Imagination, creativity, and problem-solving skills were on full display as more than 60 third- to sixth-grade students from East Midvale Elementary participated in a unique challenge. Armed with 100 building blocks, a piece of tinfoil, a 12-inch string, a sheet of construction paper, and a rock, they were tasked with building something within a 45-minute time frame using at least 75 blocks and incorporating three additional items.

The Block Kids Building Program contest, organized by the local chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, offered students an introduction to the construction industry. Two weeks before the competition, the chapter provided students with insight into various construction careers and explained the details of the contest.

“We want to get them thinking about their careers,” said Patty Waldhouse, NAWIC contest chair. “This is an event we do each year; it's just a great way to introduce young minds to the construction industry and get them thinking about what they want to do and what interests them, and what can challenge them.”

Many of the students prepared for the competition by sketching their plans on graph paper.

Fourth-grader Simati Lealiiee brought his design for a two-story house.

“I wanted to help people have a place to live so I made a two-story house,” Simati said. “It was fun, and I made friends with kids in other grades.”

After the construction phase, students returned to their classrooms before individually presenting their creations to a pair of judges from the construction industry.

“Our national committee comes up with criteria and questions for the judges to ask like ‘Why did you build this?’ and ‘If you had more time, what would you change?’” Waldhouse said. “The judges evaluate the students based on their projects, presentations, enthusiasm, creativity and how their creations could improve the world.”

Fifth-grader Maria Kalaw constructed a hospital with a helipad. 

“Hospitals are one of the most important places to help people, especially during COVID when people didn't have medicine,” she said. “They asked me why there is a helipad and why I wanted to build a hospital.”

She enjoyed the challenge and had enough time to rebuild her project to make it better.

“It was fun to do it; I might want a career in designing homes,” she said.

Fourth-grader Joseph Matias built an excavator.

“Mine went smoothly until the middle part, when I was using paper so it made it a little bit unstable, but I was able to fix it,” he said. “I knew if I made a mistake, I could always fix that.”

Joseph remembered the judges asking him, “‘Why did I build this? Would I do it again? What do I want to be when I grow up?’ I told them it was fun to build it, and I want to be a shooting guard for the Lakers.”

Third-grader Alexandra Korhoren created a community garden for flowers, vegetables and fruits.

“I used string to create rectangular areas for all the different vegetables,” she said. “I learned sometimes mistakes can turn out well, or else I need to keep trying.”

Her classmate Ellee Martinez liked seeing other students’ projects.

“It was fun to see what everyone else made,” she said. “I made an ice skating rink with lights. It was a good experience, and I realized even if I don’t win, I had fun. I’d definitely do it again.”

East Midvale Community School Facilitator Shelley McCall appreciated the opportunity the event gave students to test their creativity and resilience. 

“One student told me, ‘It was harder to build without instructions,’” she said. “They’re used to following LEGO kit instructions, so this event encouraged them to think outside the box.”

McCall also valued the chance for students to explore various career paths from their career partners. 

“This helps them understand careers in construction are diverse—from bricklaying to engineering, architecture, and even plumbing,” she said. “They can start exploring these options through classes in middle school and high school and pathways at CTEC.”

Waldhouse said the event introduces students to the construction industry, where they can earn a good living without accumulating student debt. 

“It’s a chance to explore a variety of careers without the burden of tuition loans,” she said. “We want them to consider all the options available to them.”

The top three winners received gift cards—$100 for first place, $75 for second, and $50 for third. The first-place winner also received a set of building blocks, and all participants received swag bags.

Maria, who took third place, plans to use her gift card to replace her damaged backpack.

Joseph was the overall winner.

“I practiced at home beforehand. I honestly didn't think I would win the competition, I just wanted to do it and have fun,” he said.

The judges photographed Joseph’s excavator from all angles, and his project will be shared with the Pacific-Southwest region for competition against 11 other chapter winners. The regional winner will be announced in April, and that winner will compete at the national level, with results expected in August.

Waldhouse explained the local NAWIC chapter has hosted the event for over 25 years, reaching out each year to a different Title I school. 

“The best part for me is hearing the students’ ideas—many want to build shelters for pets since people can’t have them in homeless shelters, more hospitals to provide people with medicine, or farms to provide food for people who can’t afford groceries,” she said. “These young students are thinking beyond their years; it’s inspiring how they want to help one another.” λ