There are separate programs for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes. Instructor materials are available on-line and NICE provides each student with a thorough project guide.
The 6th grade program: After learning about sustainability and how to build “green”, students will take one aspect of their school and improve the wise use of natural resources, from energy to material choices. They will investigate the size, shape, and building materials of their school, do an electricity audit, rate their school’s “greenness,” and then recommend, plan and build a “green” entertainment patio, landscape plan, rain garden addition, or rooftop garden. Their new improvement will be built in a 11”x17” box top from recycled materials with a maximum $5 budget.
The 7th grade program: After researching the feasibility of three new “kidspaces,” such as a ballpark, skating rink, skateboard park, soccer field, basketball or tennis court, students will choose one to design and build. They will learn conduct a survey and analyze information, evaluate alternative locations, how to use scale, estimate land usage, understand charts, and figure space. Their new kidspace will be built in a 11”x17” box top from recycled materials with a maximum $5 budget.
The 8th grade program: After learning about team roles and responsibilities, students set up the criteria for a park, determine potential locations using GoogleEarth, evaluate issues of safety, go through zoning and city offices by writing persuasively, design and budget their park and community center. They create blueprints, do a feasibility study, present their design and then construct their community center and park in a 11”x17” box top from recycled materials with a maximum $5 budget.
The iBuild Showcase is an annual exposition, inviting thousands of students to actively connect with over 200 construction and business-related trades, architects and engineering firms. Senior high school students can interview, often with success, for summer internships. Crayons to CAD displays are judged by a team of professionals in the construction field and prizes are awarded in several categories.