Sheilah Chason, an SHS math and STEAM teacher, recently redesigned the curriculum for her design and build elective class. At school, the class focused on woodworking and creating everyday appliances like utensils, cooking spoons, etc. Once school was moved online, Chason realized that it would be difficult for students to continue woodworking because not everyone had the same supplies and utilities that are offered at the SHS design lab. 

As the upcoming school year slowly approaches, it is unknown what changes will need to be made to ensure the safety of the students. Chason and Lisa Yokana, another design and build teacher, redesigned their classes to focus on what next year might look like. Students have been assigned to different groups based on their interests. Sports, lunchtime, free periods, and classrooms are some of the many topics being investigated by students. When asked why she chose to do this as a final project, Chason said, “I think we are all trying to do the best we can for the opening of next year and to hear from [the students] is very important. We as teachers are talking about what to do but it’s important that the students also get a say.” According to Chason, although there are many difficulties surrounding the project, such as the uncertainty surrounding the next school year, it still has been helpful to hear the students’ different ideas and thoughts. The project incorporates into one of the class’s main focuses: the design process. “The title of the course is design and build and you guys are going through the design process right now, just as you were at the beginning of the year. You are identifying problems, interviewing people, and trying to brainstorm solutions,” said Chason. 

Ideally, Chason wants the students in her class to present the finished projects to Principal Bonamo and a committee focusing on the 2020-21 school year.