Tech ed teacher finds way to bring realistic home improvement project lessons to classroom

The COVID-19 pandemic put a wrench in plans this school year for Bellefonte Area Middle School technology education teacher Jordan Eccher. But he found a way to make up for a part of his curriculum that had to be cut.

Now, he’s doing something called Fit-It Friday with sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students in his engineering and Project Lead the Way classes.

“Fit-It Friday came about when the whole non-share of school items came about, and it’s just a fun way to get away from the computers, and out of the norm and into some excitement,” he said.

Projects conducted on Fridays include cutting steel, welding, circuitry, drywall, plumbing and more.

“I kind of want to keep it relatable to what they might experience at home,” Eccher said. “So far, the kids have absolutely loved it. They’ve come up with great ideas, and comments and questions, and are having fun and getting away from the same old routine.”