The Lassen County Office of Education (LCOE) recently had the opportunity
to attend “A Day in the Zoo”, an imaginative and educational event hosted by Mrs. Downs’ 8th
grade class at Janesville School. This engaging project invited students to bring zoo animals to
life using a STEAM-based approach that integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and
Math.
Each student selected an animal to construct entirely out of recycled boxes, carefully calculating
the volume of each body part as part of their math component. Students also conducted research
on their chosen animal and created presentation boards to share their findings with peers and
visitors. The project allowed students to apply academic concepts in a hands-on, collaborative,
and meaningful way. After their calculations and research the students were able to bring their
animals to “life”.
Kaitlyn Midgley of LCOE spoke with Mrs. Downs, who shared the inspiration behind the
project. “Keeping 8th graders engaged during the last month of school is always a challenge,”
she said. “This is our first time hosting this event, and I’ve seen students who often struggle with
attendance show up consistently and excited to work. They’ve all risen to the occasion to present
their projects today.”
The event was a clear success, demonstrating how creativity and applied learning can drive
student motivation and foster a deeper understanding of core concepts. LCOE commends
Janesville School and Mrs. Downs’ 8th grade class for making education both inspiring and fun.
For more information about LCOE events and programs, visit www.lcoe.org.
Students Bring Zoo Animals to Life in Creative STEAM Project
