BY VIOLET JACK & ALEXANDREA IVANOFF
The Unalakleet Schools 5th hour shop class, a mix of high school students, has been working on a new project: a greenhouse! The project, led by Gary Eckenweiler, began a couple weeks ago when Principal Kris Busk suggested building a greenhouse and auctioning it off to the community to raise money for Unalakleet School’s shop program.
So far, the shop class has completed the floor frame, four walls, and the roof. When asked when it will be finished, Gary says, “We will finish the last day of class. We’re right there.”
In the greenhouse project, students are getting a chance to learn skills essential for building bigger projects, such as a house. They are learning how to frame various components of buildings including walls, doors, floors, and windows. The hope is that with the basic skills learned, this group of students will be able to construct greenhouses and similar structures for themselves in the future.
Why a greenhouse? It was a suggestion Mr. Busk had after the shop class found itself without a teacher. Looking at the number of weeks left, it was of a scope and scale that could be accomplished within the given timeframe, under the direction of a retired shop teacher.
For the students, the highlight has been working closely with friends. The whole experience has been described as “fun” and “eventful” by students working in the class. Students also hope to use the skills they are learning in their future to possibly build their own houses.
Keep an eye out for when the greenhouse goes up for auction. The class is hoping that it will go to someone who will grow many vegetables!