Southview Elementary fourth graders recently turned science lessons into a hands-on Project Based Learning experience that was equal parts creative, collaborative and fun.

As part of their force and motion unit this quarter, the students explored balanced and unbalanced forces, friction and energy transfer. They then applied that learning in an innovative and engaging way, according to teacher Michelle Raines, 

“They wrapped up by designing and building a mini-golf course," she said. "Then we invited our first grade friends to come and try out the course.”

That final step made the experience even more meaningful, giving fourth graders the chance to share their work with younger students while showing just how much they had learned.

This was a wonderful example of Project Based Learning in action at Southview and all of Kearney School District's elementary schools. Students didn’t just study scientific concepts. They used them to design, build, problem-solve and create an experience for others. We are proud of our fourth graders and grateful to our teachers for creating learning experiences that are both engaging and memorable.