Did you know that there is a museum for flyfishing in New York? Or that Buffalo sauce was born out of a kitchen accident? After weeks of research, our third graders were experts on the Empire State. And, they showed off their public speaking, presentation, and persuasive skills at the 3rd Grade Signature Program.
Split into small groups, students were assigned a specific region of NY state and then studied important aspects such as geographic features and climate, history (including Native American tribes and university foundings), attractions and tourism, and the economy, which included manufactured goods and farming.
"This was primarily a geography unit," explained Third grade teacher Katie Chuchul. "We asked students to think about why people live where they do and does where they choose to live affect their individual lives?" Students considered how one's proximal geography affected them through location and place, the particular region of the state (i.e. Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, Long Island, etc.), human environment, interaction, and movement.
Students were then asked to synthesize their research into persuasive pitches to family and friends. "Could they convince you to travel to that place?" asked Mrs. Chuchul.
Presentation skills were just as important as research, and third graders were asked to choose from a variety of digital media to make their case – from a travel website or blog, travel magazine, commercial, social media-style ad reel, billboard-style poster, and travel brochure.
At the end of their project, students reflected on which of the five main components connected the most to their area of study – for example, the influence of the Erie Canal to the founding and the evolution of Buffalo.
"A lot of this work was student-led and the ability to have choice was very important," said Mrs. Chuchul. "Students honed their research skills by citing sources, note-taking, and taking their digital media skills to new levels," she added, which included photography, iMovie, and script writing.
"My favorite part of the project was working on the billboard because it was fun and exciting to do!" said one third grader.
As family members crowded around student travel booths, they scanned QR Codes and brochures, and in one case, queried students with their own fun facts. "Did you know that the Buffalo Bills are the only football team in all of NY state?" asked one visiting grandparent.
One thing was certain and definitely agreed upon – "We love you New York!"
Photos by Alvin Caal/Friends Academy