A Seat at the Table PBL (Project-Based Learning) Experience

Nina, Peter, and Gray look for the cost of ingredients on Giant Food’s website, then they calculate and record the unit prices.

Students have been working on an ongoing project in our fifth grade math, advisory, religion, and language arts classrooms this winter. Our “A Seat at the Table” PBL, which began on December 1st, has the fifth graders working together to plan a meal to serve to others in February. Students have been discussing and writing about the qualities of an enjoyable meal, brainstorming menu ideas, and ultimately planning out the meal, including the cost for each meal component to feed the group.  Our project will culminate in a celebration during which students will have an opportunity to serve the meal they prepared.

Throughout this project, our fifth grade students have been learning a number of concepts and skills. In advisory, we have been discussing nutrition, food groups, and the elements of a well-balanced meal. 

Students learned about the nutritional value and health benefits of the different food groups. They presented this information through Canva slides, Kahoots, and Google Slides to their classmates.

During religion, the fifth graders decided which group from their community to serve. They reflected on the people in their lives who are unsung heroes and helpers. Ultimately, the grade decided to express their gratitude for the facilities team at The Woods Academy. 

Students were able to ask for advice regarding meal preparation for large groups from Ray Burley, a visitor from S.O.M.E. (So Others May Eat).

In math, students have been learning how to multiply fractions and mixed numbers to increase recipe serving sizes, find unit prices, and multiply decimals to calculate the cost per ingredient. 

Students multiply fractions to increase the serving size of the macaroni and tomato dish for the meal.

Narrative writing skills have been the focus of language arts as students work through the writing process to construct their pieces. 

Students work on typing final copies of their narratives.

In addition to all of the wonderful work students are doing at school, we want to share some ways you can help out with this project:

• Discuss meals, celebrations, food preferences, and nutrition at home
• Share your expertise about cooking with your students
• Write a thank you note with your student to the facilities team (this will be a homework assignment in religion class in February)

Thank you for all that you do in support of all the students in fifth grade. We are excited to have you play a part in project-based learning!