Mather Elementary’s third grade students explored architecture with KEVA planks (a wooden construction toy) this year. Each third grade class used KEVA planks to explore construction of different structures throughout the school year. The students were excited to have the opportunity to build both in math class and during inside recess.

Students learned the importance of following directions to successfully build planned constructions. Each student learned to build different structures through trial and error. Students learned persistence in completing the intended goal. Some construction projections were completed solo while others were built by teams of students who worked cooperatively together to complete the builds. They discovered different designs when building structures with the same parameters.

The most successful event of the year had students start with 20 KEVA planks to construct a structure. When finished with the first build, they collected 20 more planks. Some students continued to build onto the structure they constructed whereas others restarted their builds. They continued adding 20 planks for two more rounds, having the students add to their structures or starting over. The students really enjoyed stretching their minds with different types of architecture.

One third grader said, “I love playing with the KEVA Planks. They are so much fun to play with. It’s fun to build our own stuff. I have built a bridge, a tower, a Statue of Liberty, and the Great Wall of China.”

Teamwork occurred during all the KEVA plank builds. The teamwork skill is important to practice and attain so students can be effective and efficient team members. They also encouraged each other during the process. These are vital skills students need now and into the future.

This wonderful experience has been provided by a Michigan Architectural Foundation grant that allowed the purchase of the KEVA planks.