Lonsdale, MN — 8/6/2010 — A riverboat in need of repair was donated to ARTech School in Northfield, MN. The boat is now being restored by students and parents for a science classroom. Students are planning to launch the riverboat in the Mississippi river in May, 2011.
The entire effort has a larger focus too.
The Minnesota Youth Waters Project (MYWP) gets young people and families connected to the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Experiences connecting young people to one of the world’s largest and important rivers through environmental education, river research, conservation projects, and building important life long connections to the outdoors…. (Source: Mn Youth Waters web-site)
The riverboat is a key tool to accomplish the MYWP goals.
How did the boat project begin?
Mary Jo Cristofaro was “casting about for a hull for students to use for a school project.” Instead, she landed a 42 ft. riverboat.
Captain Bob Schleicher is the former owner of the riverboat. He was nearby and met the family on their search. Mary Jo said that Captain Bob’s message was, “Get the boat and the kids on the water.”
For more about the project beginnings see ‘Northfield’s ARTech floating classroom.’
“We are grateful that Mary Jo and her family turned it into a big project that benefits many people,” said Olivia. She is one of the students working on the boat.
Kids Work on Riverboat
The first step was to get the boat out of the boatyard. Then it needed to be transported. That took money and time. The youth had to fundraise and have been doing so as the project moves forward.
Now boat owners, aka the students, parents and other volunteers work on the boat. I met the group on a hot August day; one of the ‘coordinated work days.’ Individuals work on the boat when time allows.
What are the goals of the boat project?
Bringing science to life is one goal. Just 50 miles from the Mississippi River, it could be a world away without access. Now, with a riverboat, Tami Kasch-Fulgum, the science teacher, envisions the floating science classroom as a place to:
- Understand water ecology;
- Learn about pollution and join in river clean-up;
- Test waters on the river;
- See how river dams are affecting native mussels.
Learning life skills is another goal. As Tami Kasch-Flugum says, “The students are the ones most impacted. If they want this to happen they will make it happen.” Teamwork, project management, leadership development, problem solving, and work skills (carpentry) are just a few of the life skills being developed.
Forging partnerships with others is yet another goal. The riverboat will be available for others to use in addition to this school. Partnerships are being sought. This is at the beginning stages although numerous groups have already shown an interest.
How does this project fit within a public school system?
ARTech is a progressive school system. Kids invested and involved is a mark of success.
“This is appealing to me since it has such a huge scope. To rehabilitate a riverboat from start to finish takes concerted effort, perseverance, and problem-solving, “according to Simon Tyler, the Executive Director of the school.
Tyler adds, “Kids sometimes think things should be easy. With this project they have to struggle and yet overcome challenges. Timeless skills for whatever profession they enter.”
“Students must be intrinsically motivated. Often, curriculum is about punishment and reward. And projects end when a semester ends. For youth to be excited about this big project over a two year period is an example of engaged learning.”
What do the young people say about the project?
Mariama came to this town just three months ago from Gambia. She said she selected this project from a list from the school. She likes to do carpentry. So, instead of waiting until school starts in September, she is working on the boat with others now.
Girls Paint Riverboat
Holden said that he has gained skills in working as a team and carpentry. He wants to have fun and see that the boat floats when they are done.
Olivia found that "The Boat project took more work than I expected. That makes it interesting. It is a different learning experience; not just worksheets and power point presentations. Not many kids are fortunate enough to do something like this.”
Funds are needed to complete the boat project and get the science classroom onto the MIssissippi river. If you would like to give financial support for the Boat Project see the MN Youth Waters website.
Donna Rae Scheffert, consultant has over twenty-nine years of experience helping to propel groups toward their goals easier, faster, and with more fun. Sign up for a RSS feed and read more from Donna Rae at Online-Leadership-Tools. Follow Donna Rae on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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