FES Students Create Gingerbread Replica of Fortville

The Fortville Elementary School (FES) fourth grade students utilized a number of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) applications to create a Town of Fortville gingerbread replica. Students were placed into small groups and assigned a business to research, prepare a report and create a gingerbread visual. All buildings were then connected to create a delicious replica of Main Street along with various parks and Mt. Vernon schools in Fortville.

This project has given students the opportunity to get involved in their community and ask owners about their businesses and the town of Fortville. Not only do students create this entire project, but parents are invited to view the display as well. Fortville business owners are also able to see the models of their own businesses that the students have created. 

Fourth grade teacher, Lydgia Palmer says, “I think they will look back and remember this. When you think about fourth grade what do you remember? Building our town. It’s such a small town that they get to talk to community members, they actually get to see what it’s like.”

This festive research project was a fun way for the students to expand their knowledge in social studies, language arts, science, math, and art. Social studies was the main area of content covered by the project; students learned about Fortville’s development in Indiana, how to locate features on a map and the effect Fortville businesses have on the local economy.

Students also used language arts skills when they were reading, writing and researching their assigned building. They prepared a report on their assigned building with information about the structure they researched. 

Lastly, math was also put into play with students estimating the size and number of the materials that they would need to reconstruct the building.

These engaging project-based learning projects help students learn more about and engage in the communities they call home. FES is truly living Mt. Vernon’s mission: Engage, Educate & Empower today’s students to seize tomorrow’s opportunities.