LSR7 Build Zone: Hands-On Learning for 5th Graders

Learning about tools that make a job easier is an important skill for all students. In classrooms across the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District, students regularly use different tools as part of instructional activities. To expand this experience and provide hands-on learning opportunities, the Career & Technical Education department has developed the LSR7 Build Zone, a traveling build-site program designed specifically for 5th graders.

Through this exciting initiative, each 5th-grade student has the opportunity to use basic hand and cordless power tools to build their own birdhouse. The LSR7 Build Zone trailer travels to elementary schools across the district, setting up a mobile worksite in the school parking lot. With the guidance of trained volunteers, students rotate through build stations, learning how to safely use tools and assemble their projects.

This experience not only helps students develop practical STEM and trade skills but also fosters problem-solving, teamwork, and confidence in using tools effectively. By introducing students to real-world applications of tools and construction techniques, the LSR7 Build Zone helps spark curiosity and interest in hands-on careers while reinforcing valuable life skills.

As the LSR7 Build Zone continues to travel to schools throughout the district, we are excited to see students engage, create, and take pride in their work. Through this program, the Lee’s Summit School District is ensuring that all 5th graders gain exposure to tools and hands-on learning experiences that will benefit them in the classroom and beyond.