Cotteral students learn hands-on building techniques

Cotteral students have gotten a close-up experience of the construction process of their future school. On Friday, they got to put on their hard hats and participate in constructing walls.

Under the guidance of Pitsco Education and Crossland Construction, students at Cotteral Elementary embarked on an exciting educational journey as they participated in a unique mock-up activity simulating the construction of concrete wall placement that is happening right next door at the future elementary school.

The innovative initiative aims to provide young learners with a hands-on experience of the construction process, fostering creativity, teamwork, and practical problem-solving skills.

Students constructed miniature precast walls with Pitsco Education, and during the wall placement activity, students simulated their miniature walls with Pitsco’s simulated crane.

This activity encourages students to explore the fundamentals of design, measurement, and construction techniques in a fun and interactive manner. Students were taught real-life skills in the construction field, much like Crossland Construction exhibits in their day-to-day work. Students learned the hand signals utilized on the ground during wall placement and operation of the simulated robotic crane.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson expressed his excitement about the project, highlighting its educational significance. “Any opportunity for our students to have a hands-on activity where they can visually see the application in real life will give them a memorable learning experience. We appreciate our partnership with Crossland Construction and their commitment to becoming part of the educational process with our students.”

By working together to build miniature walls, the students gained valuable insights into the practical applications of STEM concepts and construction work in real-world scenarios. The mock-up activity also serves as a platform for students to learn about the importance of architecture, engineering, and construction in shaping their environment.