If I Had A Hammer

"If I Had A Hammer" is designed to enhance student learning by providing a real-world exercise in building a house that utilizes hands-on fun to engage and excite children about education and learning.

Areas of integration during the build include:

- Math (using fractions and basic mathematics principles to calculate measurements)
- Social Studies (basic economics of cost and budget)
- Science (elementary principles of physics, physical characteristics of shapes and materials)
- Communication (listening and following instructions, communicating and working as a team)

Through the "If I Had A Hammer" program, students are able to have fun, learn important skills, and, most importantly, recognize that they are empowered to achieve success as long as they never give up.

Program Description

Intended to engage fifth grade classes in the Columbus area, the "If I Had A Hammer" program will allow students to participate in their own Hammer House builds, and schools will have an opportunity to incorporate the Hammer House lessons into their curriculum to reinforce the concepts and lessons learned during the experience. As proposed, the CSU "If I Had A Hammer" program will serve 30 fifth grade classes (approximately 750 students) each year.

Each build engages a class of approximately 25 students in a 2-hour construction and learning session that results in a free-standing 8' x 11' modular house, complete with windows, roof, and door. The build period is structured with 4-5 construction phases separated by short group activities and demonstrations designed to reinforce the academic and real-world lessons incorporated in the build.

Also following the build, as a unique piece of the Columbus program, each class will participate in an architecture and sculpture tour of UPtown Columbus in partnership with the Historic Columbus Foundation.  This will be an interactive follow-up to the build designed to expand on the design and construction concepts introduced by the Hammer project.

History

"If I Had A Hammer" was created by Perry Wilson, someone who understands deeply the value of education and how difficult it can be for many students to succeed in school. Wilson has a personal connection to inspiring success in students because of his own struggles - he struggled with a learning disability that prevented him from learning to read until he was an adult. Now, Perry travels across North America with the "If I Had A Hammer" project and has worked with more than 400,000 children in 100+ cities across the nation. More information about Perry and the "If I Had A Hammer" program can be found at www.ifihadahammer.com.

How to Participate

To register for "If I Had A Hammer", download the project documents below or contact Dr. Spencer Garrard for more information:

Dr. Spencer Garrard

garrard_spencer@columbusstate.edu

Hammer Project Schedule

School Registration Form

Student Permission Form

Sponsorship Form (You can help support this initiative!)

*Please e-mail materials to: garrard_spencer@columbusstate.edu
You may Fax forms to: 706-568-2231  ATTN: Spencer Garrard
Or mail to:
College of Education and Health Professions
Hammer Project - Spencer Garrard
Jordan Hall 349
4225 University Avenue, Columbus, GA 31907-5645