If I Had A Hammer

Click on above link to view the PCC News article by James Hill.

What is Hammer?

If I Had A Hammer is building a better education. Hammer works because the students do. This innovative, academics-based program puts the entire construction of a house-from working with a budget to putting the roof on-in the hands of the students! Students work in groups to assemble the 8 X 11 foot house, in less than two hours. Complete with windows, doors and a front porch, the free-standing house is the end result of communication, teamwork, and hands-on application of math and science concepts.

Through this process, students learn the real life application of subjects they have studied for years in school: math, science, social studies, language arts and more. Hammer isn't so much about building a house, as it is about showing students how education gives them the tools to build a successful life.

More than 200,000 students in over 50 different locations across North America have participated the Hammer program. Portland is the first site in Oregon.

How It Works Locally

PAVTEC on behalf of PCC applied for a grant to the If I Had A Hammer Foundation and Home Depot to bring this opportunity to elementary schools in the Portland metropolitan area. The grant was awarded and Spencer Hinkle, BCT Department Head, attended the "Hammer Boss" training in early fall 2001. The materials for the kit were delivered to the PCC Building Construction Technology department at the Rock Creek Campus in time for the November 27th Kick-off event. Katherine Kirsher's Fifth-grade class from Findley Elementary School (Beaverton School District) was the first group to experience the program.

The Building Construction Technology program at PCC provides the coordination and staffing for the program. This includes providing a "Hammer Boss" who leads the elementary students through the process. The students are divided up into four teams, designated by colors. Each team is in charge of constructing each side of the home. Parent volunteers assist the student teams in the construction of the house. Home Depot provides the hand tools including power drills, hammers, ladders, etc.

PCC is making the Hammer program available to local elementary schools two days per week for the next two years. 820 students and teachers have participated in the Hammer program since November 21, 2001. Scheduling is arranged through

Simeon Bergstedt
"If I Had A Hammer" Coordinator;
Hammer Boss

Mail:
Rock Creek Campus
17705 NW Springville Rd.
Building 7 Room 202
Portland, Oregon 97229

Voice:
503-977-2042

Email:
asbergstedt@msn.com

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