Build Up! is the first phase of the AGC of
America's Construction Futures campaign, an
initiative designed to enhance the image of
the construction industry through
coordinated educational and community
service activities. Though BuildUp! focuses
specifically on 5th grade students, the AGCA
Construction Futures campaign will expand to
the middle school and high school levels.
Build Up! Goals
Restore Professional Pride for the
Construction Industry
Build Up! takes students on a journey
of discovery inside the structures that
make up their world. The students learn
the basic principles of construction
through hands-on activities.
Captivates Students' Imaginations With
a Look at Their Future
Build Up! reveals futuristic building
challenges, such as mile-high buildings
and extra-long bridges. The children
learn how science and math applies to
the construction industry through
hands-on activities and are provided
with information on the exciting,
rewarding and diverse careers the
construction industry offers.
Demonstrate How the Industry
Contributes to Students' Quality of Life
Students will learn first-hand about
the variety of work that takes place on
a construction site by bringing them a
behind-the-scenes look at the
constructed world. Classroom projects
also make students aware of hazards
associated with construction sites and
emphasize the importance of safety.
Create a Positive Lasting Impression
Build Up! exposes children and their
parents to the exciting world of
construction, emphasizing the variety of
available career options.
Provide a Better Understanding of the
Construction Industry
Build Up! creates a receptive
audience which includes the future
builders, owners, architects, engineers,
mayors, and city council members for the
towns and cities of tomorrow.
Our Industry's Return on Investment
A chance to engage thousands of
teachers, students, and their parents and
provide them with a comprehensive look at
the construction industry.
One of the best ways to alter the
construction industry image is to influence
our future workforce. Build Up! has the
potential of reaching and affecting
thousands of teachers, parents, and children
nationwide. Through hands-on activities,
Build Up! will spark students' imaginations
and create excitement by introducing them to
the world of construction. They will pass
this newfound knowledge and energy on to
their parents so that the construction
legacy will continue on to our future
builders.
- Appreciation for the industry's
commitment to maintaining safe work
sites for its employees and the
local community
- A showcase for the construction
industry to promote lifelong career
options, including opportunities for
advancement and ownership.
Here's a look at what the industry will
gain from AGCA's Build Up! initiative:
- Interest and curiosity about the
construction industry from our
future builders, architects, and
engineers by investing in the
school-to-work effort.
- Inform teachers and their
students by providing them with the
necessary educational materials and
tools to learn about an industry that
affects their everyday lives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Build
Up!
Why does Build Up! target students in
the fifth grade as opposed to other grades?
- Build Up! began with fifth graders,
mainly 10 and 11 year olds, because they
have the motor skills to work with
hands-on material. In addition, children
at this age begin eliminating career
choices that they find less enticing.
What is included in the Build Up! Tool
Kit?
The Build Up! Tool Kit is a yellow,
heavy-duty plastic toolbox which
includes activities designed to educate
children about the construction
industry. Build Up! also emphasizes
construction's positive impact on the
environment, improvement of the quality
of life, and the importance of
construction site safety for children.
- Teacher Questionnaire
- Four-color Build Up! Poster
- How Do They Build Bridges
Video
- Family Pages
- Teacher Wrap
- Consumable Materials for
Classroom Projects
- Up Goes the Skyscraper
Book by Gail Gibbons
How much does the Build Up! Tool Kit
cost?
AGC chapters, members, and others may
purchase kits at a cost of $199. There
is no cost to teachers or schools.
Shipping is included unless express
delivery is requested.
Can AGC members support the Build Up!
initiative without sponsoring a Tool Kit?
Yes! They can contribute to the
developmental costs of the Construction
Futures program. They can also volunteer
to participate in classroom activities
and provide feedback on how the program
is being accepted in their communities.
How long will it take a class to cover
the Build Up! material?
The Build Up! Teaching Guide and
Teacher Wrap activities cover
approximately 25 hours of instruction,
with activities and hands-on exercises
designed to be taught over a 2-3 week
period. The exact amount of time it
takes a class to cover the material
greatly depends on the students,
teachers, and activities chosen to
include in the instructional unit.
Can classes share the Build Up! Tool
Kit?
The Build Up! Tool Kit is designed
for up to 60 students and, therefore,
can generally be shared among classes.
Depending on how often it's used, and
assuming that the consumables are
replaced as needed, the Build Up! Tool
Kit should last five years or longer.
When you consider the potential, the
actual cost of each Build Up! Tool Kit
will be less than $1 per student.
More Information
If you have any questions about the Build
Up! Tool Kit or the AGCA Construction
Futures Program, contact
Liz Elvin,
director of the AGC of America's Workforce
Development, 703-837-5389. Build Up! kits
are also available online,
www.agc.org/bookstore, item CF40.
