Chester High School, Chester, California

Chester High School, located 200 miles north of Sacramento in Chester, California is a new site for implementing Geometry in Construction. On the shores of Lake Almanor, the high school is small by many standards with 180 students but big in spirit. Construction teacher Paul Hardig, with 24 years experience, and Math teacher Shawn Mahaffey, with 20 years experience, are two energetic teachers with a passion for their students.

Describe the structure that you are building?
The house is 16 ft by 20 ft. It is unusual because it is a 2-story. Radiant floor heating is being explored as the heating option. The cabinets will be built by the class. The plans were originally used by a local junior college and more recently updated by a local engineering company.

Describe the classes that are involved?
The primary Geometry in Construction class is 16 students strong with 6 girls and 10 boys. The students in this class really benefit from a different approach to mathematics, says Shawn. The curriculum is “great stuff” and my students are gaining “valuable experience” through the program. The students are more eager to learn when they can “get their hands on the math”. Other classes involved in the building of the structure will be a construction class of 10 students headed by Paul. There is one other “highly academic” Geometry class being taught using College Preparatory Mathematics. Many of the activities and problems from the Geometry in Construction class have been used in this geometry class with great success.

What are some of the reactions from others?
We have had lots of support from the school administration, ROP director, parents, and the community. We have already presented to the local Rotary Club and believe that many donations will be forthcoming. Our parents have been very positive.

What advice do you have for others considering Geometry in Construction?
Teachers need to have a good grasp of cooperative learning to get the full benefit of the course. The other piece of advice would be for the proposal/paperwork to be started early…preferably in the spring before the fall when the class is implemented.

Students at Chester High School are indeed fortunate to have teachers such as Paul Hardig and Shawn Mahaffey who have worked above and beyond to bring this class to their community. Thanks Paul and Shawn!