Inspiring Future Builders: 3rd Story Philly Connects with Students at Fanny Jackson Coppin School

The future of construction starts with curiosity and learning. Recently, 3rd Story Philly brought that spark to the second graders at Fanny Jackson Coppin School in Passyunk Square. These young students have been exploring math concepts in their classroom, and they got a unique chance to see those lessons come alive through a real construction project happening just outside their window. This visit was more than a field trip; it was a hands-on introduction to the world of building and problem-solving, guided by experts who manage construction projects every day.

Bringing Construction to the Classroom

The connection between math and construction is clear when you see it in action. The students at Fanny Jackson Coppin School have been learning about numbers, measurements, and shapes. Watching the construction project unfold outside their window gave them a real-world example of how these concepts apply beyond textbooks.

Zach Winters, partner and construction manager at 3rd Story Philly, along with Jack Delaney, the project manager, visited the classroom to share insights. They brought photos from inside the jobsite, showing the stages of building, the tools used, and the teamwork involved. This visual storytelling helped the students understand the complexity and excitement of construction work.

What the Students Learned

The presentation covered several key ideas:

• Measurements: How precise measurements keep a building safe and strong.

• Teamwork: Different roles on a construction site, from planners to builders.

• Problem Solving: How unexpected challenges are handled during construction.

• Safety: Why rules and protective gear are essential on a jobsite.

  
  

The students asked thoughtful questions, showing their interest and engagement. Some wondered how tall the building would be, others asked about the machines they saw, and a few were curious about the materials used. This interaction made the visit lively and meaningful.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Builders

Introducing children to construction at an early age opens doors to future careers and skills. Philadelphia needs skilled builders to maintain and grow its neighborhoods, and programs like this help plant the seeds. Zach and Jack emphasized that anyone can become a builder with curiosity and hard work.

This experience also showed the students that math is not just numbers on a page but a tool to create and shape the world around them. Seeing a real project helped them connect classroom lessons to everyday life.

3rd Story Philly believes in community involvement and education. By partnering with local schools, the company helps students see the value of construction careers and the skills needed to succeed. This outreach is part of a broader effort to support Philadelphia’s youth and encourage hands-on learning.

The company plans to continue these visits and expand the program to other schools. They also hope to involve students in future projects through workshops and site tours, making construction accessible and exciting.

Check out the full story at the Philadelphia Inquirer site here.

If you are interested in having a classroom, career day, or other visit, fill out our form here.