Geometry in Construction Helps Teachers Bring Math to Life in the Classroom
South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC) recently hosted Geometry in Construction, a hands-on professional development experience that equips educators with innovative ways to connect mathematics concepts to real-world applications.
Held at Mankato East High School, the training brought together 25 teachers from across the region and beyond to learn how construction projects can be used to teach geometry, problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Through the nationally recognized Geometry in Construction program, educators experienced the curriculum firsthand by building a playhouse while applying mathematical concepts they will later teach in their own classrooms.
The program is designed to help students answer one of the most common questions heard in math classes: “When will I ever use this?” By combining geometry with hands-on construction projects, students gain a deeper understanding of how mathematics is used in everyday careers and industries.
Participants worked through the curriculum just as their students will, collaborating in teams to interpret floor plans, measure materials, calculate angles, and construct sections of the structure.
“We were building this playhouse just like we would with the kids,” said Gayle Piepho, a trainer with Geometry in Construction. “We would give a group of four students a floor plan, and they would build that wall. And then, at the end, we would piece it all together and get the finished product.”
For many educators, the experience provided valuable strategies for increasing student engagement and making math more meaningful. Brianna Talamantes, a high school teacher from Ottumwa, Iowa, attended the training after completing her first year in the classroom.
“Math...that’s not everyone’s favorite subject,” Talamantes shared. Her goal is to make learning more interactive and enjoyable so students remain engaged and connected to the content.
Faribault High School math teacher Michael Getchell believes programs like Geometry in Construction help students see the relevance of mathematics beyond the classroom.
“People talk about the Pythagorean theorem all the time: ‘When am I ever going to use that?’” Getchell said. “You use that in construction. We use that in order to make sure that we have a 90-degree angle and it’s perfectly square.”
Getchell emphasized that mathematics extends far beyond textbooks and worksheets.
“[Math is] not just something that they do on paper or that they do just in my one classroom. It is something that they can bring, not only outside of the school, but in their life. Math is everywhere. And it’s a beautiful, beautiful thing.”
Geometry in Construction supports SCSC’s commitment to strengthening career-connected learning and helping educators provide students with meaningful, hands-on experiences. By connecting academic concepts to skilled trades and construction careers, the program helps students develop practical skills while exploring future career pathways.
Through professional learning opportunities like Geometry in Construction, SCSC continues to support educators in creating engaging classroom experiences that inspire students, strengthen workforce readiness, and demonstrate the value of applied learning.
KEYC News Coverage
Geometry in Construction was recently featured by KEYC News, highlighting how teachers are learning to integrate hands-on construction projects into mathematics instruction. The coverage showcased educators building a playhouse while applying geometry concepts and demonstrated how the program helps students connect classroom learning to real-world careers and everyday problem-solving.
Watch the full KEYC News story to learn more about how Geometry in Construction is helping educators bring math to life for students across Minnesota and beyond.