2023-2024
Embedded Files
Pinball Wizards - Kindergarten
Driving Question: How might we create a pinball machine for our classmates to use during recess?
Students at Fishkill Plains Elementary dove into the exciting world of motion through a hands-on project-based learning (PBL) experience—designing and building their own pinball machines. Some students have continued this journey year after year, deepening their understanding of force and motion through creativity and engineering.
Students explored how pushes, pulls, and collisions affect movement. To bring their learning to life, they used everyday materials like cardboard, shoe boxes, bottle caps, marbles, and recyclables to create their own indoor recess pinball games.
This engaging PBL challenge empowered students to apply science concepts, think creatively, problem-solve collaboratively, and engineer with purpose—all while having a blast. It’s more than just play—it’s physics in action!
Waves of Sound & Harmonious Energy - Grades 1, 4, & High School
Driving Questions
Elementary: How might we plan and design a functional prototype for a musical instrument?
High School: How might we utilize prototypes created by elementary students to fabricate musical instruments?
In an inspiring display of creativity, compassion, and collaboration, first graders from Myers Corners and Vassar Road Elementary, fourth graders from Gayhead and James Evans Elementary, and high school students from Roy C. Ketcham High School joined forces for this STEAM-based PBL, Waves of Sound & Harmonious Energy.
Partnering with Maria Fareri Children’s Healthcare Services at MidHudson Regional Hospital, students applied their understanding of physical science concepts—specifically energy and waves—to design and build custom musical instruments for pediatric patients. These instruments were created to bring joy, entertainment, and therapeutic value to children receiving care.
Working through the engineering design process, students:
Explored sound and energy through physical science lessons
Brainstormed and formed collaborative, cross-grade teams
Designed, planned, and built musical instrument prototypes
Traveled to Roy C. Ketcham High School to test and refine their designs using advanced tools and peer feedback
Finalized and presented their creations to the hospital, ready to make a meaningful impact
This project exemplifies the power of STEAM education and empathy-driven design, showing how students of all ages can work together to create innovative solutions that brighten lives and strengthen community connections.
Central Hudson Chronicles: Weather Wizards & Earth System Explorers - Grades 2 & 3
Central Hudson Chronicles: Weather Wizards and Earth System Explorers
Driving Questions:
Grade 2: How might we create an informational text about Earth's Systems for Central Hudson and our community?
Grade 3: How might we create an informational text about Weather and Climate for Central Hudson and our community?
Students from Brinckerhoff, Fishkill Plains, Fishkill, and Sheafe Road Elementary Schools embarked on an exciting interdisciplinary learning journey through Project-Based Learning (PBL).
In collaboration with Central Hudson Gas & Electric and supported by Artifical Intelligence, students in Grades 2 and 3 combined their understanding of Earth’s Systems and Weather and Climate with the power of digital storytelling to create engaging and informative virtual books. These student-created books are now proudly featured on Central Hudson’s Kids Corner webpage, educating the community on how science concepts relate to the important work the utility company does every day.
Click the image access student products.
May the Course be with You! - Grade 2
Driving Question: How might we design and build a fun and safe mini golf hole to play within our building?
Grade 2 students at Fishkill Elementary have been involved with this PBL experience since 2021 blending science, and creativity. Students were tasked with designing mini golf holes using the properties of matter and measurement to guide their material choices and structural designs.
To celebrate their hard work, students set up their mini golf course right in the school cafeteria. But this wasn’t just any round of mini golf—students used Sphero robots to navigate the custom-designed holes, testing their creations with coding, precision, and a lot of excitement.
This experience highlighted the real-world power of purposeful learning, giving second graders the opportunity to apply scientific thinking, problem-solving, and empathy—all while creating moments of joy for other children.
Digital Storytelling: EcoTales: Stories of Life's Adaptations and Interactions and Cosmic Chronicles - Grades 3 & 6
Driving Question: How might we use the power of digital storytelling to bring the themes of Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems and Space Systems to life for children in our community?
In an inspiring blend of science, technology, and compassion, students from Kinry Road Elementary (Grade 3) and Oak Grove Elementary (Grade 6) engaged in a cross-grade, interdisciplinary PBL experience titled "Digital Storytelling." In collaboration with The Maria Fareri Children’s Healthcare Services at MidHudson Regional Hospital, students used their scientific knowledge and creativity to develop engaging multimedia books designed to entertain and educate young patients.
Grade 3 students explored Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems through a project titled Ecotales: Stories of Life’s Adaptations and Interactions, while Grade 6 students investigated Space Systems in their project Cosmic Chronicles. Students used Book Creator and AI-supported tools to publish their digital books, thoughtfully combining scientific research with storytelling to support therapeutic engagement for hospitalized children.
Throughout the project, students:
Conducted content analysis and scientific research
Created accurate and engaging informational texts
Practiced responsible and ethical use of digital tools and AI
Produced polished digital stories with visuals, narration, and interaction
Reflected on their learning and shared their work during culminating events
This project not only deepened students' scientific understanding but also highlighted the power of empathy, collaboration, and digital storytelling to create meaningful, real-world impact.
Click the image to view student products.
Use a device to scan the QR code to access the digital books
Enterprise Orbit: Building and Launching Rockets in the Business of Space - Grade 4
Driving Question: How might we use our knowledge of physical science and engineering to design and launch a cost-effective rocket?
Grade 4 students at Gayhead Elementary revived a 50-year legacy that began at Fishkill Elementary. Students took on the role of NASA-backed rocket companies, using their knowledge of physical science, engineering, and financial literacy to design, budget, and launch cost-effective rockets.
Guided by the driving question, “How might we use our knowledge of physical science and engineering to design and launch a cost-effective rocket?”, students formed teams, assumed roles, built rockets, and presented their launches to the school community.
The project integrated Next Generation Science Standards, mathematics, and real-world skills—with support from M&T Bank and strong family involvement—bringing excitement, purpose, and tradition to learning.
Every Can Counts: Cans for Habitat Homes - Grades 3, 4, 5, & 6
At Evans and Kinry Road Elementary Schools, Every Can Counts: Cans for Habitat Homes grew a project-based learning initiative focused on environmental responsibility and community impact. In its second year, the initiative expanded to include Fishkill and Fishkill Plains Elementary Schools, further strengthening student involvement across the district.
In partnership with Habitat for Humanity and Novelis, students led aluminum can recycling efforts within their schools to help raise funds for the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home in the Hudson Valley. Through this authentic, real-world project, students learned about the importance of sustainability, the recycling process, and how collective action can support families in need.
This ongoing initiative empowered students to become environmental advocates and active contributors to their community—showing them that even small actions, like recycling a can, can help build something meaningful.
EveryCanCounts1.mp4
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