From site preparation and permit acquisition to the installation of sheetrock and interior fixtures, students at Sebastian Middle School will soon be constructing custom homes from the ground up. Though some students would be more than eager to operate an actual circular saw, parents can rest assured that all construction is strictly virtual, occurring from the safety and comfort of the classroom.
Palencia recently presented Sebastain Middle School with a network version of “Building Homes of Our Own,” an interactive teaching tool specifically designed for the middle and high school classroom environment. Developed by the National Association of Homebuilders as part of a comprehensive educational outreach initiative, the program is free to classroom educators and members of affiliated homebuilder associations.
“As one of St. Johns County’s hardest working educational institutions, Sebastain Middle school is the perfect place to test the ingenuity of the program and creativity of the students,” said Naomi Lumley, sales and marketing director for Hines at Palencia. “The administrative and teaching staff at Sebastian Middle are constantly evolving their techniques and curriculum to provide our students with a truly superior learning environment that engages both their minds and interest.
“We want to support them in whatever way we can, and by providing them a copy of the ‘Building Homes of Our Own’ software maybe we’ll even get a few future contractors, architects, and landscape planners out of the deal!”
According to Principal Paul Abbatinozzi, Lumley’s wish might soon come true. “Palencia’s donation couldn’t have come at a better time - one of our new electives here at Sebastian Middle incorporates career inventories balanced with the educational and technical skills required to enter a specific field,” said Abbatinozzi. “In my opinion, the ‘Building Homes of Our Own’ teaching tool contains all the components that are needed to test our students in multiple academic areas as well allow for critical thinking across the board.”
This computer simulation game presents users with a macro view of the entire home building process from site selection to final sale. Students collect information and seek advise from in-game experts, solve zoning and permit problems, and make a multitude of other choices as they build a 3D home. Once the final coat of paint dries and the sod has been placed, players “win” the game by reviewing credit applications and selling their newly constructed home to the buyer of their choice for a tidy profit.
“‘Building Homes of Our Own’ blends key concepts from math, science, social studies, and language arts into a highly engaging, interactive game, making the introduction this type of software into the classroom environment a creative supplement to traditional lesson plans. “We’re in the business of meeting kids’ needs,” said Abbatinozzi. “Adapting current technologies into students’ lives is a great way to meet those needs, and it’s thanks to the support of communities like Palencia that St. Johns County is able to provide its children with such a superior education.”