PNA’s project-based learning environment seeks to develop creativity and communication skills in our young learners, who are growing up in a technology and media-rich environment. Unlike previous generations, our students have instant access to an abundance of information; experience rapid changes in technology tools; and have the potential to collaborate and make individual contributions on an unprecedented scale. To be successful in the 21st century, they must be able to create, evaluate, and effectively use information, media, and technology. Some critical skills that they must develop include the ability to:
Access and Evaluate Information

• Access information efficiently (time) and effectively (sources)
• Evaluate information critically and competently

Use and Manage Information

• Use information accurately and creatively to solve an issue or problem
• Manage the flow of information from a wide variety of sources
• Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information

Create Media Products

• Understand and use the most appropriate media creation tools, characteristics, and conventions
• Understand and effectively use the most appropriate expressions and interpretations in diverse, multi-cultural environments

Apply Technology Effectively

• Use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate, and communicate information
• Use digital technologies (computers, PDAs, media players, GPS, etc.), communication/networking tools and social networks appropriately to access, manage, integrate, evaluate and create information to successfully function in a knowledge economy
• Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information technologies

Fifth graders used their final week before spring break to finalize their projects for the PNA Science Party. Having researched an “extreme weather” topic of choice by reading books and websites, students learned to create an Adobe Spark video to share what they learned with other PNA students. Adobe Spark is a very simple video creation tool that enabled students to create a product using images, text, music, and voice. Engagement and interest were high as students experimented and created with color, fonts, images, and other design features. Their final videos can be viewed at this link. We are sure you’ll be impressed with their accomplishments!