Transforming Canoe Maintenance Through Experiential Learning at CCHS

When Peter Prescesky, Coordinator of the Canadian Rockies Outdoor Learning Centre (OLC), saw the cost of replacing small canoe deck plates, he knew there had to be a better solution. Each plastic plate, a modest yet essential triangular component attached to the canoe’s ends, costs nearly $50 dollars to replace. "Naturally, with multitudes of students helping to move canoes in and out of the water and onto trailers, this part takes a beating," Prescesky explained, acknowledging that regular replacements were becoming costly, especially for the OLC’s 50 canoes regularly in use.

With that practical dilemma in mind, Prescesky approached Canmore Collegiate High School's (CCHS) STEM teacher, Spencer Kenney, with a simple but ambitious proposal, “Could his makerspace students use their design and 3D printing skills to create durable, cost-effective replacements?”

Kenney embraced the challenge immediately, recognizing it as an exceptional experiential learning opportunity for his advanced makerspace students. 

“At CCHS we’re not interested in teaching skills in isolation,” Kenney emphasized. “We want our students solving authentic problems with real-world impact and Peter’s proposal provided exactly that.”

As fall turned into winter, Prescesky dropped off one of the canoes at CCHS, where a small team of students, led by international student lead, Jan, were quick to engage, taking precise measurements of the original plates. After meticulously crafting digital models that required multiple iterations and tests, the students encountered a major setback.

“Although the plate was right-sized, we came to understand that the standard filament material used in most school projects wouldn’t hold up in the elements," said Kenney.

After rigorous research to find a tougher UV-resistant alternative, the students identified a stronger material known as ASA filament, ideal for outdoor use. "Resilience became the most important lesson in this project," Kenney remarked. "Students involved in the project have realized quickly that even experts rarely get it right the first time. Each iteration has taught valuable lessons."

With the improved filament in hand, students set about running their last trial the week of May 5. According to Kenney, a few more minor modifications are being made and they should be moving to production soon.

“Their work wasn’t just about fixing a problem; it was about learning the process of problem-solving itself,” said Kenney. “They measured, adjusted, tested, and refined, slowly transforming a simple design challenge into a hands-on learning journey.”

Both Kenney and Prescesky noted the value of the project’s outcomes beyond just the final product. Prescesky reflected on the financial savings and the pride that came from seeing students take the lead. 

“It’s not just the cost-savings that’s important - although that greatly helps” he said. “It’s the fact that these students have shown what’s possible when you bring real-world challenges into education. 

“They’ve created something that will last and made a meaningful contribution,” he added.

Kenney echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the long-term impact on his students. “What’s most exciting,” he said, “is seeing their confidence grow. They tackled a genuine problem, one that had no clear answers at first, and worked through it with persistence. They leave this experience not just with technical skills, but with the belief that they can solve real, complex problems.”

As the final plates will be readied for production and installation before all the canoes hit the water in late spring, the project stands as a testament to the power of experiential learning. For students at CCHS, it was more than just another assignment, it was an opportunity to connect their education to the world around them, leaving both a literal and symbolic mark on their community.

In the words of CRPS’ Deputy Superintendent Debbie McKibbin, “It is amazing what students can do when our teachers set the stage!”