The 8th-grade design students at Meridian World School are putting their creativity and craftsmanship to the test with an exciting project: building wooden toys with wheels. Under the guidance of their teacher, Mrs. Williamson, the students are designing, cutting, and assembling the wooden toys, which will then be tested by third graders. If the wooden toys meet the performance standards, they will be donated to charities and local organizations.
This is the second year this project has been done, and both students and teachers are eager to see how it unfolds. This initiative not only fosters hands-on learning, but also encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and giving back to the community.
Mrs. Williamson expressed her enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its real-world application: “This is a way to bring the design cycle from paper to life.” The design cycle she mentioned is an integral part of the project, focusing on analyzing, developing, creating, and evaluating.
Beyond the technical skills, students also practiced professional communication by drafting emails to charities in an effort to secure responses—an invaluable networking opportunity that shows students how to advocate effectively.
The final testing of the wooden toys is set for March 11th from 1:50 to 2:30 p.m. in the Mays Gym. During this time, 8th graders will showcase their products, and third graders will test the cars and ask questions about the design process. This interaction will not only engage younger students but also help them develop critical thinking and questioning skills for the future when they take on the project themselves.
When asked about what they have learned during this process, the 8th-grade design class highlighted three key takeaways: “workshop safety,” “fundamental objects that are universally effective,” and “how to respond to feedback.” When asked if there was anything else they expected to learn, the class confidently stated, “We have already learned everything; there is nothing more to learn.”
As of now, two charities have agreed to accept the handmade wooden toys: the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center and Brown Santa in Austin. It’s amazing that Meridian is able to help out the community in a way that is integrated into the school curriculum, and many students and teachers hope that this project becomes a yearly tradition. It is more than simply a donation process—it is a learning opportunity.
When middle school principal Mrs. Lane was asked if she would like to see this project become a tradition at Meridian World School, she responded, “Yes, I would.” She also highlighted the value of the collaboration, stating, “I like that it involves third grade and creates that connection between grades.” Additionally, she expressed appreciation for the broader impact of the project, saying, “I do appreciate that we are fostering this relationship between us and the charities.”
In sum, this project is more than simply an assignment—it’s a life experience that exposes both middle-school and primary students to philanthropy, creativity, and advocacy for their community and interests.