Tools and Materials and Wood Still Needed

Grant has invested in the tools needed to begin teaching students how to make things. Our budget is somewhat limited, but we won't let it interfere with our dreams!

GeoTech students will be working with students from Audio Engineering, and Engineering classes this year to fabricate new acoustic panels to enhance musical performances here at Grant (and because the panels will be designed to be transportable) and at the Marshall campus when we move there.

As we work on prototypes and towards the finished panels we hope to try several assembly techniques we are not yet equipped for.


We have created a GeoTech "wish list" on Amazon, but you may have some of the tools we need collecting dust around the house.

We are looking for Kreg Pocket Hole Jigs and clamps. We need additional screw drivers, pliers,  wrenches, and bar clamps. We hope to get a HEPA Shop Vac. At this point we have limited electrical supply, but other tools and machines could help build the program as well, if you have something you think we might make good use of, do let us know!

We also love having wood to make things with. If you have a home project with left over, but useful scraps we may have good use for them! Email teacher Jamie Zartler at jzartler@pps.net if you have material you think we might want.

Thank you,
Jamie Zartler and Doug Mella, GeoTech Teachers

GeoTech First Builds are Complete

GeoTech students completed there first set of builds this week filling orders for bird nesting boxes. We have finished boxes in stock, and will take orders for additional boxes as well. Use the form below or email jzartler@pps.net to order a beautiful nest box for your own or loved ones' yard.

In the first building unit, students learned to read and execute plans using a variety of hand tools, power tools, and wood working machinery.

GeoTech new class for 2016-2017

"On time; On Budget; According to Plan; Safely; Together."

GeoTech is a new course at Grant combining a traditional Geometry class and a Wood Construction class. The class is co-taught by a Math specialist (Doug Mella) and a Woods specialist (Jamie Zartler).

Construction is dependent on Geometry to work well. While it is possible to build a stable structure based on models, tradition, and plans, the best builders understand the geometry underpinning the design. 

Engineers and architects who understand, first hand, the implications and implementation of their plans are more effective designers.

We all live in a three-dimensional world, but too few of us understand how to build the world into the shapes that will serve us best.

Some people learn best by moving, doing, and creating.

The construction portion of GeoTech is grounded in these beliefs, and is fundamentally, and foremost designed to compliment and enhance the Geometry curriculum.

Construction is also designed to draw connections between geometry, the built world, and the various careers and professions that design and make the three-dimensional world.

Students will work towards making projects: "On time; On Budget; According to Plan; Safely; Together."