Second graders at Roosevelt Elementary recently dazzled the school community with their Balloons Over Roosevelt parade, a culmination of a month-long, interdisciplinary project-based learning experience.

Working in teams, students selected and researched an animal, developing literacy, science and research skills. They created detailed posters highlighting key facts about their chosen animal, then designed and engineered large, colorful balloons to resemble them. The balloon-making process integrated both art and STEM, as students planned structures that not only captured their animal's likeness but also floated evenly during the parade.

In preparation, students read “Balloons Over Broadway”, the inspiring story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Their work was supported by classroom, ENL, special education and special area teachers, who collaborated to guide students through every step of the project.

Before the parade, students hosted a museum exhibit, showcasing their research posters to teach their peers about various animals. The grand finale was a schoolwide parade, where the second graders proudly displayed their creations to cheers from fellow students, staff and parents.

This hands-on project not only ignited creativity but also fostered teamwork, problem-solving and a love of learning across multiple disciplines.

Click here to view the Second Graders Showcase Creativity and Collaboration in Balloons Over Roosevelt Parade slideshow.

Date Added: 12/4/2024