Longan Elementary School designed and implemented the “If I Built a School” program in the fall of 2024. Longan Elementary was slated to be rebuilt starting in 2025 and they decided to involve the students and faculty in the excitement. Students participated in a school-wide STEAM project where they learned about different careers and the importance of numerous factors when constructing a new building. 

 The staff of Longan wanted to actively engage students with critically analyzing the school community's needs and wants in the new building.  Students engaged with the design thinking process to research, design, and build a prototype of different areas for a new school building. They were asked to make strategic design decisions after learning job related skills such as architecture, interior design, and sustainability. This project encouraged students to participate in the learning and design process through collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. By engaging in this project, Longan aimed to introduce students to the diverse range of careers involved in planning and constructing their new school building. This exposure could spark student interest in fields they may not have previously considered.