Page 13 - TTMNSpring2026

Construction
Teaching Today Minnesota | Spring 2026 Page 13

Students Learn Hands-On Skills in New Construction Course at

Westonka High School

ing Tyvek® weather barriers. Nelson said that
The project emphasizes pre- Construction I offers a
cision, safety, teamwork, welcome change from
and problem-solving while traditional high school
exposing students to authentic classes. “In most classes,
construction practices. you’re sitting, reading,
WHS sophomores Gabe and writing. In this class,
Lundgren and Remington you’re up and moving. It’s
Nelson enrolled in Construc- loud, you’re working with
tion I after completing Woods your friends, and it feels
I last year. In addition to tech- like real work,” Nelson
nical construction skills, both said.
students say the course has Both students also
strengthened their teamwork, said the course has
communication, and problem- changed how they view the
solving abilities. trades and that they would
“This course is way more now consider a career in a
Becca Neuger complicated than Woods,” Nelson said. skilled trade. Lundgren shared that he appre- the course will eventually move into a new
Westonka Public Schools “We’re not just doing the building, we’re ciates the physical nature of the work and space. Additional vocational courses will
likes the idea of a job that doesn’t involve
be added next year, including nursing and
doing all the math, too. Last year everything
Students are gaining real-world expe- was squared and exact. Now we’re working sitting behind a desk all day. However, he machining/manufacturing, further expanding
rience in the skilled trades through a new with decimals, fractions, and angles.” would encourage students to consider taking hands-on, career-focused learning options
construction course at Westonka High School. Nelson described a real-world challenge the course even if they aren’t sure it fits their for students.
During the first semester of Construc- their crew encountered when the playhouse future plans. “It’s just good stuff to know,”
tion I, student work crews are building two structure, though measured correctly, still Lundgren said.
playhouses from the ground up, developing needed to be shortened by three inches on Construction I reflects Westonka’s com-
industry-relevant skills including framing, both ends to fit through a garage door — an mitment to career and technical education
installing trusses, roofing, leveling, running experience that reinforced the importance of and preparing students for future opportuni- westonka.k12.mn.us
plumbing lines, setting windows, and apply- adaptability in construction. ties. As the high school redesign continues,

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