Teachers: Jeff Govoni, Jenny Merrill & Bailey Kleis
Grade & Subject: 5th Grade
School: High Tech Elementary

The students delved into the world of design and build concepts, channeling their creativity into constructing unique and comfortable homes for the pets up for adoption. They designed prototypes before tackling the full build. It wasn’t just about creating functional shelters; it was about instilling a sense of responsibility and care for the animals they were helping. Along the with designing and building pet houses, students were challenged to create an awareness and fundraising campaign. As part of the broader campaign, the students engaged in the “Pennies for Pets” initiative, a fundraising effort designed to support local animal shelters. The funds collected were used to provide essential supplies for the pets, ensuring their well-being even after the adoption event. The fifth-grade students had successfully surpassed their initial goal of $1,000, ultimately raising over $2,000 for homeless and injured pets.

Local animal shelters, including Animal Pad and Whiskers Without Borders, participated in the event, offering attendees the opportunity to adopt pets and learn about ways to volunteer or support their respective organizations.

Teacher Reflection

After years of engaging in construction projects, I’ve come to realize that they represent the most effective means of fostering high motivation and, subsequently, providing exceptional opportunities for deeper learning. In each construction endeavor, I’ve adhered to the design process and harnessed the power of task boards to fashion prototypes, employing a critique process to refine our work as we progressed. My students embarked on numerous prototypes and mini models. These typically commenced with card stock, then graduated to cardboard, eventually culminating in balsa wood prototypes, most of which included frames mirroring the final product.

­—Jeff Govoni

Student Reflection

It’s always better to adopt a pet from a rescue shelter than buying from a breeder. Because this way, you’ll be saving two lives. One, you are saving an animal that’s homeless or sick, and two, you will help open up space in the shelter for a new animal. I learned that animals are not just creatures, they can be a big part of your family and life. They’re very special. …I enjoyed a lot of this, the building process. It was super-duper fun, and I learned a lot!

—River