann Droessler, first grade teacher at Potosi Elementary School is the owner of the house for the building project. She brought her students to the house to give them a hands-on learning experience. In class, the first graders are learning what is involved in building a house and about different styles of houses around the world. A math unit is being incorporated as students learn about measurements.

"The students are learning about all the different people it takes to build a house and about all the different career opportunities in construction. We've also discussed women in construction," added Droessler.

Construction students demonstrated different skills and tools involved in building a house. Each first grader was given a hard hat, tool belt and safety glasses. For each demonstration, the importance of safety was emphasized.

For the first demonstration, the first graders witnessed the students properly reinforce trusses with a two by four. In the attic of the house, Construction Lab students demonstrated how to properly align the two by four by measuring and using a chalk line to mark its placement.

After learning about proper placement, students showed the first graders what steps are involved in building a wall. Types of saws and cutting tools were demonstrated and the first graders were taught how to properly place the cut pieces and nail them together.

During the demonstration on shingling the house, the first graders were given the opportunity, with a Construction Lab student's help, to nail the shingles on plywood like they would be nailed on the actual roof.

"I liked that we got to nail the shingles on and have hard hats," said Logan Schmitz, a first grade student.

The first graders were given additional hands-on experience when they got to buddy up with a Construction Lab student and nail a small board.

Said Abby Kaiser, a first grade student, "My favorite part was nailing the boards."

Having "building buddies" join them was a rewarding experience for the Construction Lab students as well. Droessler commented on how comfortable the students were with the first graders.

"Seeing them (the first graders) so excited to see how things were done was the most rewarding experience of the day," said Kevin Rauch, a student project manager.

Students will take what they've learned and apply it to future projects such as building houses with popsicle sticks and paper. The class will visit about three more times to engage more in building the house as construction progresses.

After a hard day's work, Construction Lab students and their "buddies" enjoyed cookies and juice.

"I appreciate the university and Mark Shelstrom, professor of building construction management. They've put a lot of time and effort into this," stated Droessler.

Anyone interested in learning more about the house-building project or the first grader's visit may contact Shelstrom at (608) 342-1145 shelstrm@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Marc Shelstrom, building construction management, (608) 342-1145, shelstrm@uwplatt.edu

Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu