The next time the Carl Sandburg High School girls’ varsity softball team takes the field, they’ll step into dugouts built not by contractors, but by their very own classmates.

Students in Math in Construction are taking on their biggest challenge yet: designing and building a full-scale dugout for the varsity softball field. Two years in the making, students and teachers found this perfect opportunity to apply classroom concepts in real time.

The classes created their own blueprints based on various sources and modeled the dugouts to fit the space. From calculating slope to using trigonometry to square walls, students are applying a slew of math to the project. The project demands carpentry math, with precise measuring to 1/16th inch, blueprint reading, level/plumb, fractions, square footage, and all framing and construction skills. 

“I’m able to absorb the math so much better because this class is hands-on,” said senior Zack Mraz.

Classmate Ben Medlicott said, “I love this math class. It’s so much better than sitting in class taking notes. I’d rather be hands-on.”

Math in Construction teacher Scott Friedericks said, “We’ve had to sequence our classes around the dugouts so students learn the math needed for the upcoming construction. They’ve gone from reading and understanding blueprints to actual framing.” 

The course is as much about teamwork as it is about technical skills. Each week, students create a plan of attack for the week and divide certain tasks into each class. In addition to daily setup (1st period) and cleanup (8th period), each class has a designated job or will be shown/explained what was done by the other classes. 

Logistics is proving to be difficult with the number of tools compared to the number of students. “Everyone cannot be working all at the same time. We take turns or have the students assisting each other. For example, if we are using the framing nailer to hang sheets, we only have one nail gun, so not everyone can be nailiing at the same time,” Friedericks added.

While about half of the class was shingling the roof, the other half had finished cleaning the site. “I love the outside experience. This class is amazing,” said senior Deandre Rucker.

“With 18-20 students, they learn to collaborate and problem solve, which is just as important as taking your turn with the framing nailer,” Friedericks added.

Some of the students have applied their use of Math in Construction to projects at home. Xander Perak said, “I helped my dad cut wood, drill holes, and build a flower box for my mom.”

Math in Construction is an interdisciplinary course that integrates Math and Construction topics and is taught by both Math and Technology & Engineering Education (TEE) teachers. Students earn dual credit in math and CTE while gaining hands-on experience in building projects that matter to their school. 

When the first pitch is thrown this spring, students will see their hard work come full circle for their classmates and players.