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Southside Elementary 5th-graders showcase six-week project-based learning survival guides
Summary
Southside Elementary principal Jennifer Smith and a teacher introduced a six-week project-based learning unit in which 5th graders researched ecosystems and produced survival-guide projects; students described field trips, teamwork and skills gained such as confidence and problem-solving.
Jennifer Smith, principal at Southside Elementary, introduced a 5th-grade project-based learning unit in which students developed a survival guide for a chosen ecosystem after a six-week research and collaboration process. The teacher leading the unit (introduced in the meeting as "Missus Nelson") described a survival challenge, research on food webs and a final product that included stewardship and reflection.
"What is it that they're gonna be researching and building upon?" the teacher asked as she explained the driving question for the project and the classroom sequence. Students presented posters and booklets and reflected on learning outcomes such as problem-solving and confidence; one student said the hardest part was presenting to the class and the most valuable part was the collaboration and research.
School leaders said the project illustrates the district's emphasis on project-based learning and integration across science and literacy standards. Trustees thanked the students for their presentations and noted the school’s STEM designation supported the approach.
