DATE: Friday, June 13, 1997                 TAG: 9706120202

SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON   PAGE: 22   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY LORI A. DENNEY, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   56 lines

BAYSIDE CONSTRUCTION STUDENTS LEARN FROM HANDS-ON APPROACH

Tim Kennedy knows there's a lot more to learning than just a passing grade on paper.

Kennedy, a Bayside High School construction and manufacturing technology teacher, believes in a hands-on approach when it comes to teaching his students the ins and outs of the two trades.

Thus far, his formula for real-life learning has paid off handsomely. Students have assembled and sold lawn furniture, tables, benches and their biggest project yet, custom sheds.

When the shed project began a few years ago, Kennedy's students sold and made six sheds. This year, five classes of students are putting the finishing touches on 15 sheds.

The shed program, said Kennedy, ``has taken on a life of its own.''

So much so that Kennedy has called in other teachers and their students to help ease the burden.

This year is the first time that students in communications, math, and electronics were asked to help.

``This was a way to get the teachers together,'' said Kennedy, 31. ``It's almost like going back to the one-room schoolhouse.''

Math students were asked to calculate specifics, like the width of rafters. Communications students developed a marketing plan and actually helped to advertise the program and bring in the orders. Electronic electricity students wired the sheds for lights and electrical receptacles.

``This gives them a true understanding that there is a lot of manual labor involved,'' said electronics teacher, Tom Nuckols. ``In class, they're simply handed panels to work on.''

Sophomore Eric Williams, 15, appreciated the chance for the hands-on work wiring the sheds. It's good experience because he plans to be an electrician when he graduates, he said.

Print communications student, Lori Riggs, designed the flyers advertising the program as well as other forms to document the work done. She hopes the practical experience will help her in her chosen field, graphic arts.

Next year, said Kennedy, he hopes to bring in even more students.

Sheds are custom made and pre-ordered by anyone who wants one. Students meet with a client, discuss their needs and then come up with a scale model. After the model is approved, measurements are done and materials are bought. The last nine weeks of the grading period are spent assembling the sheds from scratch.

Proceeds from the shed sales go back to the classroom for new tools.

On a recent weekday, Kennedy was racing around his classroom guiding students in the assembly of the shed doors. ``I think this (construction) is what's supposed to be done in this class,'' said Kennedy. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS

From left, students David Greer and Lori Riggs, teacher Tim Kennedy,

students Eric Williams and Tom Nuckols all helped to construct or

market 15 sheds at Bayside High School.

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