Carver Elementary

Project Overview: The students were shown numerous images and read several books about the trash problem, specifically locally. After understanding humans are the only ones who contribute to the trash problem, they were challenged to figure out ways to remedy the problem and spread their message.

Project Initiation: In planning, I showed disturbing pictures and videos of animals and natural resources (water, beaches) being hurt by trash. We then read several books about the harmful effects of trash. This bothered the students and made them want to help and get others to help. Thus, the PSA project was begun.

Project Exploration & Development: The students learned most importantly about the power of an individual in the realm of change: real change begins with yourself. They have thus won best recycling classroom 2 months in a row and most improved clean classroom this month. They have rethought where their trash goes and why we really must clean up after ourselves and inspire others to do so. With making the videos and posters, they learned about tone, voice, and how to set up for a desired emotional response from the viewers. We visited the Living Coast Discovery Center where we took a class on watershed and composting. We went to the zoo to nurture our love of animals and desire to save them and their environments, as well as our own. We also celebrated Earth Day and did writing about our own part.

Project Revision & Exhibition: Students were active in the whole process of creating the video, including wording, music, picture choices and who and when to exhibit to. The video is shared within the classroom, with famililes, and across the school.

Teachers: Amanda Freeman - Kindergarten

Industry Sector: Elementary STEAM Project