Students Get Handsby
Project-based learning is an active part of instruction at
Nixa with hopes that students shift their learning from the
classroom to real life experiences. When given the opportunity,
children learn from inquiry, trial, and error. These are the fundamentals
behind the projects of the Inman Greenhouse
and Learning Center, Mathews outdoor classroom,
Early Childhood Center’s Farm Day, and John Thomas
School of Discovery farmers market and chicken coop.
“It’s so important to involve
families in their child’s learning so
that they can extend that learning
into the home and the activities
they do as a family.”
Danielle McGuire
Project-based learning is an active part of instruction
at Nixa with hopes that students shift their learning from
the classroom to real life experiences. When given the opportunity,
children learn from inquiry, trial, and error. These are the
fundamentals behind the projects of the Inman Greenhouse and
Learning Center, Mathews outdoor classroom, Early Childhood
Center’s Farm Day, and John Thomas School of Discovery farmers
market and chicken coop.
The Inman Greenhouse and Learning Center started
with a year of fundraising in order to build what the students had
dreamed up. The students were actively earning money for their
project through their very own smoothie stand. Each time they
make smoothies, they worked on their successes by refl ecting on
what was done, problem solving, and improving the smoothies or
services, which resulted in higher sales and meeting their fundraising
goal. The students and staff also worked to secure many
generous donations from the community. For Inman teacher,
Elaine Ashley, anything is possible. “Dream big, don’t let obstacles
get in your way, never give up, and everyone is valuable and has
great things to offer so look for their strengths in all situations,”
Elaine said.
Elaine’s class was able to pour the foundation and build the
frame of the greenhouse with the help of parents, grandparents,
and other local community members. The next group of students
will learn to run the greenhouse’s raised beds and landscaped
area as well as the learning center where math, science, and
research will be used to understand the water cycle, seasons,
and germination.
Over at Mathews Elementary, students and teachers
implemented a hands-on learning feature that students could
help create and enjoy. The outdoor classroom was a buildingwide
project that started with a collaboration between each and
every student and teacher. Mathews kindergarten, 1st, and 2ndgrade
teachers chose sensory equipment they would like to see
8 THE NEST NIXA PUBLIC SCHOOLS MAGAZINE SUMMER 2018