If I Had a Hammer
If I Had a Hammer is available on Blinn College’s Brenham
and Bryan campuses. Teachers may arrange a session by calling
(979) 209-7202 or email vreid@blinn.edu.
Participation is open to fifth grade classes in Blinn’s
13-county service area: Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee,
Madison, Waller and Washington counties and parts of Austin,
Milam, Montgomery, Robertson and Walker counties.
 If I Had a Hammer integrates the learning of academic subject
matter with a fun, hands-on activity through the integration
of a construction team activity and a classroom curriculum. Students
work as a group to assemble an 8 X 11 foot house in less than
two hours.
The finished product — a free-standing house complete
with windows, door and a front porch — is the result of
teamwork, communication and the real-life application of math
and science concepts. Students also build self-esteem and experience
a powerful sense of accomplishment that comes through hard work.
To build the house and work through the classroom curriculum,
students must come to an understanding of math concepts, functions
and processes. The way students become engaged in the project
teaches them valuable skills each step of the way — from
adding fractions to measuring a room or factoring sales tax into
a budget.
Mathematics
Students use basic mathematics principles and learn
to estimate measurements as they become familiar with the design
of the house. Decisions about materials must be made using
math formulas. 
Social Studies
Students learn and use economic
principles by being exposed to a simple budget process. They
are shown
how
the roles and relationships within a team contribute to
accomplishing a goal.
Science
Students are introduced to elementary principles
of physics when moving and fastening the pieces of the house.
They also discuss the physical characteristics of various
shapes and
materials.
Language Arts
Students must communicate among themselves,
follow and give directions, and grasp the plan for building
the house.
About The Founder
 Perry Wilson never had an easy time in school.
He consistently struggled in class, failed the fifth grade,
and because of a
learning disability, didn't learn to read well until he was an
adult. But as a master carpenter, Perry discovered that when
he "worked" with math on the job, he could easily grasp
the principles that eluded him in the classroom.
It was his own
experience that led Perry to create the If I Had A Hammer program.
Children learn more easily when they apply
academic subjects to tangible projects, and Hammer gives them
that chance.
Designed for fifth graders — children at a
critical time in their development — Hammer helps them
see their worth, see the value of the tools education gives them,
and offers them
hope for the future.
Page Last Updated:
January 5, 2007
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