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  • Chairs made from skis!

    Environdack

    Provincial prizewinner

    OSEntreprendre Challenge

    Students in the first year of the workforce preparation class launched a project to build Adirondack chairs from used skis and recycled pallets.

    The school hosts the organization Le Coffre aux sports, which rehabilitates used sport equipment. A large number of the skis they had were too damaged to restore. During a group ski outing, the students noted the lack of seating to admire the view and catch some sun.

    And so was born the project to design and build outdoor chairs with used skis for the region's ski resorts and cottage owners. Old, unrepairable skis and wooden shipping pallets were gathered to make the chair backs and seats. All scraps from the chair-making process were sold as firewood to avoid waste and raise more money for Le Coffre aux sports.

    Level of education

    Secondary School - Special Education

    Students involved

    30 Students

    Nature of the project

    Product

    Results observed

    The students carried out tasks according to their strengths and skills. The Environdack project served to build the self-esteem and confidence of its youthful participants, resulting in improved academic performance and a greater interest in school. Teachers also observed a more co-operative group dynamic and increased collaboration among students, who were working as a team toward a common goal. The funds gathered were donated to Le Coffre aux sports.

    Involvement and support

    The Environdack project mobilized most of the teachers and staff at the school. As the carpentry books consulted were in English, the students worked with the English teacher, Ms. Larouche, to translate the sections they needed. The school carpenter, Mr. Rodrigue, let the students use his workshop to build the chairs and advised them on the construction process.

    Major steps

    • Problem identified
    • Inexpensive materials chosen (used skis, wooden pallets and paint)
    • Model (Adirondack) selected and templates designed
    • Chairs made
    • Chairs promoted and sold to ski resorts, school staff and the community

    Project materials needed

    • Dedicated and equipped workshop
    • Materials
    • Computer
    • Promotional material (posters)

    Connection with the Québec Education Program

    Education Through Entrepreneurial Spirit is excellent for integrating skills from the Preschool and elementary education program and the Secondary education program.

    Broad Areas of Learning

    Subject Areas

    Intellectual competencies

    Methodological competency

    Communication-Related competency

    Personal and social competencies

    Positive influences on student retention

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