Kindergarten PBL 1 2023-24
What type of toys can we create and sell to raise funds for Toys for TOTS?
Driving Question
Wall Display
Research and Building Background Knowledge
Students engage in hands-on research on motion by observing and analyzing playground equipment in real-world settings and reflected in the STEM journal.
Students engage in hands-on research, exploring various types of materials and documenting their observations and reflections in their STEM journals.
Related STEM Careers
Checkout the videos below to learn more about these STEM careers.
Kindergarten Partnerships
Thanks to all of our partners!
Students went on a field trip to Legoland to explore how toys incorporate motion.
Students sold their toys to parents at MIST Night and donated the money to Toys for Tots.
Wolf Trap utilized storytelling to explore math concepts through arts integration, engaging students with a narrative about shapes and guiding them to identify shapes within their classroom environment and matching them with their classmates.
Math Integration Samples
Students created larger shapes from small shapes.
Students explored toys that show motion and those that do not. Then students counted the toys and represented the value with a numerical number.
Community Impact
This Kindergarten STEM PBL combined creativity, academic learning, and community service to make a meaningful impact. Students explored the essential question, "What type of toys can we create and sell to raise funds for Toys for Tots?" while engaging in interdisciplinary learning that integrated math, science, and the arts.
Project Highlights:
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Collaborative Partnerships:
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At Legoland, students explored shapes, counting, and motion concepts, gaining inspiration from toys and structures.
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The Alliance Theater used drama, art, and storytelling to deepen understanding of shapes and motion, helping students connect learning to toy creation.
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Partnering with Toys for Tots fostered a sense of purpose, as students worked to support children in need.
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Toy Creation and Learning Integration:
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Students designed toys demonstrating motion concepts (spinning, rolling, bouncing) while applying math skills (shapes, measurement, counting) and science principles (materials and motion).
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The project emphasized collaboration and creativity, empowering students to bring their ideas to life.
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Fundraising Initiative:
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Students sold their handmade toys to parents and community members, donating all proceeds to Toys for Tots to provide gifts for children during the holiday season.
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Impact on Learning and Community:
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Academic Growth: Students’ understanding of motion concepts grew from 18% pre-project to 60% post-project, showing significant gains in science comprehension.
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Community Contribution: The project raised funds for Toys for Tots, fostering empathy and a sense of responsibility.
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Engaged Families: Parents actively supported the project, strengthening school-community ties.
This project showcased the power of partnerships and integrated learning to inspire young students, benefiting both their academic growth and their community.