Models of Excellence

Animal Stories - Shark Help

Grade(s):

K

Kindergarten students at the Odyssey School of Denver worked on creating compelling story books featuring a favorite animal as the main character.

Insects - The Praying Mantis

Grade(s):

K

Kindergarten students at the Odyssey School of Denver worked on creating informational science books featuring different insects.

The Human Face of Human Rights

Grade(s):

10

Tenth-grade students at Casco Bay High School in Portland, Maine interviewed international refugees from human rights abuses and considered their courage and stories in writing and photography.

Food For Thought: A Magazine About Food Systems By Kids For Kids

Grade(s):

4

This student-created magazine was the result of a trimester’s learning about food systems. Fueled by their own personal “fierce wondering,” students became experts about their topic and supported one another through the researching and writing process.

The A-B-Seas! An Ocean Alphabet Book

Grade(s):

K

As a part of their project, “The A-B-Seas: A Kindergarten Investigation Of The Importance Of Our Oceans” students wrote this book to get others excited about the amazing life under the ocean and raise awareness about the trouble it is facing.

Hungry for Change

Grade(s):

4

Students examined the requirements associated with the National School Lunch Program, visited local schools, and interviewed a wide range of experts (operations staff, policy experts, registered dietitians, food vendors, and their Congresswoman).

The ABC's of Circus!

Grade(s):

K

Inspired by amazing circus performers, kindergarten students worked to create their own “little circus.” Through research, visiting professional circus artists, and facilitated discussion, students learned acrobatics, juggling, hula hooping, clowning, and balancing acts.

The Amazing World of Lobsters

Grade(s):

3

Every year, third-grade students at Presumpscot Elementary School in Portland, Maine participate in a learning expedition on lobsters.

Centaurtown

Grade(s):

3, 4

During a yearlong expedition, the 3rd and 4th grade students at Santa Fe School for Arts and Science explored animal habitats. They started with the question, "What do animals need to survive?" During the first semester.

How the Erie Canal Helped Rochester Grow

Grade(s):

3

During this expedition, 3rd-grade students at Genesee Community Charter School were taken on a journey through the development of the Erie Canal. They discovered the need of the canal because of the growing production of flour.