The two systems fourth-graders learn about are the circulatory and respiratory systems. Instead of a test, to assess if the students could correctly demonstrate the steps of blood flow through the human body, projects were completed and shared.
Students chose from several formats to share their knowledge. This choice allows students to focus on projects that best meet their learning style. Ethan Stafford made a fictional story about a class of blood cells, while Lizzie Fisher composed a journal that several blood cells wrote.
Alex Nash formed a three dimensional heart model made of clay; Ivy Overcash created a travel brochure for visiting blood cells; and Kathryn Morrison and Ben Coulter produced giant posters to display their knowledge.
They sang along with Adam Drye's and Maria Capito's songs about the pathway of blood. Drew Shelby used a model from a local doctor to explain the flow of blood through the body.
In addition to his project, Shelby set up a visit from Marty Chotiner, a local nurse who is also an alumni parent. She shared her heart knowledge by bringing in a pig heart to allow student to feel cardiac tissue. A pig's heart has the same structure as a human heart.