Meeting Street Academy – Charleston was abuzz on Friday as students enthusiastically explained everything from a hotel security worker’s role to a website for a sustainable turtle tour business.
Dressed in their Sunday best, students presented their work in a format reminiscent of a science fair. Written reports, art displays and creative projects adorned the room, showcasing weeks of research and hands-on learning.
The event marked the culmination of a project-based learning unit focused on Charleston’s tourism industry.
“I’m really proud of them,” said third grade teacher Lyndsay Morgan, watching her students and holding back tears. “They did all the work. This experience connected their learning from inside the classroom to what they see on the internet to the outside world.”
Project-based learning is a teaching method that involves students tackling real-world problems over an extended period. Lessons involve experiences and creative projects.
Each grade explored an age-appropriate investigative question. First graders, for instance, looked into how they would travel to a Charleston hotel, while third graders explored, “How is Charleston affected by ecotourism?” The difference in framing reflects a progression of learning, with younger students addressing practical, tangible topics and older students tackling more abstract, open-ended questions.
Third grade teacher Sophia Brown said she saw students adapting and leading in a meaningful way.
“This project required more independent work,” she said. “They were so engaged and eager to learn.”
Students took field trips with a purpose. Instead of passively observing, Brown said students actively gathered data, asked questions and sought answers that directly informed their projects. For example, one group explored the operations of a hotel by interviewing staff, while older students interviewed owners of an ecotourism business.
Rather than relying on books for answers, Morgan said her students had to dig, discover and get creative.
“It allowed a different side of their brains to come into the learning,” she said.
As students stood proudly by their projects, explaining their findings to visitors, the impact of project-based learning was evident. By engaging with real-world issues, students are not only building academic knowledge but also gaining the skills and confidence to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future.
