By Hollie Nicholson
Two teachers at Sand Creek Elementary have taken collaboration and teamwork to a new level. Combining math and art skills, critical thinking, and teamwork, art teacher Amy McDuffee and third grade REACH (high ability) teacher Molly Coffman joined forces to help their students create an outdoor chess set.
The project was created in response to SCE’s emphasis on the importance of integration between general education classes and related arts. McDuffee had brainstormed a list of projects she could do in her class that would encourage the assimilation; one of her ideas being a chess project. This project would be permanent in the school, functional for students and encourage math and art skills, critical thinking and teamwork. Coffman believed her students would enjoy the chess project. The activity included creating chess pieces for an outdoor chess game that would be displayed and used in the school’s sculpture garden. The preparation needed for creating the pieces was taught during McDuffee’s 35-minute art class and the actual game and strategy was taught in Coffman’s classroom. A half day was used to hold an extended art class to create the pieces. The students had control to creatively produce the two- to three-feet abstract chess pieces.
“The students were split into groups and assigned the pieces they needed to create. We went over safety skills, basic instruction on how to use a hammer and began working. I brought a drill in from home and our principal came in to help,” McDuffee said.
Funding for a large project of this kind typically comes out of a teacher’s own pocket. However, Sand Creek Elementary PTO reimbursed McDuffee for part of the expenses. The Home Depot also gave a discount on the pieces of wood and gave additional cuts free of charge. The day was successful for the teachers and students who created a real-world experience that cultivated and challenged teamwork, problem solving and creativity.
“It isn’t always easy working in group settings, but the students worked together and did a great job,” McDuffee said.
