Coding Club Field Trip Builds a Strong Foundation

From the moment they stepped off the bus during a recent field trip, members of McKemy Academy of International Studies Middle School’s Coding Club were immersed in the world of construction. As guests of Chasse Building Company, these wide-eyed students were invited to the active job site of Larry Kennedy School in Phoenix. The goal of the field trip was to offer students an insider’s look into how a project transforms from blueprints and renderings to brick and mortar while also exploring the many career opportunities in construction.

As students donned safety vests and hard hats, the day began by exploring a virtual rendering of the planned school campus. Members of the Chasse team provided background on how plans on paper become digital renderings and then physical buildings. Now armed with context, students headed to the heart of the construction zone to examine the activity firsthand. 

For Chasse’s Director of Business Development Taylor Perkins, the opportunity to provide a unique, meaningful experience for students was paramount to the day.

“Our company is all about building to make a difference, that’s kind of our value and our mission. One way we do that is through these construction tours so that the students can ask questions and get curious about trades, or the different jobs you can have in construction, and just kind of give them that exposure,” Perkins said. “It’s cool to see that spark ignited and give them a different experience.”

For Coding Club sponsor and McKemy teacher Robin Stockmar, this spark Perkins spoke of is very real for her computer-minded students. 

“These students are very interested in using computer-aided programs to create three-dimensional spaces, and they were able to see what they can do as coders in the future,” she said. 

Chasse Project Manager Connor Lewis echoes Stockmar’s feelings of this opportunity being a great introduction to different pathways for students. Although he didn’t see himself in construction, his science background led him to the growing field in 2014. Lewis hopes this opportunity encourages students to dive further into their interests and also value some of the softer skills they develop in the classroom. 

“A lot of us have different backgrounds, so it’s not just a linear path here,” he said. “Any kind of analytical skills you have are going to translate into pretty much any industry. If you can be analytical, if you can think, if you can work with other people, then this industry would be great for you.”

Whether or not these students are inspired to work in the field of construction, Stockman values the ability to bring students beyond the confines of the classroom. 

“I believe it is very important to have these experiences because it shows students that what we learn in school does apply to real life, and the skills we learn in how to work as a team or understand the process that is needed to create something we use every day,” Stockman said.

About McKemy Academy of International Studies Middle School
McKemy Academy of International Studies is designed for academically bright students in grades 6-8 who thrive in an intellectually rigorous learning environment where they utilize cutting-edge technology tools to solve real-world problems and create a better, more peaceful world. McKemy supports the adolescent learner living in the 21st Century by helping students make connections between life in school, life at home, and life in the real world. Learn more about McKemy Academy of International Studies.