ENNIS — Ennis high school students enrolled in the industrial technology building trades class learned first hand the realities of taking on a large building project.
These realities became public last week as the students unveiled their completed project in the form of a 10' by 12' custom playhouse.
The playhouse, currently on display at Ennis True Value, took seven months to complete from start to finish. Loaded with custom touches from top to bottom, constructing the playhouse has proven a valuable hands-on learning project from day one.
"For the past two years the class built gable roof sheds. I wanted to do something different if they were up for it. I had seen the playhouses in the Gallatin Valley Mall last year. My wife and I were really impressed with them. The kids liked the ideas and were excited about the opportunity to build a structure similar to a home. I thought there were more opportunities for learning in building the playhouse as opposed to building a shed," said Ennis IT teacher Jason Slater.
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According to Slater, the construction methods used to build the playhouse mimic those used in the construction of a typical home. Conventionally framed with 16-inch on center wall construction, students gained valuable insight into a variety of building techniques. Custom touches such as double dormers, loft space, an adult side entry, a covered porch, log siding, and architectural shingles added to the complexity of the project. From designing and planning to framing and roofing, students became immersed in a hands-on lesson in construction.
"The kids learned a lot about all the different aspects of completing a project from start to finish. They started with an idea and followed that idea to a completed project. The learned how much work it actually takes and all of the different aspects a person needs to think about just to build a playhouse. These same things would need to be addressed when building a home just on a larger scale," said Slater.
Senior Josh Kristovich viewed the seven month long project as an opportunity to sharpen his construction skills. He also valued the hands-on approach to learning.
"I gained more experience about construction with this project. I have been working construction for the past two years. The more I do, the better I get. Every little bit helps," said Kristovich. "It was a great hands-on experience. It's a little bit easier to do something when you are working hands-on instead of reading it out of a book." Freshman Justin Arnold learned just how expensive a building project can be, adding, "The prices of materials have gone through the roof. Things are really expensive. It costs a lot just to build a small playhouse. I can't imagine the cost of building something bigger like a house." The Building Trades class now hopes to sell the playhouse with the goal of earning enough money to fund a similar hands-on project next year. The playhouse is listed for sale at $4,500. According to Slater, all proceeds from the sale of the playhouse will be used to purchase tools and materials for the school shop. Slater also plans to set aside some of the funds for next year's class project n a project that already has students excited for next year. Seeing the result of the project has motivated many students to enroll in the building trades class for next year. To Slater's delight, more and more students are eager to learn about and be a part of the building trade.
"There are already kids excited to get involved and enroll in next year's class. Kids want to be part of the projects. They are seeing what is being done by the kids in the class. I'm optimistic that it will sell and we'll be able to build another playhouse next year," said Slater. "The kids did a great job. It's a project that taught a lot of different real world applications . . . As a class we would like to thank those in the community who supported our project with their guidance and help. Gordy Matson, Gary Croy, and Wayne Black helped us move and display the house and also offered support and guidance throughout the project." Keeley Fitzgerald is a correspondent for The Montana Standard's Three Rivers Edition. She can be reached at keeleyfitz@hotmail.com