Community Projects: Hands-On Learning With a Purpose

TL;DR

Students design and build a hoverboard wheelchair for a classmate, showcasing empathy and problem-solving skills.

Transcript

(metal clicks) - [Student] That one won't go. - When we turn on the hoverboard, what's gonna happen? - [Student] It's gonna hit. - Because our students participate in meaningful projects, they are able to think outside of the box. They learn empathy and realize that their dreams may become a reality. (clapping) - Are you excited? - Yeah! - Part of ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Eminence School encourages students to tackle real-world problems and contribute to the community.
• 🧑‍🎓 The hoverboard wheelchair project not only provided a mobility solution for Tate but also taught the students valuable life skills.
• 🧑‍🎓 By overcoming challenges and figuring things out on their own, the students felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.
• 🤔 The students' ability to think outside the box and find cost-effective solutions demonstrates their creativity and resourcefulness.
• 🤩 Empathy and understanding for others' needs are key values emphasized by Eminence School.
• 🤗 The project highlights the power of hands-on, experiential learning in fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.
• 🛟 Making a difference in someone's life has a profound impact on both the receiver and the giver.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the idea for the hoverboard wheelchair come about?

The Special Ed. Director suggested the idea when it became apparent that Tate couldn't walk the long distance between classrooms.

Q: How did the students fund the project?

The students decided to sell advertisements to local businesses, raising the necessary funds to build the hoverboard wheelchair.

Q: What materials did the students choose for the wheelchair frame?

The students chose aluminum because it is light and strong, ensuring the safety of the hoverboard wheelchair.

Q: What skills did the students learn through the project?

The students gained hands-on experience in design, problem-solving, and math, while also developing empathy and understanding for Tate's needs.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Students at Eminence School work together to design and build a hoverboard wheelchair for their classmate Tate, who struggles with mobility.

• The students come up with a cost-effective solution by selling advertisements on the back of the wheelchair to fund the project.

• Through hands-on experience, the students learn valuable skills, such as problem-solving and empathy, while making a difference in someone's life.