Pownall Elementary showcases whole-school study on space; teachers and students led project-based exhibits

Pownall Elementary principal Holly Johnson updated the RSU 5 board on the school's recent whole-school study focused on space and connected learning activities across grade levels.

Johnson described a month-long inquiry in which teachers aligned lessons with Next Generation Science Standards where applicable, and students created projects that ranged from models of the solar system to rovers and constellations. The school hosted Northern Stars Planetarium for a gym-based presentation and incorporated art, technology and research into student projects. Principal Johnson emphasized that older students taught younger students and that the evening family share event duplicated the daytime student presentations so families could see work on display.

Board members asked whether the model relies on Pownall's small size; Johnson said the smaller school population makes coordination easier but that elements could be adapted in larger schools. The principal said staff document reflections and debrief to improve future studies and noted teacher collaboration and student technology skills as highlights.

The presentation included slides and video excerpts of student work; the board praised the project as strong student-centered learning and cross-grade collaboration.