“If I Had a Hammer” Program comes to CJH-Directed by Mr. Derek Sparks, former WSU and San Francisco 49ers Running Back

(Read the article in the Fife Free Press)

"In this awesome, hands-on construction experience, approximately 50 CJH students broke into teams, donned safety glasses, grabbed hammers and nails and began to build an 8 ft. X 11 ft. house from a pre-fab kit. They learn construction math, safety principles and a bit of teamwork. If I Had a Hammer integrates the learning of academic subject matter with a fun, hands-on activity, combining a construction team activity with a classroom curriculum. The finished product — a free-standing house complete with windows, door and a front porch — is the result of teamwork, communication and the real-life application of math and science concepts. Students also build self-esteem and experience a powerful sense of accomplishment that comes through hard work.  To build the house and work through the classroom curriculum, students must come to an understanding of math concepts, functions and processes. The way students become engaged in the project teaches them valuable skills each step of the way — from adding fractions to measuring a room or factoring sales tax into a budget."  Special thanks to Mr. Sparks, Ms. Palmquist, Ms. Johnson, and Mr. Beddes for organizing this for our students. (adapted from the AGC Website)