Projects are what tie our curriculum together and ground the new skills we learn in the classroom.  They give us a unified context for learning things about which we are genuinely curious! Here is a little more about our philosophy of project-based learning at the elementary level: 

TVCS uses a dynamic approach to teaching and learning in which students explore real-world questions and challenges, while simultaneously developing cross-curricular and interpersonal skills. The teacher acts as a facilitator, working with students to pose worthwhile questions, structure meaningful tasks, provide new and engaging resources, and encourage the use of appropriate social skills that are all centered around MCREL and Common Core Standards. While allowing for some degree of student voice and choice, rigorous projects are carefully planned, managed, and assessed to help students learn key academic content, practice 21st century skills (such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking), and create high-quality, authentic products and presentations. Because project-based learning is filled with active and engaged learning, it inspires students to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they are studying. Research also indicates that students are more likely to retain the knowledge gained through this approach far more readily than through traditional textbook-centered learning.

“In Project Based Learning (PBL), students go through an extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem, or challenge. While allowing for some degree of student "voice and choice," rigorous projects are carefully planned, managed, and assessed to help students learn key academic content, practice 21st Century Skills (such as collaboration, communication & critical thinking), and create high-quality, authentic products & presentations.”[1]