Build It Up

A new educational initiative is gaining traction: Build It Up. Developed by the Contractors Association of West Virginia (CAWV), this program represents a step forward in preparing the state’s youth for careers in the construction trades while simultaneously helping to fortify its workforce challenges. The Build It Up program serves as a catalyst for igniting passion and curiosity in the hearts of young learners.

As a cornerstone of the broader Build West Virginia initiative, Build It Up seeks to inspire a new generation of builders by offering immersive, hands-on experiences that transcend the confines of traditional classroom learning. The program allows students to explore the multifaceted world of construction, presenting it not just as a career choice but as a gateway to personal fulfillment and community prosperity.

Recently rolled out in three 5th-grade classrooms, Build It Up is poised for expansion in the Fall 2024 semester, with plans to reach even more young minds across the state.

VIDEO RESOURCES
All links to the videos can be found below.

LESSON ONE
How These World-Famous Structures Were Built
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElFMw90zJuU 

LESSON FOUR
What Makes Bridges So Strong?
https://youtu.be/oVOnRPefcno?si=6TnRqMqz0XHSIMed 

How Engineers Build Different Bridges
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtpckvIBrqo 

LESSON FIVE
How Was This Incredible Stadium Constructed?
https://youtu.be/nZo6M1DSVtM?si=X0wosZqUyRZeHbHv

LESSON NINE
Let’s Build a City: Crash Course
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnnUid8Hof0&list=PLhz12vamHOnZ4ZDC0dS6C9HRN5Qrm0jHO&index=18

WEBSITES

https://www.byf.org/discover/educators/
Powered by the National Center for Construction Education & Research, Build Your Future (BYF) was created to educate students about career opportunities in construction.

https://www.epa.gov/students
The Environmental Protection Agency’s site offers valuable resources, including fact sheets, that provide basic and clear information about environmental issues.

https://www.weareteachers.com/fifth-grade-stem-challenges/
25 Quick and Easy Fifth Grade STEM Challenges – Give them a few simple supplies and watch their minds grow.

https://www.teachengineering.org/
Free K-12 STEM Curriculum – Hands-on lessons, activities, and challenges for teaching science, engineering and math.

https://tryengineering.org/
Powered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, explore Try Engineering’s database of lesson plans to teach engineering concepts to your students.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/
Free science lesson plans are designed to engage students through hands-on experiments and activities.

AFFILIATE WEBSITES

Contractors Association of West Virginia
www.cawv.org

Asphalt Pavement Association of West Virginia
www.asphaltwv.com

Associated General Contractors of America
www.agc.org

American Road and Transportation Builders Association
www.artba.org

West Virginia Construction & Design EXPO
www.wvexpo.com