High School Teacher Builds Home With Students To Teach Geometry

February 20, 2012 6:55 PM

ROSEVILLE (CBS13) – A local teacher is showing his students how geometry is applied in real life. These classroom lessons are coming through some special on-the-job training.

To all rooms of a 600-square-foot manufactured house, students are hammering out the details of college prep geometry.

“We’re going to have to get an x and a y by itself,” said teacher Jeff Bailey to the students in his Roseville High geometry class.

It’s all part of Bailey’s curriculum of taking geometry at Roseville High out of the classroom by creating real rooms in a home built by students. He’s applying lessons learned to real life.

“The math really drives the construction. The construction drives the math,” said Bailey.

“I love this class. I think it’s one of the best ideas this school has had,” said student Valentina Kumar.

Students say the idea finally provided an answer to a nagging question.

“I was one of those students who constantly asked: ‘When am I ever going to use this?’ I’ve never been a really strong math student. I feel like I’m really thriving in this class,” said Kumar.

Bailey says this is no fluff class, and no break from regular academics.

“This is not watered-down math. This is the real college prep deal,” said Bailey.

“It helps you in math and it also looks good on the resume later on,” said student Logan Ash.

Bailey says he’s simply taking down the wall of mystery surrounding math by showing students how to build them.

High School Teacher Builds Home With Students To Teach Geometry

Fred

Sounds like a good teacher.
jackie

This is great, not only will they learn geometry, they will be on there way to learning a trade, fantastic. If they actually get to finish a room from top to bottom they will really be proud as all get out.
nothingchanges

Free labor, No workman’s Comp payments, And a finished home in the end. Very clever teacher !
mike

It is not his home or anyone elses home, read the article again it is a manufactured home for this project and it is a great idea. When they graduate they will be able to get a job in construction especially if they can read and understand blueprints, way to go teach.
Jeff Bailey

The Roseville High School Geometry in Construction program is currently in discussions with the City of Roseville and various non-profits in search of a buyer for this home. The house is engineered and inspected to CA Factory Built Standards and can be moved nearly anywhere in the State of CA. We would love to see it placed where it benefits the community; but will be listing it for sale if nothing materializes. Unlike many programs that require extensive school district funded budgets every year, this program will fund next year from the proceeds of this sale.

For more information about the program or to express an interest in purchasing, donations or getting involved as a community or industry partner; please contact Jeff Bailey at 916-783-3753 Ext 3804, or, jbailey@rjuhsd.us
Jean Bailey

Lots of times when kids are studying math, they say, “I’ll never use this so what’s the use of taking it.” The teacher, (my grandson and very proud of him) illustrates exactally why and how it is not only beneficial, but a necessary eliment in an every day life on the job undertaking. Sounds like a fabulous way to get practical experience while also learning. Great job Jeff.
Ted Herr

Jeff Bailey, and the other teacher for this course, Tyson Maytanes are both dedicated educators and do a great job motivating the kids. As a member of the faculty, I’ve seen how these guys also bring a lot of common sense along with great senses of humor to the campus.