Pioneering a New Way of Learning: Embracing the World as our Classroom
Posted by SHOP PROJECT on Jan 11th 2024
David Vixie is a name that quickly became well-known in the world of education. As a multi-award-winning educator, he is recognized for his innovative and unconventional teaching methods. He believes in encouraging students to become independent thinkers—individuals who can critically and logically navigate life’s situations—rather than simply reflect someone else’s thoughts or do the minimum required to get by.
One of Vixie’s most notable endeavors was his attempt to break away from conventional education by simulating a historic American wagon migration from East to West via the Oregon and California Trails. This was a massive undertaking, but Vixie was determined to make it happen—and that’s where we came in.
In 2019, Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop was commissioned to build four covered wagons for David Vixie to replace his existing fleet, which had sadly been lost in a California wildfire. David’s intent with the new wagons was to have each one represent a different time period, highlighting the evolution of design throughout the Western migration.
To begin, extensive research was conducted by Doug Hansen in collaboration with Mr. Vixie to ensure accuracy in the exact replication process for each wagon build.
The first wagon was an 1840s Prairie Schooner, featuring a rave-framed bed and clouted wooden axles, set up for oxen.
The second was an 1850s immigrant wagon with a smooth-sided bed and steel skein lynch pin axles, designed for use with both mules and oxen.
The third wagon, from the 1880s, had a square-end wagon box, cast skein, and nut axles, and was set up for mules.
And last—but certainly not least—was a custom 5th-wheel wagon circa 1890, built on the express wagon design.
Having built replicas for many historic sites along the Oregon-California Trail, the craftsmen here at HWWS are proud to have played an important role in providing these historically accurate wagons.
Below are some photos of the HWWS team taking the vehicles out for a little test drive before shipping them to David Vixie.
Overall, David Vixie is a true visionary in the field of education. His dedication to helping students become independent thinkers is truly inspiring, and we were honored to be part of his project. We hope his experience-based teaching methods will continue to inspire educators around the world to think outside the box and discover new ways to help their students succeed.
What’s especially exciting is that Little Light Studios captured one of these journeys in a 10-episode series, documenting the experiences and lessons learned by students during their trip. This unique experience gave the students a new appreciation for the hardships their ancestors faced and helped them develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well throughout life.
If you’d like to watch the series, we’ve attached the episodes below for your viewing pleasure. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did!