GREENSBORO — St. Pius X fourth-graders love learning about North Carolina and they take their passion to new heights each year.
Every spring, fourth-grade social studies teacher Anne Ruddy assigns her students a North Carolina project. Students must research and create a 3-D model of a business, landmark or product from the state.
Students worked for months on their projects and brought in scaled models of landmarks at universities such as UNC-Chapel Hill, tourist attractions such as the Elizabethan Gardens, and major businesses like Krispy Kreme, just to name a few. Students presented their projects with pride, reflecting on how each one has an impact on North Carolina’s economy and citizenship. Their presentations were followed by a N.C.
Fest held at the school, where local business showcased their unique products and gave students a hands-on experience about being entrepreneurs in North Carolina. Students learned how to plant mushrooms, upcycle crates into landscaping mulch, cook culinary creations, apply first aid, do basketball drills, play lacrosse, dance, create art and create microchips. The day was rounded out with lunch from Chick-Fil-A and a visit from Bishop McGuinness High School juniors and seniors who spent time with the students playing cornhole and discussing life in high school.
— April Parker