This post is under construction (see what I did there?)
Usually, my engineering classes build doghouses for needy dogs through Houses of Wood and Straw. It's a wonderful service program, provides a LOT of valuable learning in the woodshop, and H.O.W.S. reaches out to local businesses, like Blue Ridge Building, to donate the wood. I typically have Guidance schedule as many Engineering classes in the fall so that they can participate in this and save as many dogs as possible from a freezing winter. This year, H.O.W.S. is holding off with builds, etc. because of the high price of lumber. I have had to pivot to a new project that doesn't have someone donating wood. I immediately focused on helping the school with hall passes and directional signs while I noticed the lack of outdoor seating for all of our outdoor lunches (which are out there, of course, due to Covid). The only drawback is the high cost of lumber and hardware.
I'm currently pricing everything it will take to build 15 doghouses (5 per class) for Henley at both Home Depot and Blue Ridge Building Supply (now called Cardinal Home Center), but I fully expect it to be quite costly.
My assistant principal Becky Fisher and principal Beth Costa have encouraged me to go ahead with the process. I really do feel like this is both a useful and a worthy service project for my kids in my engineering classes, in addition to providing Henley students with a valuable resource, as we spend so much time outdoors during Covid.
I have found Home Depot's plans: https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-build-a-picnic-table/9ba683603be9fa5395fab902da03929 to be HORRIBLE. My class and I are interpreting them and making new plans as we go. The pictures don't match the materials or the directions, so we are even taking pictures. Here is our slideshow, complete with plans and guidelines for excellence:
