Building Models at School

Bob, I love this concept.  The best way to teach history.  I could only wish my teachers were as inventive and creative as this.  Good job. 

John

Hi!

 The mention of the M.E.262 made me think of my Tamiya clear one . Now there's a neat challenge . Lightly emphasize the inner frame and detail out the rest with paint .

    Of course I had to wire and plumb mine . I had a class once where all the planes were the LINDBERG F--4D-1-Skyray . With the engine of course ! So I had the class build a cradle for the engine . Build the plane O.O.B. without the engine , and detail the bustin blazes out of it , outside the plane ! Lotsa fun , that class .

 Plus I sneaked in a bit of " Found Parts" ideas with them . Oh What fun that was ! .  T.B.

So I finally remembered to post these other pictures of models I had my independent study student build a couple years ago.  

Monogram 1/48 P-51D

Monogram 1/48 B-25J - She wanted to show the interior off so she did a bit of a cutaway.  She was disappointed when I pointed out the tail fins were upside down, but she said she could live with it

Hobby Boss 1/72 F-86, Academy 1/72 B-29

Academy 1/72 B-24D

Airfix 1/72 Spitfire

Revell 1/72 B-17G - somehow the forward machine guns broke off

scottrc

So Bob, non of the girls in your class wanted to skip out to go see Beyonce?

 

So far none of them have.  But at least I know what they're talking about. 

Way to go! I like this!

Great job Bob with getting model building into your curriculum and past all the bureaucracy.  Any more, if it cannot be measured by some standard test or taught on an Ipad, its not worthy.  I have taught model aviation and rocketry afterschool programs and it got complicated with the many requirements needed to be met just to have a tube of glue and an exacto blade in the class.   

Its like there is an attitude that heaven forbid, we let anyone under the age of 18 have a tube of glue and a sharp object. They will sniff the glue and then cut on themselves.  Kinda sad how some school districts view themselves.

All of those models look fantasitic, those kids did really well and again, compliments to the instuctor.  

So Bob, non of the girls in your class wanted to skip out to go see Beyonce?

Well how is it going?? Did you bring in a more advanced kit for them to see? If so, what did they think??

Have you shown them what loads of practice can accomplish??

I need more of this story.  :D

It's awesome to hear about other's experiences with building models at school in their youth.  I would have loved the opportunity to build when I was in school.  It is a shame that there's less of a focus on skills in education these days.  There's too much focus on sending every kid to college, when not every kid will be successful in college.  College and Army have a few things in common, one of which is they are both not for everyone.  We're a very small school, about 120 students in the high school, so we have limits to what we can do.  My thinking outside the box seems to have done some good with these kids.  With any luck, I'll be teaching this class every year.  

A couple of years ago I had a student for independent study and I tested the concept of building models on her and gave her a 1/72 Airfix Spitfire.  Her dad built model cars so she could borrow his tools and supplies. She loved it.  The next semester she wanted to build something else and she ordered the 1/72 Academy B-29.  Over the summer she bought some more kits and they're sitting in my classroom.  I'll post some pictures of those too.

Tomorrow's the big day for the last batch of kits.  We'll be building Fw190-A, Bf109-G, Ju87D, and one student will be building a Me262 (limited selection, oh well...he's happy about it).  Maybe just for fun I'll bring in a complex kit from the stash just to show them how intricate they can get 

Hi There Silentbob33;

    I have to tell you something that may burst your bubble . In 1954 we had shop class for the first time .The Boys got to build solid wood models and the Girls ( all three of them ) got to build birdhouses .

 The teacher chose the models based on the previous first week .That's when he saw how familiar we were with the tools needed . You know , the usual . Saws of different sizes , Hammers , clamps etc .

    I guess I was the luckiest , having a Tool and Diemaking Foster father , I was very familiar with the tools and adhesives needed . He chose for me a solid wood model of the Dornier D-OX Seaplane . It had all of twenty parts . The rest I had to come up with as the model progressed .

   We were graded on the class by how well our project was done and if we finished it in the time allowed . I built four for the year , the Dornier , A Speed Boat , A Small House and a Car . The next year I was moved to the sophomore class with a 4.0 grade point average for constructive endeavors .

    I guess you could say I got bit by the model bug and built many REVELL kits as allowances allowed and each was a test to myself on how to do it better . Today I still use Photo-etch Box car walkways in 1/87 to create " Budget " ship rails . This I teach to beginners .

  I admire what you are doing and would ask you  , please keep it up .You are a shining light in this world of overwhelming dependency on electronics for entertainment . Tanker - Builder      P.S.   The planes look great . A testament to your leadership and patience . Model On ! !

I am in love with this concept, Bob. Absolutely love it!! This needs to spread all over.  :D

I would love to have such an opportunity as this. Very hard in this State.

Thanks for the comments guys.  A lot of the underclassmen have been asking about when they will get to build something so the anticipation is there.  Hopefully I'll be able to continue this class for many years.

"History in Scale" would be a class I would love to take. Like the idea of branching out...Maybe "Evolution of Flight or Automobile". Your students did a great job, looking foward to next years batch.

In the seventh grade, 1956 I think, we had a school activity period and one of my favorite teachers of all time organized a model airplane club and each of us was to build a Guillows stick P-51. What fun! I was already a plastic builder but I think he was the guy that really started me down the path. I kept in touch with him for most of my life even driving 70 miles one way to see him and his basement collection occasionally.

The moral of the story is that kids are influenced by teachers. Encounters can have lifetime effects whether guidence or support and sparking interests in life. All good!

Keep up the good work Bob!

Max

I remember, I think it was about fourth grade, where we had a craft class, and could bring in any craft project and work on it.  Plastic models were quite new- I brought in a stick and tissue flying model.

My kids are home schooled/public schooled.  And every month we have a co-op class where all the family's come  in and have classes,   we've had Doctors come in a teach cellular structure also geography classes, etc etc.

At least once a year for a semester sometimes 2 to have a modeling class where I teach the kids how to assemble and finish plastic models.  i've gone from 8 kids to now 15!

I'll have to start adding some history to the class aswell.

John

Thanks guys, it's been a blast this year.  Hopefully I'll be able to keep going with it over the years.  I'll need to look into branching out into other genres as well (armor, ships, etc.).  It's been very hard not to open up a box for myself though, or to bring in one of my own projects...

As I mentioned, in M.Brindos's P-40 thread, As a teacher you're doing a fantastic job and I commend you for your hard work and teaching the next generation the art of modeling.  Eespecially having these young adults research work.  We need more teachers like you!

Toshi

Thats a really great idea. Not only are they doing somthing other than looking at a phone, but doing the research into the subject as well. And some very nice models there.

where were you when I was at school bob , that is just so awesome .

Bob, Good work! Model building is all positive with history, developing skills, accepting challenges, interaction, stimulating the brain and instilling pride. What could be better? Oh, I forgot fun which should be incorporated in all learning. I'm sure I've missed other benefits but thumbs up on your concept! I'm impressed! Wow!

Max

For first timers they put me to shame.....  Way to go!!

Tojo72

Very good idea on expanding the hobby,and some nice work also. It make history cone alive and teaches hand skills.

Somewhat surprised that the PC Police haven't put a stop to it.

 

I'm surprised I haven't had any complaints about it.  I've spoken to a few parents about it at conferences and they all think it's awesome.  I've got the president of the school board on my side too which also helps.  I just think it's awesome I get to help kids build models at school. 

silentbob33

This is an actual class I titled "History in Scale."  It counts as a social studies credit and a visual/performing/applied arts credit.  The class is all juniors and seniors.

 

Nice!

Very good idea on expanding the hobby,and some nice work also. It make history cone alive and teaches hand skills.

Somewhat surprised that the PC Police haven't put a stop to it.

This is an actual class I titled "History in Scale."  It counts as a social studies credit and a visual/performing/applied arts credit.  The class is all juniors and seniors.

Is this an after school thing or in classroom thing? ie: Technology class

While I think is awesome but not sure how it fits into the curriculum or your state education standards. I guess each state is different when it comes to education requirements/needs.

I'm not trying to put a damper on things just so you know. I work in the education sector.

The school paid for the kits and reimbursed me for the tools and paints.  Squadron gave me a discount for the kits, which normally retail for around $10 give or take.  The paints and tools I picked up from Hobby Lobby or Michaels and are Testor's or Model Master enamels.  

That is awesome!!

when i was in fifth grade, we had a "science after class" and we just brought models to class to build. 

I rememer building the 1/48 Academy F-14 kit. I think I was the only one who painted Kits. 

Did  school supply the kits and paint? how much are those planes?