When elementary students, ranging in age from 7 to 10, at The Delta School realized there was no playground hang-out to call their own—primary students had a playhouse and intermediate students had a spider climb—they interviewed classmates and settled on two goals: a tree house and some swings. It turned out they couldn’t have both, so they decided to design a tree house with swings attached.

Each student created prototypes with the specific features they wanted and then went to a sawmill where builders helped them design their work to scale. An expert builder came to campus, chose the best options, and determined the final version.

The project helped students learn math concepts, science, and design naturally as students measured, defined angles, learned about different types of wood, and discussed safety concerns. They sawed, consulted, added, and subtracted as they helped make the tree house come to life.

“I really love that we made something kids can use,” says eight-year-old Boston Williams. “We had to learn the parts of trees, which ones are best for tree houses, and how to take care of the tree while making a tree house in it. I think I’m really good at this. Every day, my teacher gives me a high five.”

“Project-based learning using Human Centered Design is at the heart of The Delta School curriculum,” says the school’s founder, Jenifer Fox. “Students are challenged to listen to one another, come to agreements, and collaborate for success. The goal is to ensure that every child succeeds in doing high quality academic work that results in something that makes the world a little better.”