For several UTC engineering students, helping others also meant helping themselves. Creating a bridge and colorful mural for pre-kindergarten (pre-k) students at Blythe Bower Elementary School in Cleveland, Tennessee gave the engineering students new skills and a new perspective.
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“This class was very hands-on and learn as you go. It was nice to learn new skills and be able to help someone out at the same time,” Russ Cobb, UTC student, said.
With the input from a pre-k teacher at Blythe Bower Elementary School, the students constructed 3D sensory mural to assist the students in the Discovery Development class.
“We came up with three designs, but decided a bridge and a mural would be perfect, It would be fun and visually appealing for the kids, and also stimulate all their senses,” student Benjamin Moore said.
The students built a small bridge for the children to climb and painted a mural with a forest landscape. The mural also included hands-on activities like turning gears and spinning wood blocks.
“Classes like this show you that you can make a difference. It was a lot of work, but worth it,” Moore said.
Group members were Russ Cobb, Daniel Craig, Benjamin Moore, and Jasmine White.