During the month of May, Grade 7 and 8 students at the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) were invited to participate in a two-part virtual challenge: SMCDSB Skills Ontario Tower Build, as well as the Virtual Elmvale Skilled Trades Expo Online Scavenger Hunt.
Using one meter of tape and 16 sheets of 8.5 x 11 inch paper, 380 students in 16 classrooms rolled, folded, crinkled and ripped their way to some incredibly tall towers in the SMCDSB Skills Ontario Tower Build Challenge. In just 20 minutes, students had to design and build a free-standing tower made with only a small amount of materials. From Canadian Martyrs Catholic School in Penetanguishene, Mrs. Cairncross' class took first place in this part of the challenge, with an incredible 304 cm tower, and in second place was Mr. Schaap’s class with 254 cm. And from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Collingwood, Mrs. Kemsley’s class landed in third place with a 220 cm tower.
After the tower build challenge, students were invited to explore skilled trades careers and local opportunities by completing the Virtual Elmvale Skilled Trades Expo Online Scavenger Hunt. Participants navigated through a website packed with local information about skilled trades and had to find answers to specific questions.
Points were tallied from both challenges and the top three classrooms were:
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FIRST PLACE: Mrs. Cairncross' Class, Canadian Martyrs C.S. who built the tallest tower at 304cm and had 78% participation in the Elmvale Expo Scavenger Hunt
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SECOND PLACE: Mrs. McWhirter's Class, Monsignor Michael O'Leary C.S. who built a 200cm tower and had 100% participation in the Elmvale Expo Scavenger Hunt
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THIRD PLACE: Mr. Linklater's Class, St. Francis of Assisi C.S. who built a 198 cm tower and also had 100% participation in the Elmvale Expo Scavenger Hunt
Using design and planning, communication, creativity, and attention to detail, these students were able to use some of the critical skills needed for a career in the skilled trades.
Thank you to the teachers and organizers who were able to bring this unique experience to our students.