Third-grade students at Sky Harbour Elementary, Southwest ISD, in San Antonio, Texas, took project-based learning to new heights in an effort to solve a real-world problem. This multi-class sustainability project became a goal to help students in another country. Through the article, “Getting Boats to Children Who Have to Swim to School,” students identified a problem, students in the Philippines are having to wade or swim in water in order to get to school.
First, in Science class, third-grade students learned about density, force, and motion and used the knowledge to design and build a boat that could float in water and/or race. Each group took part in a boat race to see which boat could be pushed or pulled to the finish line without sinking.
Then, the students learned about the culture, community, and the history of the Philippines in Social Studies class. They even heard from a first-hand Sky Harbour teacher, Mrs. Patterson, of how it was for her growing up in the Philippines.
The article also mentions how The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, an organization that provides essential support to students in the Philippines, by ensuring they can safely commute to school using boats. This initiative ensures that children have access to education, overcoming transportation challenges, and opening up a world of opportunities for them. Sky Harbour Elementary students then created a plan for a Third Grade Market and our talented students worked to create beautiful crafts while putting their entrepreneurial skills to work. All their efforts allowed the community of Gagmay’ng Mangingisda sa Concepcion (KGMC) located in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, to receive a single paddle boat, named the Dynamic Dolphin.
The students were motivated by the purpose behind this project and their compassion truly shone through. They poured their hearts into making unique crafts to sell, and the response from our supportive school was overwhelming. It was inspiring to witness their creativity, teamwork, and dedication.
Together, we are creating positive change and fostering a sense of global citizenship in our young learners.
