Byron-Bergen seventh-grader Adam Swapceinski builds his recycled lamp during technology class. Adam used an elephant, from a souvenir he found at home, as his lamp base.Seventh-graders at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School recently designed and built a lamp – from discarded or used items from around their home – as their culminating technology classroom project.
Technology Teacher Jay Wolcott said he teaches students about recycling, electricity basics, components of a lamp, and how to assemble a lamp correctly.
“We discuss how students have the skills to do basic repairs at home in the future so they may be able to ‘save’ an old lamp from the trash pile,” he said.
Wolcott provides students with a wood blank, paint/stain, and the electrical hardware, but all other materials to create the lamp base and shade the students provide.
“We live in a disposable world today – we have the ever expanding Riga landfill just down the road from our school,” said Wolcott. “This lamp project demonstrates to students that things may have other uses after their completed life cycle of its initial intended use.”
Principal Aaron Johnson said he remembers making lamps as a student in technology class.
“Mr. Wolcott’s project puts a new spin on this classic (project) by showing students how basic materials found around their homes can be integrated in an artistic way,” he said. “Recycled materials are becoming more popular as building materials as green technologies advance in our society.”
Wolcott said he has former students use their recycled lamp at home, as he has been doing this project with students for many years now.
