Photo Provided Indian Creek Middle School eighth-graders Tessa Irwin, from left, Grace Jordan and Emma Moore assemble one of five picnic tables in their STEM class to conduct an outdoor classroom on campus. The tables were donated to provide for an alternative learning environment and support health amid COVID times.

MINGO JUNCTION — Indian Creek Middle School science, technology, engineering and math students are building new structures to support learning in a more natural environment.

Michael Minor’s eighth-grade class has been assembling five new picnic tables that were donated to the school for outdoor classrooms. The tables will be available for the entire school’s use and allows students to get an education in an alternative atmosphere while also supporting health amid COVID times.

“The tables were donated by Michelle Bates. It was extremely generous and we’re very, very thankful,” Minor said. “We’ve always wanted an outdoor space and the tables will be useful. Changing up the classroom can stimulate kids and their minds. The focus is for the kids to build them.”

He said his STEM class, which is conducted for nine weeks, shows students how to follow instructions when performing tasks. The tables take roughly a week to complete and would be used as long as the weather cooperates. Meanwhile, Minor’s class includes 32 students who are also learning how to use state-of-the-art technology. One plus is having 3-D printers at their fingertips.

“Right now, we are doing 3-D printing and design. We are also using the Tinkercad online program since we received three 3-D printers,” he continued. “Our goal is to design our own stuff.”

Students have started small with keychains but could eventually incorporate their 21st Century knowledge into larger projects.

“Our goal is to train them how to use it in the future. The kids were surprised by the Tinkercad program. It’s a really good program and it’s free, plus it’s explained in a way they can relate to.”

We’re slowly making and designing things and the end project is to make a collaborative 3-D design.”