Pergola Palooza: Crafting Our Outdoor Oasis!

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th Grades

Project
4 weeks

Pergola Palooza: Crafting Our Outdoor Oasis!

PATRICK JENKINS

Purpose

The project aims to transform the school's outdoor cafeteria space into an engaging and enjoyable area for students by constructing a pergola and additional amenities. Through hands-on learning, students will develop practical skills in design, construction, and horticulture, while collaborating with community experts. This initiative encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, resulting in a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment that enhances the school's outdoor experience.

Learning goals

Students will develop practical skills in woodworking and construction, including milling and prepping lumber, drilling anchors, and selecting appropriate materials for outdoor structures. They will enhance their understanding of environmental science by researching and selecting plants suited to their local climate and learning how to care for them. Students will also strengthen their design and presentation skills by creating and revising outdoor space plans based on feedback. Additionally, they will gain experience in collaboration and project management as they work together to execute their design and engage with community experts. These experiences aim to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.MG.A.3: Apply geometric methods to solve design problems.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly and concisely.
NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and construct a pergola, planter boxes, a bin for sports equipment, and outdoor tables and benches. These products will be developed through hands-on activities that involve milling lumber, drilling anchors, and selecting appropriate materials for durability. Each student will contribute to the creation of a takeaway pamphlet with practical tips or instructions for building planter boxes. Additionally, students will demonstrate their skills by building a planter box live during the exhibition night. These projects will culminate in a transformed outdoor space that reflects the students' creativity and hard work.

Launch

Kick off the project by taking students to explore the current outdoor cafeteria space, encouraging them to observe and brainstorm potential improvements. Facilitate a discussion where students share their ideas and inspirations from outdoor spaces they have encountered in their lives. Have students measure and draft the space to visualize their concepts, setting the stage for collaborative design and planning.

Exhibition

Students will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the newly transformed outdoor space, showcasing the pergola, planter boxes, and other student-built elements. During the event, students will conduct live demonstrations, explaining the construction process and the choices made in materials and design. Families and community members will receive pamphlets created by students, offering insights and tips on building planter boxes and maintaining the outdoor space.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Project Kickoff and Exploration - Visit the outdoor cafeteria space to observe and brainstorm potential improvements, encouraging students to share their experiences and ideas from other outdoor spaces (20 min) Space Measurement and Drafting - Measure the outdoor space and draft a preliminary layout to visualize potential design concepts (25 min)	Introduction to Pergola Concepts - Discuss what a pergola is and explore various designs and purposes, focusing on how it enhances outdoor spaces (20 min) Collaborative Design Session - In groups, begin sketching initial design ideas for the pergola and other elements like planter boxes, considering the space's needs and students' vision (25 min)	Design Presentation and Feedback - Present initial design ideas to the class and receive peer feedback, emphasizing constructive criticism and potential improvements (25 min) Revision of Designs - Revise design sketches based on feedback, preparing for a more formal presentation to school administration (20 min)	Introduction to Woodworking Basics - Learn about different types of wood suitable for outdoor use and basic woodworking techniques needed for the project (20 min) Tool Safety and Usage - Discuss the safe use of tools and equipment required for milling and prepping lumber (25 min)	Engagement with a Contractor - Meet with a contractor specializing in outdoor builds to understand essential considerations for structural integrity and code compliance (25 min) Reflective Journaling - Reflect on the week's activities by writing in journals about what was learned, challenges faced, and personal contributions to the project (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed initial design proposals for the outdoor space. 2. Sketch and measurements of the current outdoor area.
Preparation	1. Gather measuring tools (tape measures, rulers), graph paper, and pencils for drafting sketches. 2. Prepare a presentation on materials suitable for outdoor use, including samples. 3. Secure woodworking tools and safety equipment for hands-on practice. 4. Arrange for a guest speaker, such as a landscaper, to discuss environmental considerations. 5. Set up a space for students to collaborate and draft design proposals.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Introduction to Woodworking Safety - Review safety procedures and protocols for using woodworking tools and machines (15 min) Milling and Prepping Lumber - Learn the steps to mill and prep lumber, including measuring, cutting, and sanding (30 min)	Drilling Anchors in Concrete - Demonstrate techniques for safely drilling anchors in concrete to support outdoor structures (20 min) Selecting Supports and Brackets - Identify and choose appropriate supports, brackets, and bolts for outdoor construction (25 min)	Wood Selection for Outdoor Use - Research and discuss the types of wood suitable for outdoor structures and their weather resistance (20 min) Designing Support Structures - Collaboratively design support structures for the pergola using geometric methods (25 min)	Presentation of Initial Pergola Designs - Present initial pergola designs to classmates for peer feedback (20 min) Incorporating Feedback - Revise pergola designs based on peer feedback and prepare for presentation to administration (25 min)	Presentation to Administration - Present revised pergola designs to school administration, incorporating their feedback (20 min) Finalizing Design Plans - Finalize design plans for the pergola and additional outdoor amenities, preparing for next week's construction phase (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed milling and prepping of all wood pieces required for the pergola and planter boxes. 2. Draft of design plans for the pergola, planter boxes, and outdoor furniture with integrated feedback.
Preparation	1. Gather and organize all necessary woodworking tools including saws, sanders, and drills. 2. Provide safety equipment such as goggles and gloves for all students. 3. Prepare handouts on types of wood and hardware suitable for outdoor use. 4. Arrange a guest speaker session with a landscaper or nursery employee to discuss plant options. 5. Set up a space for design presentations and feedback sessions.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Lumber Milling and Preparation - Students will mill and prepare lumber for the pergola, learning about safety, proper techniques, and the importance of precision in woodworking (45 min)	Anchor Drilling Techniques - Students practice drilling anchors in concrete, understanding the role of stability and support in construction (30 min) Material Selection Discussion - Students discuss and select appropriate brackets, supports, and bolts for the outdoor structure, considering weather resistance and durability (15 min)	Wood Selection Workshop - Students learn about various types of wood suitable for outdoor use, analyzing factors such as weather sustainability and cost (25 min) Plant Research Session - Students research plants that grow well in the local environment, focusing on planting and care techniques (20 min)	Design Code Compliance - Students explore building codes for load-bearing posts, ensuring their design meets safety standards (20 min) Design Revision and Feedback - Students present their revised designs to peers and receive feedback, incorporating suggestions to improve their plans (25 min)	Community Expert Session - A landscaper or nursery employee visits to discuss plant selection and care, offering professional insights (25 min) Final Design Presentation - Students finalize and present their outdoor space designs to administration, showcasing their plans and rationale (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized design plans for the pergola and planter boxes, adjusted according to feedback. 2. A completed list and procurement of required materials and tools for the pergola and planter boxes. 3. A practical demonstration of drilling anchors in concrete, showcasing the understanding of load-bearing code requirements.
Preparation	1. Arrange for the contractor to visit and prepare questions for the session. 2. Gather all necessary materials for milling and prepping lumber, including safety equipment. 3. Ensure all tools and machines are in working order and set up the workspace for construction activities. 4. Organize a checklist of required materials, brackets, bolts, and types of wood for outdoor use. 5. Prepare a safety briefing and demonstration for using tools and machines safely.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Crafting Takeaway Pamphlets - Design and create informative pamphlets that offer practical tips or instructions for building planter boxes (45 min)	Rehearsing Live Demonstrations - Practice the live demonstration of building a planter box, focusing on clear explanations and proper technique (45 min)	Final Construction Touch-Ups - Review and address any remaining details or issues in the pergola and outdoor structures to ensure readiness for exhibition night (45 min)	Exhibition Preparation - Set up the outdoor space and arrange all elements for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, ensuring everything is in place for the event (45 min)	Exhibition Night Execution - Host the ribbon-cutting ceremony, conduct live demonstrations, and distribute takeaway pamphlets to visitors (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed pergola, planter boxes, and outdoor furniture installed in the outdoor cafeteria space. 2. Takeaway pamphlets on how to build a planter box or project tips, ready for distribution at the exhibition. 3. Live demonstration plan finalized for exhibition night.
Preparation	1. Ensure all construction tools and materials are available and in good working condition for the final assembly. 2. Gather soil and plants for the planter boxes, based on prior research and expert recommendations. 3. Set up a stage or area for the live demonstration with necessary tools and materials. 4. Create and print final versions of the pamphlets for exhibition night. 5. Organize the exhibition space, including seating, lighting, and signage for the event.