April Academy infuses state math standards into Project-based learning

Nearly 200 Transitional Kindergarten through 6th Grade students participated in Milpitas Unified School District’s 2024 April Academy over Spring Break (April 15-19) at Burnett Elementary School.

MUSD educators utilized the California State Math Framework to shape Project-Based lesson plans for the week-long enrichment program, which concluded with a special Student Showcase on Friday. Families who attended the Showcase asked learners about their work and their inspiration for the projects.

“The week went really, really well,” said second grade teacher Kristin Nieva. “The unit that was chosen for second grade was appropriate and the students looked at it as not even really being at school. They were just having a lot of fun with cooking, eating, and trial and error. They did a lot of learning without even knowing they were learning.”

Nieva’s students were “kitchen chemists,” using recipes that tied in with mathematical measurements such as tablespoons and cups, as well as ingredients that, when mixed together, caused physical and chemical changes. Students collaborated to create their own recipes and design a cookbook.

Overall, April Academy’s purpose was to provide students with rigorous opportunities to ask questions and try new things with units designed to make learning math not only fun and engaging but also meaningful and empowering, according to April Academy Principal Emily DeLora-Ellefson. Through creative projects, outdoor activities, and art and science integration, students were able to explore various math concepts while developing collaboration skills and self-efficacy in math.

“We hope that all students will leave inspired and equipped with the skills and mindset to tackle any mathematical challenge and that they will have fun while doing so,” DeLora-Ellefson added.

Fourth graders integrated area and perimeter, identified shapes, used fine motor skills and found solutions to design dream houses for “clients” and for themselves as their week-long projects. 

“This was integrated into their projects so they were able to measure the area of a square and learn dimensions,” said fourth grade teacher Cyril Echin. “They looked for their clients and asked them what their needs were for their house such as how many rooms, any special features and square footage.” 

In third grade teacher Daisy Gonzalez’ class, students designed a miniature golf course, using geometry, angles and shapes such as quadrilaterals in their creations.

“Our driving question was, ‘how can we use geometry to make an appealing and challenging golf course for others in our community?,’” Gonzalez shared. “I’m really proud of the students and everything that they learned.”