In the past, underclassmen have had few options for math classes, usually limited to either Algebra I, Geometry or their honors alternatives. Geometry in Construction, a new class offered at Liberty starting this year, provides another option for underclassmen when picking a math class.
Geometry in Construction is a hands-on approach to traditional geometry. The class consists of time in the geometry classroom and time in the workshop.
The students translate the lessons they learn in the classroom into hands-on projects in the workshop, allowing them to see how the math they learned applies in the real world.
Michelle Baxter (she/her), a geometry teacher at Liberty, is co-teaching the new class along with Thomas Soat (he/him), a teacher at both Liberty and West.
“I have the geometry side, so technically, that’s my area of expertise, and then he [Soat] has the construction side, but we co-teach it, and so we both do the same things. We’re just experts in our own fields,” Baxter said.
Soat emphasized the benefits of taking this class as opposed to regular Geometry.
“Students learn tool and worksite safety, problem-solving with tools, drawing interpretation and utilize coordinate geometry to study area, perimeter, volume, transformations, congruence and functions, making it a comprehensive two-period commitment that earns students both a math credit and a CTE elective credit,” Soat said.
Baxter mentions the benefits of adding this class to help cater to the preferred learning styles of different students.
“Some kids are 100% good with the traditional routes. But no matter whether you take regular Geometry or you’re in the Construction Geometry, it’s still a prep for Algebra II,” said Baxter. “If you want the hands-on side [of geometry], or if you plan to go into anything construction [like] design, engineering or architecture… [this] would lend itself really nice to those things” said Baxter.
Esme Arcenas (she/her), 9, thinks this method of learning geometry is better suited for her.
“I personally do way better with the hands-on stuff, so it’s much easier in my case to get a hang of the units and equations, because I’ve got hands-on examples,” said Arcenas.
The class is currently planning to build a variety of things, from step stools to side tables, all to be used by others.
Arcenas expressed her enthusiasm about the usage of their finished projects.
“I do like the fact that we’re going to be making stuff for other people, and that we’re actually going to be making something that’s going to be used,” said Arcenas
The class also provides opportunities for the general public to request a build for the class to make.
“You have to buy the materials, but all the labor is free, and we’ll make it,” said Baxter.
Arcenas is excited for this year’s big end-of-the-year project: building a shed functioning as a storage unit for the city of North Liberty.
