We've all seen the Tiny House movement that has taken Portland by storm, and that storm has migrated to our lovely little town of Canby. Ackerman Academy is not only embracing tiny homes as an alternative housing option by also as an education tool for their students.
This exciting project started back in the beginning of 2014 when Ackerman Academy was awarded the Big Ideas Packed in Tiny Houses project as a part of the South-Metro Salem STEM Grant in conjuncture with the Oregon Department of Education STEM/STEAM/CTE Grant. This project was spearheaded by the collaborative team of Canby School District's former Superintendent Dr. John Steach and Ackerman's Principal Noel Hygelund. We here at Ackerman are beyond appreciative and honored to have been accepted for this grant, without which we couldn't have started this tiny house.
"This project will involve all students at the Ackerman Academies in a real life application connecting classroom learning to both future careers and social consciousness. Once developed, the model will be shared with other South-Metro Salem STEM Partnership districts and other alternative schools in an effort to start an annual students built Tiny Home show." -writes Steach in collaboration with Hygelund. "This grant will provide the cornerstone to introduce science and engineering into the Academies curriculum. Connecting a variety of academic subjects to the tangible construction projects will enhance understanding and overall learning for students (such as social issues or marketing)."
The goal: to design, build and sell a 216 square foot tiny house as part of a year-long study on sustainability and human impact on the environment. To begin the designing process students gathered data and ideas from research both online and through class trips to places such as the Portland Tiny House Caravan, during which they were able to see first hand the final product, the possibility of what they would soon be able to accomplish themselves. Students also had the opportunity to listen to guest speakers, study green building techniques, as well as working with a professional interior designer and real estate agent Suze Riley who has been volunteering her time during this build. Following this research stage students and Construction teacher Steve Fearing brought their ideas to the table. Discussed the pros and cons of their suggestions, deciding upon a concept/design combining both their inspiration from various completed tiny homes as well as their own personal designs.
The house is built on a 20 by 8 foot trailer and will feature two lofts, new windows, and many reclaimed pieces, such as stained glass and vintage oak floors purchased from the Rebuilding Center on Mississippi Avenue in Portland.
"I'm very impressed with the combined efforts and the great lengths we have come so far," building construction teacher Steve Fearing said. "Students have varied background of experience in building construction, from zero to basic building skills. They've overcome their limitations through hard work and dedication."
We are so proud of what our students have already and are continuing to accomplish on this project. It's been exciting to see and hear progress being made from the surrounding schools and district office. To see the house take form makes this project all the more real, more fathomable for our students that they are working wholeheartedly on building something that someday soon will be someone's home!
This past week we had the change to talk to a couple students along with Mr Fearing to create this little film for you all! Enjoy!!!
Please take a moment to check out some of the photographs documenting the progress of this building, these students have been hard at work this year.
This exciting project started back in the beginning of 2014 when Ackerman Academy was awarded the Big Ideas Packed in Tiny Houses project as a part of the South-Metro Salem STEM Grant in conjuncture with the Oregon Department of Education STEM/STEAM/CTE Grant. This project was spearheaded by the collaborative team of Canby School District's former Superintendent Dr. John Steach and Ackerman's Principal Noel Hygelund. We here at Ackerman are beyond appreciative and honored to have been accepted for this grant, without which we couldn't have started this tiny house.
The goal: to design, build and sell a 216 square foot tiny house as part of a year-long study on sustainability and human impact on the environment. To begin the designing process students gathered data and ideas from research both online and through class trips to places such as the Portland Tiny House Caravan, during which they were able to see first hand the final product, the possibility of what they would soon be able to accomplish themselves. Students also had the opportunity to listen to guest speakers, study green building techniques, as well as working with a professional interior designer and real estate agent Suze Riley who has been volunteering her time during this build. Following this research stage students and Construction teacher Steve Fearing brought their ideas to the table. Discussed the pros and cons of their suggestions, deciding upon a concept/design combining both their inspiration from various completed tiny homes as well as their own personal designs.
The house is built on a 20 by 8 foot trailer and will feature two lofts, new windows, and many reclaimed pieces, such as stained glass and vintage oak floors purchased from the Rebuilding Center on Mississippi Avenue in Portland.
This past week we had the change to talk to a couple students along with Mr Fearing to create this little film for you all! Enjoy!!!
Please take a moment to check out some of the photographs documenting the progress of this building, these students have been hard at work this year.
Thank you for stopping by!
All videography by Melanie Kratzer. All photography by students directed by Sue Riley.
All videography by Melanie Kratzer. All photography by students directed by Sue Riley.