Franklin 5th Graders Recognized at One8 Event

Fifth-grade students from Lincoln Street and Washington Street Elementary Schools presented projects at the One8 Applied Learning Hub Student Showcase on May 8. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Franklin Public School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Curriculum STEM Eric Stark have shared that fifth-grade students from Lincoln Street and Washington Street Elementary Schools recently presented Applied Learning math projects to over 500 industry professionals at the One8 Applied Learning Hub Student Showcase in Boston.

Both schools received awards for their impressive group projects. Washington Street’s team won the ST Math category and Lincoln Street’s team won Project of Distinction.

Students first began working on the projects in February, when they were tasked with working in groups to create a tri-fold poster explaining an ST Math game they use in class.

ST Math is a supplemental math program that teaches mathematical concepts through visual puzzles. Through its visual depictions of math concepts, the program removes language barriers for students and utilizes interactive puzzles to explain ideas.

The project challenged students to introduce the game to someone unfamiliar with it. Students explained how the game helped them develop a mathematical skill or concept, and considered how industry professionals use math within their careers.

Students shared their projects with professionals from across the state, including individuals from organizations such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Liberty Mutual. They also presented to several local organizations, including the Town of Franklin, Franklin School Committee and Franklin Public Schools.

The professionals provided feedback and discussed the projects with students. Through the conversations, students learned about the process of applying concepts learned in the classroom to real world scenarios.

"Projects like this allow our students to understand the curriculum from a different perspective," said Washington Street Elementary School Principal Evan Chelman. "As our students collaborated to teach others a math concept, they approached the course material from a new angle. It was exciting to see them work together and incorporate the feedback community members provided."

With their revised projects, the fifth graders presented their work at Franklin High School during the Science National Honor Society’s Family Science Night on April 9.

The months of hard work paid off on May 8, when the students traveled to the TRACK at new balance and presented their projects at the One8 Applied Learning Hub Student Showcase. They received written and verbal feedback from industry professionals, whose notes praised the projects and allowed students to draw connections between their own and the professionals’ work.

“We prioritize aligning our curriculum and student experiences with current industry practices,” said Superintendent Giguere. “Through our partnerships with the One8 Applied Learning Hub and ST Math, our students can attend meaningful events such as the showcase. These opportunities allow them to see firsthand how their classroom lessons apply to the outside world."

The final product each group displayed at the showcase was a tri-fold poster with an ST Math puzzle and description, the math concept behind the game, the connection between the game and the real world and how it relates to at least one profession.

“We are very proud of the groups that presented at the One8 Student Showcase,” said Lincoln Street Elementary School Principal Brad Hendrixson. “The months of hard work paid off as our students took home multiple awards and had insightful conversations with industry professionals. These hands-on events truly make a difference in our students' learning experience, and we were happy to see them thrive during their showcase presentations."

About the One8 Foundation and the One8 Applied Learning Hub

The One8 education team identifies, supports and scales high impact programs and approaches that help schools and teachers prepare students for success in a rapidly changing, data rich world. One8 imagines a future where high-quality applied learning opportunities that make learning relevant, stimulating and rewarding are a regular part of the student experience driving impact for all students. The One8 Applied Learning Hub helps Massachusetts schools get the most out of Applied Learning programs by providing implementation support, educator community building, and student opportunities that bring learning to life. The One8 Applied Learning Hub currently supports seven programs in the Commonwealth: the Democratic Knowledge Project, Investigating History, OpenSciEd, PBLWorks, Project Lead The Way, Skew the Script, and ST Math. Visit www.one8.org and www.one8alhub.org to learn more.