Student uses craftsmanship skills for nature
Student from SHDHS uses talents in woodworking, design and craftsmanship to benefit nature
Ryan Wilson is a South Huron District High School (SHDHS) student from Grand Bend; He created 23 birdhouses in a self-directed project in his Interdisciplinary Studies Course at SHDHS
Ryan Wilson, a Grade 11 student attending South Huron District High School (SHDHS) in Exeter, is benefitting nature while acquiring skills through self-directed learning. The local student, from the Grand Bend area in the Municipality of Lambton Shores, is taking the Grade 11 Interdisciplinary Studies Course. Ryan has just completed construction of 23 birdhouses as part of his project.
Grade 5/6 students from Exeter Elementary School visited Ryan’s classroom in December to help assemble and paint the birdhouses and take them home. Ryan said he likes the idea that his birdhouses will be dispersed throughout the community. He looks forward to seeing chickadees; wrens; and bluebirds use the birdhouses.
What does Ryan have planned next? In addition to birdhouses, Ryan’s final project includes turtle nesting boxes for community use. He plans to help build these turtle nesting boxes to help protect freshwater turtles in the area.
If you would like to donate for supplies to help Ryan create these turtle nesting boxes, you may donate to Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation. A donation of $20 is enough to purchase materials for one turtle nest protector. Visit the donation web page or phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 to donate today. Please let them know the donation is for turtle nesting box supplies.
Ryan said he likes working with wood and working with his hands because “working with wood has been a thing I do with my Dad in the wood shop, and I’ve always loved running the machines with him.”
Ryan's interest in this kind of craftsmanship began “when I was a little kid and I grew up on the farm. I always worked with my hands, so I was naturally drawn into farm work. Working with wood started shortly after that, when my Dad would run the wood through the machines. I loved the smell of the cut wood, and I loved working with it.”
“I like working with my hands because it brings me joy to do something real,” he said.
Ryan has a long-standing interest in nature. Things he loves to do in the Great Outdoors include camping; hiking; and canoeing.
Things he really enjoys about his course include working with others; woodworking; and self-directed learning. Something he didn’t like so much – and found challenging – was dealing with issues such as the drill press stopping in the middle of creating the birdhouses. Ryan said he has used the following skills in his project: decision-making; critical thinking; and progressive improvement.
He also said he has learned how to use the SketchUp application in his project.
In the future, Ryan is thinking of becoming an engineer as a possible career.
There are 23 students in the Interdisciplinary Studies Course class, and each student is doing practical and active work in their own self-learning projects.
Paul Colbourne is an Interdisciplinary Studies Course teacher at SHDHS. The Interdisciplinary Studies course provides students a chance to design and carry out a self-directed project. This work combines skills and knowledge from different subject areas.
The course explores real-world problems and creative ideas through collaboration, research, and practical application, Mr. Colbourne said. Students set personal goals and manage their own timelines. They use journals and reflections to document what they learn. Students also create and present a final product or project. Their creations benefit the school and the community, Mr. Colbourne said.
Students gain skills in leadership, teamwork, initiative, communication, and critical thinking.
Mr. Colbourne said it took a lot of work, by Ryan, to complete the project.
“Ryan demonstrated dedication, patience, and a strong work ethic throughout the entire process,” the teacher said. “His craftsmanship and commitment to doing the job well were impressive.”
The fact that Exeter Elementary School students have painted the birdhouses and are taking them home “helps to foster a connection in the community, between schools and families, and with nature,” Mr. Colbourne said.
Nathan Schoelier, Stewardship, Land and Education Manager at Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), said Ryan’s work has been really valuable for the watershed community.
“Ryan’s project shows how young people can make a meaningful difference,” he said. “The habitat structures he has built will support local wildlife, and just as importantly, he is helping to foster environmental stewardship and community involvement within our local schools. We are grateful to Ryan, Paul, and both schools involved in this initiative.”