The first question you probably want to get an answer to is how many of them know how to sew, either by hand or using a machine. If they all can sew, then making simple blocks would work once you teach them how to do the blocks you want from them. If none or only a few can sew then I would think it would be an entirely different ballgame. Fancy stitching on the machine might be too much for some of them, but maybe blanket stitch applique by hand would work. Canadian schools might be different, but in our school district here in Texas the 7th graders are just now learning to make a pillow using a patchwork method totally 16 5" squares for the top. One of the grandkids is doing that now. Good luck and keep us posted on how the project goes.
mltquilt