Students in Jonathan Heithold's computer-aided design class not only volunteer to build houses for Habitat for Humanity--they even design them. Through the partnerships that Mr. Heithold has formed with local architecture and design firms, every project his students undertake represents a real-world product line. In one recent class, for example, he required each student to design and build a comfortable life-sized chair out of cardboard that could hold the weight of a normal person. At the same time that he builds his students' knowledge of technology, he keep his own expertise current and cutting-edge by spending each summer working in a business-related occupation. In addition to design concepts, Mr. Heithold requires his students to perform rigorous math and science calculations and develop critical thinking skills. The curriculum is so challenging that students receive Advanced Placement credit for taking his class. And when it comes to national design competitions, Mr. Heithold's students have maintained an impressive track record, capturing first place in an annual home design contest for the last eleven years, even against college students. Many of his pupils pursue careers in the field and receive job offers even before graduating. Former students email Mr. Heithold frequently, mentioning something they learned in his class and writing, "Well, I used it today at my job."
