Branda Thwaits

Winterquist’s Elementary World on Water (W.O.W.) project combines the magic of the underwater world with project-based learning in a special education setting. What started out as one fish tank in a classroom has grown into a yearlong, immersive project-based experience for special education students where they will learn to observe, analyze, and ask questions about life underwater. This project will deepen student impact through a richer curriculum, more immersive classroom, a social emotional component, and a community outreach event. Students will complete mini projects for each lesson and a large project for each of four units. The combination of project-based learning, a water-centered atmosphere, and a public product will create a positive impact on these students for a lifetime.