Passion was evident in the portfolios of learning shared by students and the students who presented their learning, especially in the engineering section. Students were driving renewable cars and presenting their learning path via QR codes and animated software. One young man even tried to pick up his little sister with a self-built RC truck!
WWII scrapbooks of learning were on display as well. I especially appreciated those in which students did family research to tell the story of a great uncle or grandparent. Their passion was evident by the care and craftsmanship of these displays and the research that went into them.
Another impressive aspect of the fair was the AP English/Lit students who were working on persuasion via their art projects. Not only were these projects in varied stages of completion for the STEAM Fair but they were also in varied stages of securing local venues for their display. Students will be displaying their pieces for 2-4 weeks and gathering feedback on the level of persuasion/engagement as well as blogging on their experience.
The environment PBL environment was infectious with students dragging their families into the Fair to proudly show off their learning the whole day. Engagement, pride and motivation were certainly on display well beyond anything traditional assessments could reach.
The 3 P's were on display and wowed all; Projects, Portfolios and Performances! Great job students and teachers!
(Click here for more on the 3Ps and assessment!)