Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Project-Based Learning

Kindergarten classes have finished their Project Based Learning while incorporating music.  Students collaborated to create a short list of classroom expectations. The music teachers, Mrs. Strong and Mrs. McDaniel, helped write and record the students' classroom expectations into a song for each class.



In Physical Education, students are learning life-long habits to maintain good health. Health expert Dr. Charles Hensley, from the Hensley Wellness Center, visited Forest Creek Elementary.  Dr. Hensley spoke to students about making good food choices to fuel our bodies and keep them strong. 

Students reflected this understanding in the Healthy Plate Project where students created a representation of a healthy plate. The winners of the contest are featured below.


Fourth grade students have completed their fall PBL on the regions of Texas.  Each student selected a region of Texas to research. In small groups of same regions, students completed research and assisted peers. In varied groups, students created a presentation.  These presentations varied from online presentations, a play, artwork, posters, and videos utilizing a green screen. Students utilized critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.





Third grade students have recently on their Project Based Learning exploration unit entitled “What is a Geographer?” To kick off the research, Registered Professional Land Surveyor, Mark Jezisek, shared his knowledge about maps with classes. 

Mr. Jezisek showed a PowerPoint to the classes and talked about famous geographers and surveyors throughout history. Did you know that three of the four presidents on Mount Rushmore worked as surveyors?
Elements and the types of maps were the other topics discussed during the 45 minute project launch. Mr. Jezisek also brought survey plats from around the Round Rock area. Everyone also got to use his official stamps and seals.


The third graders put their map design skills into action to complete their project and present it to area travel agents.




 Second grade students have completed their Building Bridges PBL. This particular project has allowed for exploration and discussion. Students have seen first-hand how to combine and change simple matter to do things that it cannot do on its own. Students viewed pictures of various bridges across the U.S., explored ideas of possible supplies, and then designed design their bridges. This project fostered collaboration among students and teams to create one team bridge. Second grade students presented their bridge structures to their fifth grade buddy classes, allowing them to showcase their hard work.







Fifth grade students completed their Colonial Market PBL on Friday, October 31st. Students chose a colonial job, developed a product, and had the opportunity to work individually or with a partner. Students learned the concepts of supply and demand, bartering, advertising, and practiced newly acquired money skills.



Forest Creek Elementary is proud of our 5th grade students for completing their Project Based Learning in Art class! Austin Dog Rescue volunteers came to speak to Forest Creek fifth grade students and our kids wanted to make a difference. With the help of our talented art teachers Debra Shore and Pam Arnold, students created a portrait of a dog in need of help. Students also wrote and recorded a short description of the animal using the website www.vocaroo.com, which was included on the display in the form of a QR code. After the Painting for Paws Art Show and Adoption Event, the portraits were generously donated to Austin Dog Rescue. View the Coyo-Tech Blog for pictures of students and their work. You can also view a KEYE News story featuring this remarkable project!




First grade students have completed their PBL by becoming Super Citizens! Students identified and described characteristics of a good citizen. Then students chose a historical figure to research based on a similar personal characteristic. Students presented their projects to their buddy classes.








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