Third-grade students in the Gifted and Talented program studied invasive species and took on the role of engineers by developing a problem-solving mindset. Many invasive species can be found in the United States. Some are exclusive to particular areas, while some are more widespread. Students studied the cane toad, an invasive species in Australia and also parts of the United States. How do we stop their spread? Watch our students’ Public Service Announcements to learn how.

Teddy, grade 3, Cane Toad PSA

Jacob in grade 3 researched how to create stop motion videos for his 20% Time Project. He selected Washington’s Crossing as his topic. Using his creativity and design thinking, Jacob learning how to use various apps, tech tools, and seek help when needed. He also wants you to visit Mount Vernon’s site for more information.

For her 20% Time Project, Rachel in grade 3 chose to help cats in rescue while they wait for their forever homes. She decided to research ways to make homemade cat toys. She will donate them to the Cat Rescue where her Gym Teacher volunteers.

Our fourth graders were exposed to the diverse field of materials engineering so they understand the role engineering plays in the world around them. Through the study of Natural Disasters and Aid Drops, students engineered “aid drop packages” that were dropped from an “aircraft,” protected what was inside, and were easy to find once they reached the ground. They created a digital story for their culminating activity including items they think are necessary for human survival in an aid drop.

Clare, grade 4, Thailand, Tsunamis, and Aid Drops

Ivy, grade 4, Thailand, Tsunamis, and Aid Drops

Clare in grade four chose to create a Monarch Waystation for her 20% Time Project. She, her mom, and her brother planted the Waystation in her backyard after conducting research about the plants that attract and help Monarch Butterflies survive. Watch her videos below to learn all about the different plants that she used.

Isaac chose to learn javascript for his 20% Time Project. Khan Academy guides him through Computer Programming Courses. Check out Isaac’s Screencast to learn more.

During the Pandemic, our Fifth graders took on a real-world problem, the spread of Viruses. They took on the role of public health officials and explored ways to educate the public in order to stop the spread of their self-selected virus. Students were given a high-interest challenge and asked to pose creative solutions to the same problems real engineers face every day. Let us know how they did by leaving them a comment below.

Bella, grade 5, Chicken Pox PSA

Jocelyn, grade 5, Chicken Pox PSA

Landon, grade 5, Covid-19 PSA

Madison, grade 5, Covid-19 PSA

Niko, grade 5, Covid-19 PSA

Payton, grade 5, Chicken Pox PSA