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Mendel 5th graders shine in Biomes Project-Based Learning with AAPS Support
Jan 30, 2025
The 5th-grade students are excited to present their Biome Project-Based Learning activities. They confidently share their research, creative displays, and detailed explanations of their chosen biomes, showcasing their hard work and understanding of the subject matter.
Joan K. Mendel Elementary School’s 5th-grade students recently embarked on an extraordinary journey of scientific discovery through an engaging Biomes Project-Based Learning (PBL) initiative, guided by their dedicated teachers and supported by the invaluable expertise of AAPS teacher Dr. Kitara Jordan.
This eight-week collaborative project centered on exploring the various elements that define biomes and the organisms that inhabit them. Students dove deep into research, selecting a biome of interest and an organism within it to investigate. Through this process, they examined the unique features of their chosen biome, including the physical and behavioral adaptations of organisms, the food web, and the interactions that sustain ecosystems.
"The culmination of the project took the form of a ‘Mobile Museum,’ where students showcased their work to second-grade students, teachers, and parents," shared Payge Brandt, 5th-grade teacher. “In their reflections, students expressed how much they learned through this project and gave feedback to their peers, particularly about topics they might not have explored otherwise. The fifth-grade students also recognized the importance of staying focused and adhering to specific deadlines, skills that will serve them well in future endeavors.”
Students presented their findings on creative trifold displays, incorporating recyclable materials to build intricate models of their organisms. This hands-on approach brought their research to life, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry.
Dr. Kitara Jordan highlighted the value of collaboration in the project: “Collaboration and co-teaching are at the heart of our teaching practices at Joan K. Mendel Elementary School because we see the positive impact on the quality of work and academic pride of our little pandas.”
The project aligned with the 5th-grade science standard 5-LS2-1, which focuses on modeling the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment. By exploring these intricate relationships, students gained a deeper understanding of how energy and matter flow through ecosystems and biomes.
Kendra Harris, another 5th-grade teacher, reflected on the students’ achievements: “It was incredibly rewarding to see their creativity and critical thinking come to life as they built and presented their models.”
The success of the Biomes PBL was a testament to the students’ hard work, teamwork, and enthusiasm. Many exceeded expectations by incorporating real-world data and conducting
Joan K. Mendel 5th Graders Shine in Biomes Project-Based Learning with AAPS Support
additional research to enhance their presentations. Their confidence and curiosity shone brightly during the Mobile Museum showcase, leaving parents, teachers, and younger students inspired
Through this enriching experience, students not only mastered complex scientific concepts but also honed essential skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication. The pride they took in their work reflected their growth and excitement for learning.
The Joan K. Mendel Elementary School community is incredibly proud of the 5th-grade students for their accomplishments and the dedication of their teachers and support staff who made this impactful learning opportunity possible.
