Fourth-grade students at Apex Academy recently participated in a cross-curriculum project, which included connecting all the major subjects: math, reading, science, and social studies. The students were tasked with creating a baked good to share with their class. The scholars picked their favorite dessert, then chose an “outlier,” or an item that lies outside of traditional recipe items.
The outlier items included Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Rice Krispies Treats, marshmallows, apples, or pineapples. The students read a variety of recipes to figure out how to combine their favorite dessert with the outlier, which focused on the reading and math curriculum. They also used fractions and sums to complete the recipe, further sharpening their math skills.
“Overall, the students learned how school topics and real-world application go together,” said Dominique Pugh, fourth-grade teacher at Apex Academy. “I was thrilled to see the students use math in a fun and effective way.”
To include social studies in the lesson, students had to work with their parents and other members of their classroom to build a community. Finally, science was incorporated by using different states of matter, including solid, liquid, and gas, as well as using the scientific method during their baking.
Several students explained what they took away from this unique lesson:
"I learned how to use measurements, which I will need to know in order to cook in the future," said Tyshon Gainer.
"I now know how to use multiple steps to bake cakes or cupcakes," shared Heaven Nwosu.
The lesson concluded with a taste-test of everyone’s creations.
About Apex Academy
Apex Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in East Cleveland, Ohio, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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