Austin Road Elementary School fourth graders engaged in a hands-on learning project that blended creativity, history and technology. As part of their reading and writing curriculum, students worked in teams to research a historical natural disaster, write about it and transform their findings into a news broadcast script. They recorded their weather segments in front of a green screen.
The technological aspects of the project were led by STEAM teacher Trish Huestis, who worked closely with fourth grade teachers Mary Jean Cerbini, Katie Douma, Carolyn Ryan, Jerry Volpe and Tiffany Ziegelhofer and teaching assistant Adrianne Eppolito. Together, they guided the students in using green screen technology to create their dynamic weather broadcasts.
“It was fun watching the fourth graders bring their historical weather events to life using props such as raincoats, umbrellas and microphones,” Huestis said. “It’s truly fulfilling to see students combine their research, creativity and technology skills to produce something they are proud of.”
After recording their broadcasts, Huestis introduced the students to WeVideo, a video editing software, where they refined their projects. The editing skills they developed will be useful later this year when they team up with art teacher Chris Williams on a creative puppet project.
“This project also introduced them to real-world tools they’ll use in future projects,” Huestis said. “Watching the students grow as storytellers and collaborators is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”
