Getting hands involved in class activities is becoming more and more popular among class curriculums. Learning is no longer always sitting in a classroom listening to lectures, taking notes and reading textbooks. Whether a student is working in a shop, a lab, making t-shirts or even using a 3D printer, students learn plenty of life skills and ways to work with new technologies. 

This year, a new class was offered to students called “Make and Break”. This class gets students involved in the engineering field. Students complete activities where they work with 3D printers and make concrete warriors that they would break with bowling balls. They also test how much weight their projects can hold, things like bridges made from paper. The class is taught by Mr. Gagich.

 Students can also get hands-on work and experience in Mr. Badmos’s classes as well. Robotics is a popular class where students learn how to build robots, and prepare for the BotsIQ competition They participate in working with welding techniques, machinery and wiring. This class also offers students the opportunity to discover careers in technology and  engineering fields. Badamo teaches woodworking classes and a home maintenance class, too. Woodworking classes allow students to get familiar with woodworking equipment and safety procedures. Students learn detailed calculations and drawings in the advanced classes. Home Maintenance offers a class that can be referenced in students’ future lives. The class offers repair and maintenance of materials and functions of residential structures. Students learn about tools and get their hands on basic repair projects that can be completed at home. 

“It’s cool being able to learn about technology and being able to use it in real world situations,” senior David Denkovich said. 

Science classes also provide hands-on learning for students. When taking a science course, there’s a good chance one will have to complete many labs throughout the year. There are many Science curriculums to choose from throughout four years of high school. Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Anatomy classes are all classes where students will constantly be working in labs. They will learn things like trial and error methods, ways certain chemicals will react with each other when mixed or even examine different hair follicles or skin cells under microscopes. Science courses are taught by teachers Dr. Wargo, Ms. Homa, Ms. Circle and Ms. Evans. 

The Beaver County Career and Technology Center (CTC) offers many programs to juniors and seniors for jobs and life after high school. The program consists of many hands-on learning activities. CTC offers programs like cosmetology, carpentry, electrical work, culinary arts and more. Students will learn real life work situations to further better them once they graduate.

Getting students involved in the classroom helps keep them on their toes and can helps them have a better understanding of ongoing units and lessons being taught.