KALKASKA — Kalkaska High School administrators and students are highlighting a hands-on electronics class that they say is preparing students for life after graduation.
Kalkaska High School Principal Staci Short told 9&10 News she recently walked through the class and saw how engaged students were, prompting her to share their work.
Science teacher Andy Urquhart has offered multiple electives over the past seven years, including electronics. He said students previously worked in a more curriculum-based environment, but the class has since shifted to hands-on learning.
Students begin with basic activities and move to more advanced work once they demonstrate they are ready. Urquhart said students are often nervous at first, but quickly become excited as they gain confidence.
Student Layla Conway said the class exceeded her expectations.
“I get to experience things that I’ve never experienced and things I get to use in the real,” Conway said.
In a class of 20 students, each one is being prepared for their next step, regardless of what comes after high school.
Conway said the skills will carry with her.
“It’s still good knowledge to have in the future, because there are things that are useful, like connecting wires and stuff like that. To me, really helpful in the world,” she said.
Their work will soon be featured in Traverse City at the Festival of the Trains in December. The event is hosted by the Northern Michigan RailRoad Club, which donated the model train set and other materials to the class.
Urquhart said the festival gives students a chance to show the community what they can do.