Student Projects
WHAT IS PROJECT BASED LEARNING?
Project Based Learning (PBL) is a research-based best practice in which scholars learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. Project Based Learning engages scholars in learning through both personal and collective perspectives and inspires a love of learning and personal connection to their academic experience. Elements of Project Based Learning include the Project Launch, Essential Questions, Ideation, Draft, Critique and Revision, Exhibition, and Reflection.
View our student's past projects
Pre-K
GARDEN PARTY WITH PRE-K
Project Description
Our young gardeners in Pre-K have been busy planting, watering, noticing, and wondering! They prepared and planted our potato bed all by themselves!
In addition to growing in the garden, Pre-K artists "grew" these flowers inspired by Andy Warhol's series Flowers. Using two different techniques, scholars "painted" with markers, for the flowers, and rolled paint with marbles, for the grass!
Kindergarten
KINDERGARTEN STEAMERS
Project Description
Our kindergarten scholars have been busy finding their “steam identity” this spring. They see themselves as scientists, tech experts, engineers, artists, and mathematicians.
KINDER"GARDEN"
Project Description
And, while growing themselves, they have been in the school garden as well!
Ms. McCarthy's Class
Ms. Petersen's Class
We haven't found any snails in our garden, but Kindergarten Artists made their own using clay!
1st Grade
DO UNTO OTTERS
Project Description
First grade scholars joined the Adopt an Animal (Otter) project at the Aquarium of the Pacific located in Long Beach, California. Using the seed story, Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller, they compared the needs, wants, and behaviors of the otter community to the behaviors of the school community while finding ways to show kindness to others creating a positive environment at home, school, and the community. They collaborated with 3rd grade scholars (who worked on a project called Crayfish Craze) and with our partners at Three Rivers Park District to design a self-led Family Scavenger Hunt at the Park to look for signs and learn about the habitat and behavior of river otters. Their “Do Unto Otters” posters were displayed at the Family Scavenger Hunt.
Created by Ms. Kwitek's, Mr. Price's, and Ms. Wariebi's First Grade Classes
Being our class otters are in California, we made our own. Above are a few of our cute, clay friends!
2nd Grade
BACKYARD BIRD CLUB
Project Description
Students used inquiry strategies and research skills to determine species of birds that live in suburbs and neighborhoods (including the Zanewood Community School neighborhood) and to identify ways to not only attract these birds to our neighborhoods, but to also support a healthy ecosystem for birds. They are building birdhouses to add to our Outdoor Learning spaces creating a welcoming environment for our feathered friends!
SECOND GRADE BACKYARD BIRD FIELD GUIDES
IN ADDITION TO ILLUSTRATING BIRDS...
… scholars made clay owls!
Scholars used a slab, which is a fancy name for a flat piece of clay, to fold, mold and sculpt the beautiful pieces below. After being fired in the kiln, scholars painted their piece with tempera cakes and then they were sealed with an adhesive spray before "flying" home.
Afolawe
Brynlee
Cameron
Donnell
Eliora
Emma
Ezekiel
Jalil
Serani
Kamarri
Marlon
Naomi
Stella
Ti'esha
Zaya
Amos
Anely
Ava
D'Riyah
Heyam
Lucca
Levis
Maryam
Morgan
Olivia
Richard
Tatianna
3rd Grade
CRAYFISH CRAZE
Project Description
Third grade scholars used inquiry strategies, questioning techniques, and research skills to explore and discover crayfish structures and how those structures serve these animals. Based upon research, students built a habitat, made a model of the crayfish body and life cycle, and observed and documented crayfish behavior. Students worked with naturalists at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park (Three Rivers) to create scavenger hunt clues for a self-led Family Scavenger Hunt at the park leading to signs of crayfish life. Students also “built a lesson” to share what they learned from observations and investigation with kindergarten buddies.
Ms. Baumann's Class
Ms. Marler's Class
4th Grade
THE POWER OF STORY
Project Description
Our fourth grade scholars have continued their exploration into The Power of Story. Their journey has brought them to The Story of Now adding the story of culture and heritage to the the Story of Self and Story of US as students explore culture and ethnicity. They have designed and created a storefront for a Cultural Market that represents all three elements in The Power of Story.
The Story of Now: Zanewood Eat Street
For our Fall 2020 Exhibit: The Story of Self
