By Derrick ForsytheRecord Features EditorEvery weekday morning, Kory Harrell anxiously looks forward to his first class of the day.An eighth-grader at Black Hawk Middle School, he is one of about 20 students in James Hardy’s first-hour industrial technology class working on the construction of a model house built from the blueprints of an actual home.“It looks like a bunch of ants working in an ant colony,” quips Hardy. “They’ve really taken a hold of (the project) and worked hard. The closer we get to finishing, the more excited they’re getting.”The class is nearing its third month of a project Hardy says came to fruition after the district encouraged the concept of “teamwork” prior to the school year.“Our focus is teaching the students to build a better community, so I thought, ‘Why not build homes?’ ” said Hardy, explaining the symbolism of a growing structural community.He was able to acquire a set of blueprints through another teacher, whose husband had constructed the actual home in St. Charles.Students were allowed to choose their area of expertise or interest prior to beginning the building process of the two-story, split-foyer home. They are constructing two different versions of the same model, one in first hour and another in fifth hour.“After going over safety and the basics, we started splitting into groups,” said Hardy.For Harrell, who assists his uncle with roofing on the weekend, it was a no-brainer.He took on the responsibility of building the trusses. Harrell relishes the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at a trade he enjoys on the weekends.“It’s really a lot more difficult with the smaller scale than the big trusses,” explained Harrell. “The measurements have to be just right.”Harrell says he has learned the importance of teamwork but has also gained a new appreciation for the class.“It’s probably the most fun part of school,” he added.Montana Woodrow took an interest in building the windows. She was so proficient, despite it being her first year in the class, that she has finished in time to begin building a jewelry box for Christmas.“It was really fun,” said Woodrow.Many of the students may not venture into the construction business, but Dylan Chandler has also seen the benefits of knowing the trade. He has been assisting his father with the building of the family’s new home north of Warrenton.“I feel more experienced having helped my dad,” said Chandler. “I made the connection with this because I had helped build the headers for windows and doors and helped my dad with the walls.”He also says working with the smaller scale called for detailed precision and attentiveness.“Each individual part is critical to the process,” said Hardy. “It shows them the importance of paying attention to detail.” He says the students have polished a lot of practical and critical thinking skills along the way. It has called for their focus and cooperation down to the smallest element, whether it be the stairs, siding or the sliding glass doors.The home even has a basement, equipped with a simulated concrete base.“We’ve made it as real life as possible for them,” said Hardy. “We talked about being foremen and taking charge.”The class is determined to finish the project by the end of the quarter, which concludes Dec. 20.At that time Hardy will inherit a new set of students for the second semester. He says this project has been so successful it will likely be used in future classes.Students Build Model Homes Based on Real Blueprints