Fortville Elementary School recently brought the holiday spirit to life with a creative and educational project that captured the hearts of students, staff, and the community. This innovative initiative saw students constructing gingerbread houses that replicated the actual town of Fortville, complete with its businesses and landmarks.

The project was more than just a festive activity; it was a hands-on learning experience that integrated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Each gingerbread house was meticulously crafted to represent a real-life Fortville business, creating an edible replica of the town and celebrating the unique character of the local community.

The students didn’t just stop at recreating the businesses; they took the opportunity to meet the business owners themselves. This real-world interaction allowed students to understand the essence of the establishments they were replicating, adding a personal touch to their designs. For example, students assigned to recreate a local bakery could interview the owner, learn about the history, and incorporate those details into their gingerbread model.

Through this engagement, students gained a deeper appreciation for the community they live in, while business owners enjoyed seeing their establishments brought to life in such a unique and creative way.

STEAM in ActionThis project was a perfect example of STEAM education in practice:

• Science: Students explored the psychics of making a light switch for their gingerbread town.
• Technology: Students used technology to research, write, and publish class books about the town.
• Engineering: Designing and assembling the gingerbread structures required careful planning, problem-solving, and collaboration to ensure stability and accuracy.
• Art: Creativity was on full display as students decorated their houses with colorful candies and icing, capturing the essence of Fortville's landmarks.
• Math: Precise measurements and scaling were crucial as students translated real-world dimensions into gingerbread blueprints.

The culmination of the project was a public display where the Fortville community was invited to view the gingerbread town. Families, friends, and local residents marveled at the intricate details of each structure, from the iconic storefronts to the playful holiday decorations. The event not only showcased the students' hard work, but also fostered a sense of pride and connection among all who attended.

Mrs. Palmer, 4th grade teacher at FES, states “Our teacher team really loves how this project brings the community into learning.  We love seeing how excited the students are about learning and sharing this project with families.  It is great that the students get to see that learning is fun. We want them to learn how to connect and work with others, and we think this project does just that! We also hope they see how great the Fortville community is, and that it is a great place to go to school.”

This gingerbread project at Fortville Elementary School was more than just a creative endeavor; it was a meaningful way to blend education with community engagement. By connecting with local businesses and applying STEAM principles, students not only honed their academic skills, but also learned the value of collaboration, creativity, and community spirit. As the gingerbread town of Fortville stood proudly on display, it was a sweet reminder of what can be achieved when education and community come together in harmony.