The Kohelet Prize Database

Pedagogy: Constructivist

From Mesivta 404 to Lamplighters Mesivta: A Real-World Journey (Mesivta 404 2.0)

Stop. Push your mental reset button. You might think this entry will be about a unit plan, an initiative or a school program with a real-world application. But actually, this entry is school as the real world application. Students and teachers at Lamplighters Mesivta are founding school together. Read about why and how...

By: Rabbi Yehuda Fenton, Rivkah Schack from Lamplighters Yeshivah Mesivta

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Social and Emotional Learning, Technology

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Social and Emotional Learning

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Mishkeh Mechanic / Success Strategist 2.0

Middle school students completed a project in their STEAM cross-curricular class and followed the Teshuva process to "realize," and thus capitalize upon, their mistakes and successes; this highly replicable, easily transferable project took on a far-reaching mind of its own, with students at the helm of the real-life skills ship.

By: Sri Sundaram, Ariella Landy from Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Economics/ Business, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Foreign Language, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Music, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Physical Education/Health, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tanach, Technology, Tefila

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, Flipped Learning, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Wholebrain Teaching, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Derech Eretz, Respect, and Consent: Middot in the Modern Age

This program is an interdisciplinary exploration of current events, Tanach, and literature to examine the meaning and application of derech eretz in a modern Jewish context.

By: Ariel Levenson, Batya Sharbat from Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy

Grade(s): 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, History, Literature, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Wholebrain Teaching, 21st Century Skills

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Creators of Content: How Students Can Co-Design Their Understanding of Their World

Students at Pressman Academy from grades K-5th participate in STEAM twice a week for 45 minutes. During this time they are presented with a variety of options to explore a given content area. Ultimately they create prototypes to solve complex problems and models to represent how they understand the world using tools from cardboard to CNC machines.

By: Rex Beaber from Pressman Academy of Temple Beth Am

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Technology

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, Gamification, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, 21st Century Skills

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JSTEAM – Melacha Makerspace

JSTEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Makerspace. STEAM through a Jewish lens in sync with Maimonides School's mission creating a beautiful blend of Torah and Worldly experience with hands-on creativity.

By: Yosef Rubin from Maimonides Hebrew Day School

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Engineering, Gemara, Halacha, Mishnah, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Tanach, Technology

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Maimonides Integrated Connections

Three interconnected gears with the letters M.I.C. representing Maimonides Integrated Connections. This encourages students and teachers to find cross-curricular connections, bridging various subjects and disciplines, and integrating classroom learning with real life experiences.

By: Rabbi Mendel Rubin from Maimonides Hebrew Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Foreign Language, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Music, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Physical Education/Health, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tanach, Technology, Tefila

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, Language Immersion, Montessorri, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Soulful Education, Wholebrain Teaching, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Poetry Unbound: Finding Poetry Across the Curriculum

Inspired by the “Poetry in Motion” campaign on New York City subway cars, three teachers looked for ways to help students discover poetry outside of English literature textbooks: art, Hebrew, Judaics, and our school’s mission trip to Israel.

By: Mrs. Sarah Antine, Ms. Victoria Plaza, Dr. Hannah Saltmarsh from The Deborah Lerner Gross Jewish Cultural Arts Center, Berman Hebrew Academy, Berman Hebrew Academy

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Foreign Language, Ivrit, Literature, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Tanach, Tefila

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Experiential Education

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JCDS Learning Adventures

JCDS Learning Adventures are deeply immersive week-long interdisciplinary units developed around real-world challenges. While students in each grade have amazingly diverse experiences, all Learning Adventures are connected by a common pedagogical vision: students collaborating to develop and share solutions to tangible real-world problems.

By: Jared Matas, Tehila Cherubino, Sarah Kanigsberg, Alla Shimron, Nikki Cohen, Michal Baruch, Chavah Goldman, Meg Lederman, Avi Minder, Maayan Lipiner, Emily Perlman, Avi Bukiet, Andrea Silton, Ben Einsidier, Vered Singer, Oren Kaunfer, Carissa McKinney, Ziva Hassenfeld, Rabbi Lior Nevo, Josh Mocle, Joanne Baker, Dorit Zimri from JCDS, Boston's Jewish Community Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Engineering, Mishnah, Music, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Technology, Tefila

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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The Shlenker BackYard: A Gateway to Experiential Learning

The Shlenker School’s nature reserve “The BackYard” is situated on a 1.5 acre wooded area directly behind the school. This outdoor classroom is utilized for core academic and Judaic learning experiences. Students learn about environmental ethics and are taught the Jewish value of Ba’al tashchit—not destroying or wasting resources in nature.

By: Joe Blanton from The Shlenker School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Foreign Language, Halacha, Ivrit, Math, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Technology

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, Language Immersion, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Wholebrain Teaching, UBD - understanding by design

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Integrated/Environmentally Conscious Tashlich Unit

This interdisciplinary unit on water and tashlich integrates Judaic studies, physical science, ecology, and Language Arts through text analysis and critical thinking exercises. Fourth grade students connect Judaism and general studies through Torah, mitzvot, scientific method, creative thinking, and problem solving.

By: Joe Blanton, Lorna Boughton, Rachel Hall from The Shlenker School

Grade(s): 4, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Foreign Language, Halacha, Ivrit, Math, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Technology, Tefila

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, Language Immersion, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Wholebrain Teaching, UBD - understanding by design

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Learning in Common: Creating a School-Wide Collaborative Learning Space

The Information and Technology team of Portland Jewish Academy recognized the need for a more collaborative, connective, and centralized learning space for our school. We created a place that is a living expression of our core values of limmud (study), kehillah (community), and zehut (Jewish identity).

By: Michael Hyde, Molly Sloan, Matthew Rosenberg from Portland Jewish Academy

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Literature, Mishnah, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Technology, Tefila

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, 21st Century Skills

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Mishnah Sukkah: Design Challenge

Heather Kantrowitz has developed a project based unit on Mishnah Sukkah that has become an integral part of Austin Jewish Academy’s seventh grade program. Students learn Mishnah Sukkah and then build model-size sukkot based on the descriptions in the Mishna, and it has evolved to include a design challenge and writing component.

By: Heather Kantrowitz from Austin Jewish Academy

Grade(s): 5, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Engineering

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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Reaching In, Reaching Out: A Tefillah Chug Focused On Dismantling Social Barriers Through Personal Identity Exploration

Using Sara K. Ahmed’s “Being the Change” (2018) framework, students connect and celebrate social comprehension skills and Jewish prayer. Through stories, identity webs, artwork, poetry, and Tefillah inquiry, students explore elements of their own identities, perspectives, and assumptions in order to weave stronger ties amongst our sacred community.

By: Shannon Rohlman, Rabbi Scott Slarskey, Samantha Thal from Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, B'nai Amoona Congregation, Shaare Emeth Congregation

Grade(s): 3, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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Schechter Westchester’s K-12 MakerSpace Program 2.0

Four makerspaces, six innovative educators, two campuses, students ranging in age from 4-18. This is the basis for our culture-shifting focus on maker education across all grades, K-12. The learning that goes on in these spaces, and the impact that it has on thinking throughout our institution, has revolutionized how students approach their world.

By: Danny Aviv from Solomon Schechter School of Westchester

Grade(s): K, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Science

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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Towards an Environment of Personalization: The Academic Coaches Program

The Academic Coaches program connects each student to one caring, natural adult mentor in the school building able to provide both academic support and a more personal account of student development to other teachers and administration, while helping students develop goals and foster their own self advocacy skills.

By: David Teller from Fuchs Mizrachi School

Grade(s): 9, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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Crash Helmet Design, Prototyping, and Testing: An Egg-Citing Physics and Engineering Design PBL

In this authentic project, high school students develop crash helmets with a goal of protecting a population of people from traumatic head (brain) injury. Using eggs to simulate human heads, students employ the design thinking process by engaging in real-world research, scientific data collection, engineering prototyping, and performance testing.

By: Camille McCue, PhD, Alexis Hilts from The Adelson Educational Campus

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Engineering, Science, Technology

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Flipped Learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Art as a Lens to the Holocaust and Genocide: The Legacy Project

Middle schoolers become researchers, artists, historians, and storytellers, exploring memorials and monuments through an integrated year-long study in Judaism, Fine Arts, and Humanities. This project-focused learning fosters deep understanding and engagement about the Holocaust on a personal level as well as within a deeper global context.

By: Colleen Simon, Rhiannon Van Bindsbergen from Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford

Grade(s): 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, History, Literature, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Soulful Education, 21st Century Skills

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“Kids around the world do the same things in different ways.” Kindergarten students create The Museum of the Universal Languages of Childhood

The Kindergarten theme of community was woven into all aspects of our curriculum and was explored through the lens of global competency. Our multidisciplinary curricular approach to learning culminated in the creation of The Museum of the Universal Languages of Childhood that represented the languages of celebrations, games, and fine arts.

By: Xani Pollakoff, Lisa Davis from Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School, Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, History, Literature, Math, Music, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, 21st Century Skills

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Things that Go Bump in the Night

Students contrast Mystical Judaism with Rational Judaism. Topics include: Sorcery, Witches, Amulets, Evil Eye, Chamsa, Lilith, Star of David, Mezuzah, Golem, Demon, Incubus, and Dybbuk. Students integrate Jewish Studies with Art, by creating art projects that are message-driven by the associated Jewish Studies topics.

By: Cheryl Myrbo, Rabbi Pamela Gottfried, Moshe Sokol from The Weber School

Grade(s): 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Gemara, Halacha, History, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Experiential Education, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning

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Statistical Analysis of a Federal Data Set: Project Based Learning in the Introductory Statistics Classroom

Introductory Statistics is best absorbed with active engagement. In this Project Based Learning class, students choose their own "real life" data sets from federal sources, apply newly learned statistical techniques to their data, and use quantitative reasoning to explore their passions. Seminar-style interactions with classmates enhance learning.

By: Rachel Braun from Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy

Grade(s): 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Economics/ Business, Math, Social Studies

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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The Tzedek Program

The year-long Tzedek Program gives 7th graders a deep understanding about their obligation to give tzedakah. Armed with this knowledge, 7th graders will be will be able to make their own educated philanthropic decisions in their own community of San Francisco based on their understanding of the needs and priorities through a Jewish lens.

By: Jody Bloom from The Brandeis School of San Francisco

Grade(s): 5, 6, 7, 8, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Halacha

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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Mesivta 404: Risk, Failure, Opportunity

Equal to a boy’s feeling of accomplishment and belonging is his chance at finding his place among the Jewish people. But departing from the path of least resistance, even if things do not seem to be working, is hard. Taking the risk to do something different might just have to come from desperation. This is the origin story of Mesivta 404.

By: Rabbi Yehuda Fenton, Rivkah Schack from Lamplighters Yeshivah-Mesivta 404

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Social and Emotional Learning

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Social and Emotional Learning, Socratic Method

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Am I My Brother’s Keeper? From The Torah to S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders

You Be The Judge: What does Jewish Law say should happen to Ponyboy Curtis? An exploration and analysis of S.E. Hinton’s American Classic, The Outsiders

By: Jenessa Scwhartz, Jamie Zimmer from Yavneh Day School

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Halacha, Mishnah, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tanach, literature

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Hevruta Learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Wholebrain Teaching, 21st Century Skills

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The Space We Create

The presentation that follows is based on years of perseverance and experimentation as to what makes for a meaningful and happy learning space for children. “The Space We Create" shows how this is cultivated by using everyday materials to create innovative and flexible classroom spaces. With dedication and care, children will thrive.

By: Amy Sroka from Solomon Schechter School of Westchester

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Math, Music, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Physical Education/Health, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Experiential Education, Social and Emotional Learning, Wholebrain Teaching, 21st Century Skills

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Student Centered Chumash Class

Differentiated instruction is crucial in education, because every student should be given the opportunity to maximize his/her potential. Shifting my Chumash class into a more student-centered one has helped me reach this goal. In this model, students play an active role in their learning, and they produce work that demonstrates authentic learning.

By: Zehava Greenwald from Bruriah Junior High

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Tanach, Technology

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, Flipped Learning, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Integration of Vygotzky’s Zone of Proximal Development Theorem in the Singapore Math Program

The implementation of the combination of Vygotzky's theorem of the zone of proximal development with the Singapore math program presents significant benefits in creating the critical thinking skills and developing the required cognitive functions for understanding complex mathematical concepts.

By: Danielle Sapiens from Yavneh Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Math

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Wholebrain Teaching, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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EVERlab 2.0: a next generation Beit Midrash

EVERlab is a learning environment dedicated to the integration of ideas and concepts from Jewish studies and “secular” academics. It combines elements of a conventional maker-space, including iteration, prototyping and design-thinking with the ethos of a Beit Midrash: the critical/open exchange of ideas and a collaborative search for deeper truth.

By: Robin Gluck, Evan Wolkenstein from Jewish Community High School of the Bay

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, History, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Hevruta Learning, Social and Emotional Learning, 21st Century Skills

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Building a Mathematical Menorah

The Menorah is one of the most prominent symbols of Hanukkah. Students collaborated to design and build a Menorah based on Mathematical principles. Students then incorporated the “Keshet of Kavod” (Rainbow of Respect) into the design, emphasizing Jewish values. The built Menorah was then used in the Maccabia games and was showcased at the JCC.

By: Danielle Sapiens from Yavneh Day School

Grade(s): 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Engineering, Math, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Social Studies

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, Hevruta Learning, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design

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Beth Tfiloh’s Lower School Israel Fair: A Student-led Interdisciplinary Experience

Beth Tfiloh Lower School students participated in a multi-week and school-wide interdisciplinary learning experience about various landmarks in Israel. Students (K-4th grade) conceived of, developed, and created fifteen hands-on exhibits to share their learning with the broader student and family community.

By: Elana Weissman, Elissa Hozore from Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, History, Ivrit, Math, Music, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tanach, Technology

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, 21st Century Skills

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Two Poems–Two Teachers–Two Classrooms: Creating a Collaborative “Howl” for today’s teens.

We used two poems as an opportunity to challenge a very significant norm at many schools--the lack of interaction among students in different levels/grades. Students in two classes--one an AP senior class, the other a grade-level junior class--analyzed both poems, asking questions of each other and answering as many as they could.

By: Dr. Hannah Saltmarsh and Ms. Victoria Plaza from Berman Hebrew Academy

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Social and Emotional Learning, literature

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Flipped Learning, PBL - project based learning

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Shifting Math Models

In order to better differentiate in our math classrooms, we recently shifted our math model from a "pull-out" model, where students were pulled out into above and below level groups, to a "push-in" model, where a third teacher joins the classroom and the teachers teach in small groups.

By: Elana Willig, Yvonne Ostrov from Magen David Yeshivah

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Math

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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Israeli Master Chef Carmel Style: Making Hebrew Learning Real and Personal

Students brought their Hebrew learning to life by fusing it with their interests in context of daily lives. They recorded a video guiding the audience in making their favorite dish by applying their Hebrew skills, higher critical thinking and tech skills, research, and writing skills. Students’ videos were assessed and voted on by their peers.

By: Anat Ankava from Carmel Academy

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Ivrit

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Experiential Education, Language Immersion, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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New Directions in Jewish Community: The Jewish Emergent Network (JEN)

This unit explored the innovative and exciting new spiritual communities of the Jewish Emergent Network. It expanded their sense of what is happening in today's Jewish world; allowed them to engage directly with the communities they were studying; and pushed them to think seriously about what they want for their own ongoing communal involvement.

By: Rabbi Joshua Cahan from Solomon Schechter School of Westchester

Grade(s): 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Social Studies, Tefila

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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The Architecture of Real-World Learning — A Treehouse Builds Community

Students combined their study of math and science with learning about architecture. This year-long, integrated project resulted in a real treehouse as their graduation gift to the school. They did everything from surveying stakeholders, calling for donations, supply shopping, meeting with the city permit department and designing the final product.

By: Rena Malkofsky-Berger from Akiva School

Grade(s): 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Economics/ Business, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Math, Science, literature

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning

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The Innovation Lab – The Space where Maker Ed and Jewish Ed Inspire

We’ve built a culture designed around an open space where students actualize content learned in their Jewish day school & apply it in ways that are most meaningful to them. Students collaborate & think creatively, using 3D printers, woodworking, coding, graphic design, and a host of other tools to create tangible outcomes of their education.

By: Tzvi Hametz from Gindi Maimonides Academy

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Economics/ Business, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Foreign Language, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Math, Mishnah, Music, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Physical Education/Health, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tanach, Technology, Tefila, literature

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, Flipped Learning, Gamification, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Wholebrain Teaching, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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“Change the world. It just takes cents”TM

"Change the world. It just takes cents"TM is a student-led, teacher-mentored, PBL, service-learning, experiential education, Tikkun Olam, multidisciplinary process, where lessons evolve organically, and students are the creators of their learning blueprint, rather than being enslaved to textbooks. Students emerge empowered advocates and leaders.

By: Sara Caine Kornfeld from Denver Jewish Day School (Herzl/RMHA)

Grade(s): 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, History, Ivrit, Math, Mishnah, Music, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Technology, Tefila, literature

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Experiential Education, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, 21st Century Skills

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Unique classroom methodology implemented in HS Coding class

An overview of the unique and productive technical learning approach - essentially an integration of personal and formal educational theories together with the teaching framework defined by codeHS.com - I implemented in the Coding and STEM robotics class I currently teach at Rae Kushner High School.

By: Dr. Reuven Regev from Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Technology

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Experiential Education, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, Wholebrain Teaching, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Differentiated Reading of Literary Works

A learner based model for reading whole literary works, that affords unlimited possibilities for differentiation, using Google Classroom.

By: Rabbi Harry Sinoff from Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Tanach, literature

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Experiential Education, Flipped Learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Pupkis: Travelling Yiddish Puppet Theater

Our students adapted a recently translated Yiddish short story for performance as a puppet show. They wrote the script, built the puppets and stage and performed the puppets. The show was performed for local Jewish elementary schools as well as for the rest of the student body at the Weber School

By: Drew Cohen from Weber School

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Music, literature

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning

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STEM Education and Crosscutting Concepts

The Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School has developed a model of STEM integration with general and Judaic studies using the Next Generation Science Standard's Crosscutting Concepts (CCC). This model of integration is the only one in the nation and is the subject of research and collaboration with The George Washington University.

By: Alexis Soffler, Jennifer Rittberg, Eve Margol, Michal Friedman, MollyBeth Rushfield, Nanci Henoch, Hillary Gruber, Andrea Washington, Sharon Barad, Erin Magee, Jessie Nathans from The Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Math, Mishnah, Music, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tanach, Technology, Tefila, literature

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Teva Tuesday

Each week our students in our 4-5th grades spend an afternoon outdoors to learn, become aware of and appreciate the vital role the earth plays in our existence. Students are encouraged to gain a deep, profound respect for the environment, to become Shomer Adamah (Guardians of the Land) through study of Jewish texts that promote these ideas.

By: Marcy Thomaswick, Gail Raucher, Rebecca Tishkoff, Melanie Waynik from Ezra Academy

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Mishnah, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tanach, Tefila, literature

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, Hevruta Learning, Montessorri, Social and Emotional Learning, Soulful Education, Wholebrain Teaching, 21st Century Skills

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Fundamentals of Economics & Business and Jewish Business Ethics

This entry describes a year-long course at Maimonides, enabling Juniors to study the Fundamentals of Economics, both as a rigorously taught social science class, and as a deep consideration of the ethical and moral teachings of Judaism on the topic. The entry focuses on the many opportunities for Real World Learing for students through this course

By: Yaakov Jaffe from Maimonides

Grade(s): 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Economics/ Business, Halacha, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Experiential Education, PBL - project based learning, Socratic Method, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Learning for a Cause

Learning for a Cause is an ongoing project and the brainchild of educator Michael Ernest Sweet. The project seeks to engage students in learning and writing about real-world issues beyond the classroom walls, and then publish that writing in real books alongside celebrity guest writers. Students make REAL books about REAL issues.

By: Michael Sweet from Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, History, Social Studies, literature

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, Socratic Method

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Flags of the Tribes of Israel: A Media Arts and Chumash “Integrated Creative Judaics” Production

In this three week "Integrated Creative Judaics" unit,11th grade students delved into the roots of Midrash Rabbah Bemidbar 2.7 in an exploration of the tribal flags of the Israelites and identity. They then drew upon their wisdom to create "fruits of the soul" by designing and animating flags based upon their learning.

By: Roger Blonder, Rabbi Devin Maimon Villarreal from de Toledo High School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Ivrit, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Social and Emotional Learning, Tanach, Technology

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, Hevruta Learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Integrated English 11/Media Arts: A Failed Attempt to Institute a Progressive Educational Program into a College Preparatory High School

There is hubris in imagining that just because we developed a program that would lead to enhanced student learning that it should happen. But we did do our best to identify a problem, recruit faculty and students, present funding opportunities, and further the school mission in the areas of Judaic integration, integrity, and personalized learning.

By: Roger Blonder, Tony Soltis from de Toledo High School

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Technology

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Soulful Education, 21st Century Skills

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Inspiring All Learners through Multi-Age Classrooms

Through our new multi-age format, the Schechter faculty differentiates and optimizes student learning. This progressive model reaches diverse learners within a single classroom environment and is transforming student engagement, individualized instruction, social outlets, improved self-esteem, and richly integrated curriculum.

By: Merissa Spector, Limor Shefer, Kate Poltorak, Ziva Kovner, Susan Kurtis, Gavi Lehrer, Anita Cohen from Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, History, Ivrit, Math, Music, Physical Education/Health, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tanach, Technology, Tefila, literature

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, Language Immersion, Social and Emotional Learning, Soulful Education, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Are You ‘Board’ with Traditional Lesson Plans? GAME ON!

GameOn! provides students with innovative skills they use to create board games based on their mastery of a particular topic. Students transform their knowledge of any subject into a tool used by other students. Creating a website, we connected classrooms across the globe through educational game play and development.

By: Stephanie Teitelbaum and Lauren Resnick from Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Math, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Technology, literature

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, Gamification, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Wholebrain Teaching, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Mishkeh Mechanic/Success Strategist

Eighth grade students completed a project in STEM class, documenting throughout using the SeeSaw app's video and picture abilities, and crafted a non-fiction “narrative" in Language Arts class, where they followed the Teshuva process to "realize," and thus capitalize upon, their mistakes.

By: Srividhya Sundaram, Ariella Landy from Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Technology

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Wholebrain Teaching, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Creating a Culture of Goal-Setting: Intrinsic Motivation and Personalized Learning

In view of the importance of intrinsic motivation as well as personalized learning, kindergarten students at Yeshiva Lab School engaged in an in-depth study of goals and goal-setting. Each child set goals over the course of the year with the guidance of an educator, who used these goals to target instruction.

By: Rachael Simon from Kohelet Yeshiva Lab School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Ivrit, Math, Social and Emotional Learning, Tanach, Tefila

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Social and Emotional Learning, 21st Century Skills

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DASH Weeks

DASH is a comprehensive school wide study of a topic that is carried out in every classroom, Judaic and secular, as well as in the arts. It is cross grade, cross curricular and integrated. The school has now done two DASH units, one last spring and one in November 2017. This fall's topic, "Water: Source of Life" was engaging and exciting.

By: Gerri Chizeck, Debbie Kanter, Sarah Greenberg, Sam Spinrad, Kim Berry from Levey Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Foreign Language, History, Ivrit, Math, Music, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Social Studies, literature

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Creating a Positive Learning Culture

Creating a Positive Learning Environment is is divided into five sections:

• The Goals
• The Space
• The Station Rotation Model
• The Language
• The Organization
Each section of the google slideshow portrays how I have developed my learning environment into a space where positivity and child centered learning is of primary focus.

By: Elana Kurtz from Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Math, literature

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Social and Emotional Learning, 21st Century Skills

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Understanding Media Bias

Students will learn how to navigate the news to discern the credibility of a source by investigating what media bias is with their peers, “acting as the journalist” within the classroom, and reflecting on their experiences. Their conclusions will then be applied to their understanding of how to interpret the news in the real-world.

By: Holly Seidenfeld from Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida

Grade(s): High school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Social Studies

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Experiential Education, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Three Biological Systems – The Fuchs Mizrachi 2016-2017 STE(A)M Learning

Every year, the FMS Lower School embarks on an 8 week intensive learning journey in preparation for our annual STE(A)M fair. This journey encompasses so much, but at its core, this experience lays the foundation for life-long learners and information seekers; involvement in this process remains the most valuable lesson for our students in the LS.

By: Sima Maryles and Jessica Segen from The Fuchs Mizrachi School

Grade(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Foreign Language, Gemara, Halacha, Ivrit, Mishnah, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Physical Education/Health, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Technology, Tefila

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, Language Immersion, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Socratic Method, Wholebrain Teaching, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Kol Isha: Giving Voice to Jewish American Women

Kol Isha: Giving Voice to Jewish American Women is a primary document based inquiry project for advanced level American history students that encourages analytical interpretation of historical documents in tandem with creative writing and personal reflection.

By: Ariel Levenson from Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, History, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Design-Thinking Model, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, UBD - understanding by design

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100 Day Sculpture Museum

Happy 100th day of school! In this project, students will be challenged to use exactly 100 items to create a sculpture to be exhibited along with a bar graph and written statement for a special 100th Day Museum. Motivation increases as students apply mathematical skill, creative thinking, and problem-solving to this real-life learning experience.

By: Tamar Volosov from Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Math

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Interdisciplinary Perspectives on HeLa Cells

My 12th grade AP Language and Composition students read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, a non-fiction text which explores the intersection of race, American history, and medical ethics through the lens of the discovery of an immortal cell line tied to an African-American woman named Henrietta Lacks. My students’ final project was to examine these intersections through a project that blended independent research with multi-media content. Of particular interest to this category is the student project that tackled the ethical questions raised in the text through the lens of Judaic studies; students who completed this project consulted primary sources as well as experts in Jewish medical ethics to create a presentation they later delivered to the entire student body.

By: Mrs. Vanessa Mehenti from Meira Academy

Grade(s): 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Halacha, Literature, Science

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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The Talent Center Handbook & Extra Challenge Project Kit

The Talent Center Handbook shows how to develop creative young Jewish leaders with an 18 word curriculum in just 30 Minutes a Week. Emek’s game-changing Extra Challenge Projects connect holistic Torah learning, technology, and Jewish design thinking through child-led community service passion projects.

By: Mrs. Rae Shagalov from Emek Hebrew Academy Teichman Family Torah Center

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Music, Science, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, Montessorri, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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The Secret of Platform 13 – Fantasy Genre Study

The Secret of Platform 13, which inspired JK Rowling's Harry Potter, is a fantasy that will engage, thrill, and entice all students. It is filled with twists, turns, suspense, fantasy, and other elements. The final project included a choice board - an easy way to differentaite for all learners. Due to its interest level being above students' lexile, this was a read aloud.

By: Mrs. Missy Friedman, Mrs. Ilene Brot from Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago

Grade(s): 3, 4, 5, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Literature

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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Ma’ayan Program: Differentiated Learning

Ma’ayan is a program we designed as a vehicle to ensure that all students, regardless of academic or other abilities and/or needs, participate in the school’s Hebrew and Judaics program, at a level that is appropriate for them. It is also designed to ensure that students who want to come to our school and have not been studying Hebrew and/or Judaics are not deterred from attending our school. Finally, it is a proven tool through which we provide Hebrew classes at a high enough/challenging level for Israeli students (or those who come to our school who are fluent in the language).

By: Ms. Gussie Singer, Ms. Etti Berkman from Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School

Grade(s): 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Ivrit, Literature, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, UBD - understanding by design

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License to Read Hebrew

This is a reading program designed to foster an enjoyment of reading Hebrew while cultivating the skills necessary for navigating Jewish life.

By: Ms. Lisa Richman from Perelman Jewish Day School - Stern Center

Grade(s): 4, 5, 6, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science, Ivrit, Tanach, Siddur Liturgy, Hebrew Literature

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, 21st Century Skills

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Judaic Differentiation

I have created a system of differentiation where students can learn, practice and demonstrate Chumash (Bible) skills at their levels. Upon mastery, students create videos, where they apply acquired skills to unfamiliar text, to be virtual teachers for other students. The compilation of these videos gets posted to a website to populate a student-created Khan Academy for Judaic skills.

By: Rabbi Shmuel Chait, Mrs. Miriam Chait from TDS Seattle

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Gemara, Halacha, Ivrit, Mishnah, Tanach

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, Constructivist, Montessorri, Blended Learning, 21st Century Skills

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English Language Learning in a Jewish Elementary School

I am applying for the Kohelet Prize for Differentiated Instruction on behalf of a team of teachers that has developed an individualized, highly differentiated English Language Learning program for students who speak English as their second (or third) language. Our program is designed to meet the needs of each specific student and is flexible enough to accommodate children of all elementary ages and abilities.

By: Dr. Kersten Biehn from Sandra E. Lerner Jewish Community Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Science, Overall Judaic Studies and all other subjects are affected

Pedagogy: UBD - understanding by design, Constructivist

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Differentiated Instruction in a Learning Support Class

For the past 3 years I have been finding new ways to use differentiated instruction in my 2nd to 5th grade learning support classroom. In my class I teach students to take charge of their own learning in order to reach their potential. I use positivity and encouragement to build my students up so they have the confidence to take risks and try their best.

By: Mrs. Rachel Glauser from Perelman Jewish Day School-Forman Center

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Ivrit, Literature, Math, Special Education

Pedagogy: Constructivist, PBL - project based learning

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Andrew Clements Book Clubs

In this unit, 3rd grade students participated in differentiated, interest based book clubs with the work of author Andrew Clements. Students applied their annotation skills to these books, and met in groups over the course of a few weeks to discuss their findings.

By: Mrs. Missy Friedman, Mrs. Ilene Brot from Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago

Grade(s): 3, 4, 5, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Literature

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning

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An Executive Functioning Model Implementing Differentiated Instruction

It is vital for children to develop the tools of Executive Functioning in order to discover their own sense of self, intrinsic motivation, self confidence, curiosity and exploration. Students who have the opportunities to develop Executive Functioning Skills are able to succeed in their learning and development, while participating in a learning environment which optimizes success. This model can be implemented across grades, in all subject areas, with varying levels of intervention, to provide differentiated instruction.

By: Mrs. Lorna Joffe from Perelman Jewish Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Ivrit, Literature, Math, This model can be used across all subjects

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Montessorri, 21st Century Skills

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Yad Hayotzer: An Interdisciplinary, Experiential Approach to Teaching the Prophets

Jeremiah Chapters 18-19 explore the interplay between God and His people as the fashioner of Jewish destiny through the agency of a potter. Jeremiah’s symbolic action comes to life as each student experiences "becoming" the potter, realizing the challenges of imprinting one’s vision on another. This project enhances the tefilla experience for our students as they explore the Yom Kippur piyyut - KaChomer BeYad HaYotzer, Like Clay in the Hands of the Potter - and helps shape their understanding of the roles of fate and free-will, both in the history of the Jewish people and in their own lives.

By: Rabbi Tzvi Pittinsky, Mrs. Rachel Besser, Mrs. Racheli Weiss-Luftglass, Mrs. Ahuva Winslow from The Frisch School

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, History, Music, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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STEAM Initiative

The Ma’ayanot STEAM initiative orchestrates a learning environment which fosters creativity and reasoning, compelling students to evaluate, ideate, prototype, test, and iterate . Our philosophy is one of Constructionism which shares constructivism’s connotation of learning as ‘building knowledge structures’ and adds the idea that this happens most pronounced in a context where the learner is consciously engaged in constructing an entity. Students are forced to engage dynamically with their creations in order to prevail in the fruition of their design.

By: Mrs. Orly Nadler, Mrs. Gila Stein, Mrs. Reyce Krause from Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Math, Science

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Olivia’s Creative Compilations – Jewish Texts Come to Life!

Whether it is marrying off two characters from "Once Upon a Time" in an Orthodox Jewish ceremony, designing ad campaigns around Nezirut or creating Ten Plagues theme parks using Minecraft, my students have done it all. My mandate as a teacher is to enable students to access content in a rich, creative way that showcases their unique, creative thinking and knowledge on the topics.

By: Mrs. Olivia Friedman from Ida Crown Jewish Academy

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Literature, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Making Space Holy

Fourth Grade students were challenged to transform the school's maker space into a full-scale Mishkan. Students self-organized to design and build the various components of the Mishkan using limited materials, tools, and resources. These constraints intentionally mimicked the design challenges faced by the Israelites.

By: Mr. Michael Hyde, Mrs. Amy Katz from Portland Jewish Academy

Grade(s): 4, 5, 6, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Mishnah, Tanach, Engineering, Engineering Design

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning

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Mah Nishtana Goes Tech

Over the course of last school year first graders learned the basics of coding using Scratch Jr. Each lesson in Scratch Jr. also included concepts that were taught elsewhere in the curriculum. The first graders extended their coding skills late last spring by programming our resident robots to travel to a designated spot and ask and answer the Mah Nishtana in the correct order as we had studied in class in preparation for Pesach.

By: Mrs. Toby Kaplowitz, Ms. Elissa Hozore from Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School

Grade(s): 1, 2, 3, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science, Halacha, Ivrit, Math

Pedagogy: Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Life Under Shlomo: The Golden Years

Using information gleaned from I Kings 3-8, students designed tourism promotional websites about King Solomon's kingdom. Content areas covered needed to include: his administration and government, cultural sites, testimonials & reviews and a gift shop.

By: Mrs. Olivia Friedman from Ida Crown Jewish Academy

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Literature, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Jewish Heroes Congress

This unit was developed to help students increase their knowledge of mitzvot and virtues and help them be more discerning when choosing people to hold in high esteem.

By: Ms. Lisa Richman from Perelman Jewish Day School - Stern Center

Grade(s): 4, 5, 6, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, History

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Developing Critical Thinking in a High School Statistics Class

Our submission, “Developing Critical Thinking in a High School Statistics Class,” aims to teach students the necessary tools and help them develop the perspective to critically analyze and evaluate numerical and statistical information. Teaching critical reading and critical thinking and creating opportunities for students to practice and develop these skills are key components of the unit. There are many possibilities for interdisciplinary integration and multi-level adaptations.

By: Ms. Alicia Sussman, Dr. Lea Keil Garson from Kohelet Yeshiva High School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Science

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Accessing Artistic Intuition Through the Study of Chumash

Second grade students designed Chumash covers based on individual pasukim from Lech Lecha or Vayera. They brainstormed ideas and charted their creative thinking, making the steps of their process visible. The final image they designed and embroidered into their Chumash cover synthesizes symbols they generated based on words from the pasuk and colors the words represented to them.

By: Ms. Sarah Antine from Berman Hebrew Academy

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Tanach

Pedagogy: IBL - inquiry based learning, Constructivist

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21st Century Personal Mishkan

Students collaborate to design/build a modern, personal Mishkan & furnishings, incorporating motifs, imagery from the ancient Mishkan, and applying wisdom gained from interviews with senior citizens, exploring: "What makes a quality life, and how can we make life better?" Students then return to Senior Center, using their completed designs as springboard for deeper reflection on how to heal after trauma and how to reach our deepest Human potential.

By: Mr. Evan Wolkenstein from JCHS of the Bay

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Tanach, architecture, design, Psychology, sociology, human relationships

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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In Defense of Learning Lishmah

Jewish educators often approach their subjects with the same modalities and grading system that are common in General Studies classes. Rather than continue with this approach, Shalhevet attempted to design two Judaic courses that would devalue letter grades and promote more authentic and deeper student learning. We were willing to take a calculated risk and we failed. While our initial pilot missed the mark, the effort has promoted some benefits and has jumpstarted further innovation in our approach to Judaic instruction.

By: Mr. Jason Feld, Mr. Noam Weissman from Shalhevet High School

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Halacha, History, Literature, Mishnah, Music, Tanach, Jewish Philosophy, Israel Education

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Yonah and the Jonah Complex

We learned about how Yonah runs away from God and what his different motivations could have been. We spoke about how Abraham Maslow's "Jonah Complex" can be relevant in our lives when we prevent ourselves from success for fear of success.

By: Rabbi Dani Bauer from Kohelet Yeshiva High School

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Tanach, Psychology

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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Turning Dreams into Reality

In honour of our school's 18th anniversary and its initial visionaries, we launched a school-wide initiative looking at how to turn dreams into reality. Each grade integrated this theme with a core curricular unit. A detailed description of each grade's project as well as work samples are included with this submission.

By: Ms. Ellen Kelner from Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, History, Ivrit, Literature

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design

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Torat Chayim: Real World Learning in Tanach and Gemara; Analysis and Integration through Real World Application

How do we engage students in the rigorous, text based learning of Tanach and Gemara while helping them learn how to apply their learning to their lives and the world around them? A portfolio of sample projects are provided that serve as different models in answering this question. These projects challenge student to extract values, apply and synthesize their learning in various "authentic" ways.

By: Rabbi Yehuda Chanales from Fuchs Mizrachi School

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Gemara, Halacha, Mishnah, Tanach

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, Constructivist, 21st Century Skills

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The Jewish Primary Day School of the Nation’s Capital’s (JPDS-NC) Election Project 2016: Kid’s Voices Count

The Jewish Primary Day School of the Nation’s Capital’s (JPDS-NC) Election Project 2016: Kid’s Voices Count was an interdisciplinary, school-wide project that required the participation of every student and teacher at JPDS-NC. Students from Pre-Kindergarten through Sixth Grade delved into a variety of election issues, met with experts to deepen their understanding, met with and listened to other students in area schools to broaden their perspectives, and reflected on Jewish teachings that relate to the issues in the election. Each grade focused on a different election-related issue connected to their core curriculum, culminating in a Voter’s Guide distributed throughout our community and beyond.

By: Ms. Mindy Hirsch, Ms. Melissa Rickabaugh, Ms. Devora Yeganeh, Ms. Kelly McAllister, Ms. Vanessa Prell, Ms. Hanina Goldstein from Jewish Primary Day School of the Nation's Capital

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, History, Literature, Tanach, Current Events, Social Studies, Jewish Text

Pedagogy: Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Authentic Service Learning through the Mitzvah Program at the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School

The mitzvah program at the Martin J.Gottlieb Day School was first introduced as an integral part of the middle school curriculum 22 years ago. The concept was based on the idea that after students studied Tanach, Jewish laws and customs, they were more likely to understand and accept the mitzvot if given the opportunity to put them into practice. It was also believed that students who became part of their community at large with service projects would grow to understand both their responsibility to the community and their ability to make a difference even at the young age of 11.

By: Mrs. Edith Horovitz from Martin J Gottlieb Day School

Grade(s): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Gemara, Halacha, Mishnah, Tanach, Jewish Customs and traditions, Dinim U'Minhagim

Pedagogy: Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Artificial Insemination in Halacha

We learned about the mitzvah of procreation and discussed some of the practical applications with modern medicine such as IVF.

By: Rabbi Dani Bauer from Kohelet Yeshiva High School

Grade(s): 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Gemara, Halacha

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, Constructivist

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Where the heart feels at home – מקום שלבו חפץ

The Netivot Upper Elementary learning environment is warm, inviting, stimulating, and vibrant like no other. Our classroom setting incorporates collective responsibility, independence, freedom of movement, freedom of choice and peer learning, and utilizes multiple modalities of instruction. This ground-breaking classroom promotes growth in all areas, academic, social, emotional, and spiritual, embodying the adage: אין אדם לומד אלא במקום שלבו חפץ.

By: Mr. Dovi Yarmush, Rav Darren Levin, Mrs. Daniella Barishansky, Mrs. Shannon Tuorto from Yeshivat Netivot Montessori

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Music, Science, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, Montessorri, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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The de Toledo High School Media Lab

The Amnon and Ronit Band Media Lab at de Toledo High School is an innovative learning environment which promotes academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth. Over the last 12 years, the lab has evolved from a basic computer lab to a flexible and creative space designed to serve the varied educational needs of students and teachers in the media arts including: video production, animation, photography, graphic design, and computer science as well as serving the broader school community for instructional support, school and professional development.

By: Mr. Roger Blonder from de Toledo High School

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Mishnah, Music, Science, Tanach, All academic subjects can be served by the media lab through interdisciplinary programs and projects.

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, UBD - understanding by design, Constructivist, Blended Learning, 21st Century Skills

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The Conscious Learning Environment

This video project is an in-house collaboration of the ideas and talents of six Lamplighters teachers. Each vignette features a different key element of what we call "the conscious learning environment." When teachers are conscious of the unique needs of each of the learners within a space and are willing to allow adaptability of infrastructure, furniture, objects and interactions--the environment becomes as living as the people who live and learn within its walls. NOTE: Please view the FULL project using the LINK below. (YouTube videos and .pdf are only a backup)

By: Mr. Moshe Schack, Rabbi Gershon Riesenberg, Miss Hinda Dalfin, Miss Gavi Goldberg, Mrs. Chana Gorin, Mrs. Ilana Spencer from Lamplighters Yeshivah

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Learning Environment

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Montessorri, Universal Design for Learning

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Technology… Innovation and Integration featuring the Startup Incubator

The Adelson Educational Campus has constructed a 5000 square feet, state-of-the-art, invention and entrepreneurial workshop: the Startup Incubator. In this space, teachers and mentors work collaboratively with students to employ the design cycle in identifying and tackling real-world challenges, prototyping a wide range of products via coding, digital media, and 3D fabrication. This innovative, interdisciplinary learning environment, paired with school wide one-to-world device deployment and extensive technology professional development, is providing our community a relevant and progressive “Education for Life.”

By: Dr. Camille McCue, Mr. Leon Wilde, Mrs. Robin Pence, Dr. Yvonne Houy, Miss Rachel Ziter, Mr. Tobin Herringshaw, Mr. David Philippus from The Adelson Educational Campus

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Math, Science, Tanach, STEAM, Technology, Engineering

Pedagogy: Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Schechter Westchester’s MakerSpace

Our Idea Incubator (The INC) is the first MakerSpace built in a Jewish institution in North America. It houses Schechter Westchester’s Engineering and Entrepreneurship (E2) program, in which students take advantage of an innovative, modular learning environment to develop crucial skills such as creativity, collaboration, mechanical and electrical engineering, computer programming, public speaking, confidence, and—most importantly—fearlessness.

By: Dr. Danny Aviv from Solomon Schechter School of Westchester

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Math, Science

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, Constructivist, Blended Learning, 21st Century Skills

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Rookies Approach

Ivrit, differentiated instruction, centers, multisensory learning, responsive classroom

By: Mrs. Rookie Badouch from Torah Academy of Greater Philadelphia

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Science, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Blended Learning, 21st Century Skills

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Machshava Beit Midrash

Students today are busy, often overwhelmed, and increasingly stressed at school. The Machshava Beit Midrash is a learning environment where students are able to choose from a number of different philosophical and thought provoking books to learn alone or together with a chavruta. In addition, inspirational video and mindfulness training stations allow students to settle and better take control of their thoughts, creating a spiritual and meaningful atmosphere that hopefully permeates beyond the walls of the classroom.

By: Rabbi David Teller from Fuchs Mizrachi School

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Gemara, Halacha, Tanach, Jeish Philosophy, Jewish Ethics

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Kindergarten Learning Environment

A classroom environment utilizing nine distinct stations. Stations provide for student exploration, and help them develop deeper connections to their learning.

By: Mrs. Devorah Locker from Yeshiva Day School of Las Vegas

Grade(s): K, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Halacha, Ivrit, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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Innovative Learning in a Flexible Space

Our new innovation studio houses iPad Pros, Chromebooks, a green screen and a 3D printer. We offer flexible seating to accommodate a variety of educational needs, as well as a movable wall so our space can expand as needed.

By: Ms. Deborah Harris, Mrs. Marci Rubinstein from Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Science, Tanach, Design Thinking

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Area 251

Our program provides a constructivist based pedagogy that facilitates real world, solution-based, student outcomes. The makerspace provides for a hands-on learning environment that uniquely inspires creativity, invites curiosity and celebrates individual solutions.

By: Mrs. Robyn Brewer from The Jewish Educational Center RTMA

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Science

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, Constructivist, 21st Century Skills

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A Learning Environment that promotes academic, social, and emotional growth

The best way for students to learn optimally is for them to learn in a physical environment, which meets their diverse needs. It is vital for all children to develop the tools of Executive Functioning in order to discover their own sense of self, intrinsic motivation, self confidence, curiosity and exploration. Students who have the opportunities to develop Executive Functioning Skills are able to succeed in their learning and development, while participating in a learning environment which optimizes success.

By: Mrs. Lorna Joffe from Perelman Jewish Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Ivrit, Literature, Math

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Montessorri, 21st Century Skills

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The N.E. Miles Jewish Day School Social Justice and Leadership Initiative

The N.E. Miles Jewish Day School social justice and leadership initiative is guided by the core beliefs and values on which our school is based. To that end, we provide real-life experiences for the students to participate actively in three of the guiding Jewish values- Menschlichkeit, Tikkun Olam, and Torah Study.

By: Ms. Liora Chessin, Mrs. Lynn Raviv from N.E. Miles Jewish Day School

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Literature, Tanach

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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The History of Light

A 4-6 week long interdisciplinary unit, which ties together research and presentation skills, Chanukah, Israel, New Jersey History, the science of electricity, and the use of light as a medium in art.

By: Mrs. Bonnie Drazen, Rabbi Yossi Berg, Mrs. Batsheva Blum, Mr. Craig Brimmer, Ms. Laura Carroll, Mrs. Lexi DiFiglia, Mrs. Gittel Goldberg, Rabbi Avi Herzog, Mrs. Naava Hess, Mr. Sean Lang, Rabbi Meir Lipschitz, Mrs. Barbara Mastic, Mrs. Calah Reisman, Mrs. Aliza Ross, Mrs. Sophia Shweky from Yeshiva at the Jersey Shore

Grade(s): 3, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Science, Tanach, Israel

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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The Gift of Mincha: Drawing From the Text, Building a Siddur

This course addresses the driving question: “How might we improve our school's daily mincha experience through creating an originally drawn, translated, and annotated school siddur?” In this project-driven, team-taught, and inter-disciplinary senior Art/Judaics course, students respond to a very familiar text--the mincha siddur--through contemplative, artistic, and written avenues. Through studying the text in both a critical and soulful manner, and by creating and crafting their own translations, illuminations, commentaries, and illustrations, students are in the process of jointly building a siddur that will be used as the school community's daily mincha text.

By: Dr. Hillel Broder, Mr. David Friedman, Mr. David Wander from SAR High School

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Gemara, Halacha, Literature, Mishnah, Tanach

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, Constructivist, 21st Century Skills

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The Akiva Broadcasting Network

The Akiva Broadcasting Network (ABN) is an interactive, team-oriented program of study where students develop communications skills; broadcast technology and technical skills; and critical life skills, integrating Jewish and Secular Studies across the curriculum.

ABN is part of the Kid TV program developed by Professor Larry Katz with the objective to teach cross curricular skills to students through the creation of TV newscasts that are shared with other members of their school community via an internal broadcast network and are also shared on the school website. Student select the news items, prepare the D’vray Torah, and stories on famous Jewish personalities, write the scripts, shoot and edit the stories, do the interviews, take on the roles of anchors and reporters, manage the broadcasts and handle all of the technical jobs
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj_uSY53-dM&feature=youtu.be).

By: Rabbi Michael Greenwald, Rabbi Chaim Goldenberg, Professor Larry Katz, Ms. Alexandra Sibson from Akiva Academy

Grade(s): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Mishnah, Music, Science, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning

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Project GO FORTH: Lech L’Cha: A Cross-Curricular Study of Immigration and Personal Narrative

Project GO FORTH: Lech L’Cha is a multi-faceted, interdisciplinary approach to understanding the immigrant experience in America. Project GO FORTH: Lech L’Cha integrates seventh grade Social Studies, in which students study the history of American immigration, with Language Arts, in which student examine creative writing and sensory language, with Judaic Studies, in which students specifically explore the parsha Lech L’Cha as a lens through which they can understand the spiral of Jewish History with the originating immigrant experience of Avraham.

By: Ms. Ariel Levenson, Mrs. Staci Zeif from Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy

Grade(s): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Literature, Tanach

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Philosophical Ethics and the Meeting of Minds

We are delighted to share our entry in the Interdisciplinary Integration category: the “Philosophical Ethics” unit of our junior year Integrated American Literature, Jewish and Western Philosophy course, affectionately referred to as “Tikvah. The unit culminates with the Meeting of Minds project.

By: Rabbi Tzvi Sinensky, Dr. Eileen Watts from Kohelet Yeshiva High School

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Gemara, Halacha, History, Literature, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Pesach Haggada Scrapbook

Middle School learned about Pesach from a multiplicity of perspectives and incorporated their learning into a usable Haggada scrapbook.

By: Rabbi Meir Lipschitz, Rabbi Yossi Berg, Mrs. Batsheva Blum, Mr. Craig Brimmer, Ms. Laura Carroll, Mrs. Lexi DiFiglia, Mrs. Bonnie Drazen, Mrs. Gittel Goldberg, Rabbi Avi Herzog, Mrs. Naava Hess, Mr. Sean Lang, Mrs. Barbara Mastic, Mrs. Calah Reisman, Mrs. Aliza Ross, Mrs. Sophia Shweky from Yeshiva at the Jersey Shore

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Science, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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Megillat Esther – a Historical, Political, and Psychological View

Over the course of Megillat Esther, we learned about how psychology, history, and political theory can change how we read the story. With basic information from a political theorist, some analysis of fascist leaders, and some basic principles of psychology, we tried to understand the motivations of the characters in Megillat Esther.

By: Rabbi Dani Bauer from Kohelet Yeshiva High School

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Tanach, Psychology, Political Science

Pedagogy: UBD - understanding by design, Constructivist, Constructivist, Socratic Method

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The Makers Movement @ Kellman Brown Academy

Kellman Brown Academy is committed to the principle that ALL of our students are critical thinkers and problem-solvers. Through introducing the Makers Movement into the culture of the school, students are challenged to "make" what they need to solve real-world problems using their imagination and any materials they can get their hands on. The Makers culture promotes independence, ingenuity, and collaborative work.

By: Mrs. Chelsea Saraczewski, Mrs. Helene Sterling from Kellman Brown Academy

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Math, Science

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Sukkah Design and Build Challenge

16 seventh grade students were presented with a real problem -- that MJDS has no Sukkah. Their challenge was to design, prototype, build and decorate a kosher Sukkah in time for Sukkot. The results were stunning; but the process was even more so.

By: Mr. Brian King from Milwaukee Jewish Day School

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Halacha, Ivrit, Math, Tanach, Structural Engineering

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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JanTerm Integrative Research Project

The JanTerm Integrative Reseach Project is a month-long (in January) intensive project where students learn and practice research and writing skills across content areas. By reconfiguring the students' schedule, students are allowed longer blocks of time to conduct research, write a formal research paper, meet and edit with a mentor-teacher, as well as work on hands-on projects. In this time, our Judaic Studies curriculum works in tandem, guiding the students to study the same theme from a Jewish lens. The students also work on creating a final project that reflects their learning of the Jewish texts and principles related to the overall theme.

By: Mrs. Rachel Zivic, Ms. Jessica Broomfield, Mrs. Ellen Barmach, Rabbi Michah Liben from Kellman Brown Academy

Grade(s): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Gemara, Halacha, History, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Science

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Israeli Art Masters

Our multi-modal arts program offers an innovative approach to Jewish arts education which includes our Israeli Art Masters Program. The goal of this program is to weave together the study of fine arts with learning about the Land and history of Israel, appreciation of the Israeli landscape, exploration of Jewish artistic inspiration, the study of Hebrew vocabulary and Positive Discipline Social Emotional Learning. Through this program students have studied various artists from Israel as well as the inspirations and techniques used in their art. In parallel the students compare the color wheel to the Positive Discipline "wheel of choice" which relates the processes of an individual's problem solving decisions to an individual artist's thoughtful artistic choices.

By: Mrs. Anat Levi from Irvine Hebrew Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, History, Ivrit, Tanach, Jewish History

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills, Social-emotional learning

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Human Body- Bones, Joints, and Muscles

This unit highlights the skeletal-muscular system. Incorporating science, math, writing, reading, and art, students learned about the bones, joints, and muscles and how they work together as a system. They also visited with an expert in the field who was able to provide them with real life connections to what they learned in the classroom.

By: Mrs. Missy Friedman, Mrs. Ilene Brot from Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago

Grade(s): 3, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Literature, Math, Science

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, PBL - project based learning

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Student Council- Real-World Learning

The Perelman Jewish Day School Student Council inspires real-world learning of civic engagement in our school. The Student Council provides students with opportunities for leadership and ownership of actual student issues. Students have a forum for discussing our school environment and exemplifying good citizenship.

By: Mrs. Rachel Korman from Perelman Jewish Day School

Grade(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Civic Learning

Pedagogy: Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Sinai Akiba Academy New Horizon Day School Exchange

Sinai Akiba Academy, a Jewish day school, partners with New Horizon School, a Muslim day school. Through art, text-study, games, and prayer, students come to see their "buddies," as individuals rather than as members from a faith group.

By: Mrs. Rebecca Berger from Sinai Akiba Academy

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Literature, Jewish History

Pedagogy: Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Shinshinim Integration Program

A group of Israeli teenagers (Shinshinim) who are volunteering in Toronto for the year join my Grade 12 Israeli history course for one lesson a week. The students learn about Israel together and share and challenge each other's understandings about Israel. The Israeli teens provide first-hand experience and real-world knowledge about Israel and change the nature and dynamic of the course because of their involvement.

By: Dr. Matt Reingold from TanenbaumCHAT

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: History

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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Hands On Hydroponics

After learning about the climate in Israel and their hydroponics projects, students with teacher built a hydroponics tank and also each student created his or her own hydroponic system.

By: Ms. Diana Kovinsky, Ms. Gerri Chizeck from Levey Day School

Grade(s): 3, 4, 5, 6, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Science, Israel

Pedagogy: Constructivist, PBL - project based learning

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Haggadah Companion

The Haggadah Companion was a collaborative, cumulative project among the Judaic, language arts, art, and technology disciplines. It was designed as a supplement to any Haggadah.

By: Rabbi Avrohom Gordon, Mrs. Andrea Gamlin, Mrs. Donna Lerner from Charlotte Jewish Day School

Grade(s): 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Literature, Math, Jewish Holidays

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Real World Judaic Learning

Using this program, students can use their skills in a real-world setting and share their learning with others. Students apply learned skills to create a video of unfamiliar text as a demonstration for other students. The collection of these videos gets posted to a website to compile a student-created Khan Academy for Judaic skills.

By: Rabbi Shmuel Chait from Torah Day School Seattle

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Montessorri, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Real life Hebrew Immersion

Students actively converse in Hebrew with their peers in class, at recess and at home, thereby making Hebrew not merely a subject they learn at school but a language they own and use. Students attain Hebrew fluency through engaging in games and collaborative real world Hebrew projects.

By: Rabbi Yaakov Nadler from Yeshivat Noam

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Gemara, Ivrit, Mishnah, Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist, Gamification

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EVERlab

The 9th grade EVERlab unit focuses on the integration of the concepts, themes and structures from two different courses: Tanach I and Ancient World Civilizations. The unit begins with students brainstorming the overlapping content from eachcourse and moves through scaffolded design, collaboration, and critical thinking exercises in order for students to refine and deepen integrated topics they have chosen themselves. Students ultimately develop projects that demonstrate this integrated thinking.

By: Ms. Robin Gluck, Evan Wolkenstein from Jewish Community High School of the Bay

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, History, Literature, Science, Tanach, Design Thinking

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Dreaming with Yaakov to Search for Meaning

Dreaming with Yaakov takes learners on a journey through bibliodrama, geography, social studies, journal writing, archaeology, and art history, visual art, Tanach and Rabbinics, in order to explore what the story of Yaakov has meant to readers over the ages. The ultimate goal of which is to prepare students to see themselves as participants in the Jewish tradition of meaning making.

By: Mr. Eran Rosenberg, Ms. Susan Couden from Columbus Jewish Day School

Grade(s): 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, History, Ivrit, Literature, Tanach, Midrash, Social Studies

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Passion Learning for Elementary Schools

Kindergarten through 5th grade students exercise already existing passions or new interests in multi-age/grade elective classes. Electives span such disciplines as sports, computer programming, engineering, robotics, culinary arts, fine arts, the environment, etc...

By: Ms. Allison Oakes from Sandra E. Lerner Jewish Community Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Literature, Math, Music, Science, Also, physical education, Jewish life, environment, strategic thinking

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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B*E*S*T Layer of Learning

Going back to the primary source- Teaching TaNaKh from TaNaKh using the B*E*S*T method. Enabling students to 'own' the text making their learning limitless- not confined to instructional teaching.

By: Rabbi Avraham Benhamu from Yeshivah of Flatbush

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Tanach

Pedagogy: Constructivist

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Moot Beit Din versus Moot Court

With the right teacher, the study of Jewish Law and the Jewish Legal System (Mishna and Gemara) is exciting, insightful, and extremely relevant to contemporary issues. What most students do not know is that British Common Law (the source for the U.S. and Canadian Legal Systems) has its basis in Jewish Law. Moot Court versus Moot Beit Din is a program that takes composite, real life legal problems, and divides students into two teams who research, recreate, and present each side of the case before both a Beit Din and a civil court giving the students incredible real world experiences.

By: Rabbi Chaim Goldenberg from Akiva Academy

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Gemara, Halacha, Mishnah

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning

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And There Was Light

This is an interdisciplinary unit, teaching the history of festivals and religions involving light across many cultures. Students were exposed to the symbolism of light in literature and Torah as well as the science of light in creating day and night, seasons and electricity with the creation of lamps in the school's pottery labs. Students learned Tfillot and added the Hallel for Hanukkah the festival of light, as well as created a book demonstrating of all of their learning.

By: Mrs. Michal Almalem, Mrs. Tamar Hershkovitz, Mrs.Cindy Van Gunda, from Bornblum Jewish Community School

Grade(s): 5, 6, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, History, Ivrit, Literature, Mishnah, Music, Science, Tanach

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, UBD - understanding by design, Constructivist, Montessorri, Blended Learning, 21st Century Skills, Modeling

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L’Dor V’Dor: Linking Youth to Elders from the Ground Up

L’Dor V’Dor provides deep one-on-one encounters between students K-6 from Columbus Jewish Day School and Jewish and non-Jewish elders around lifecycle and holiday events. Through carefully planned and facilitated exercises, simulations, and activities, the intergenerational wisdom of elders interacts with the joy of youth among participants aged 6-106, through the use of art, music, text study, guided interactions, prayer, and more.

By: Dr. Gina Freeman from Columbus Jewish Day School

Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, History, Literature, Music, Tanach, Midrash

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Israeli Knesset Simulation

The Israeli Knesset Simulation is a combination of live role-playing and online virtual world interaction in which high school seniors immerse themselves in Israeli politics by becoming members of Knesset. By playing a specific character, learning the party platform, and drafting legislation through committee work, the seniors engage in Israel from the inside-out, breaking down the barriers between their education and the real world.

By: Rabbi Natan Kapustin from Abraham Joshua Heschel High School

Grade(s): 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: History, Social Studies

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Innovating Real-World Solutions in the Startup Incubator

The Adelson Educational Campus has constructed a 5000 square feet, state-of-the-art, invention and entrepreneurial workshop: the Startup Incubator.

In this space, teachers and mentors from university and industry work collaboratively with students to employ the design cycle in identifying and tackling real-world challenges. Prototyping a wide range of products from mobile apps and digital videos to IoT devices and drones, students ultimately develop not only solutions but lean startups through our relevant and progressive “Education for Life.”

By: Dr. Camille McCue, Mr. Leon Wilde, Mrs. Robin Pence, Dr. Yvonne Houy, Miss Rachel Ziter, Mr. Tobin Herringshaw, Mr. David Philippus from The Adelson Educational Campus

Grade(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science, Tanach, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics)

Pedagogy: Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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HBHA Upper School Social Justice Project

Imagine an educational experience in which Jewish teenagers have the opportunity to take their classroom learning and direct that knowledge into a course of action that enhances their education and the Greater Kansas City community. This experiential learning is happening at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, in the form of the Upper School Social Justice Project. I developed and implemented this project - in partnership with peers from an urban charter school, as well as local leaders - which facilitates personal growth and community activism in our students as they address issues such as health care access, voter engagement, and universal early childhood education.

By: Mr. Todd Clauer from Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy

Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Gemara, Halacha, History, Literature, Mishnah, Tanach, Civics/Government

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, Constructivist, 21st Century Skills

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Halacha and Technology: An Interdisciplinary, Hands-on Approach

Our senior elective, Merging Halachic Judaism with Modern Life, combines the study of and appreciation of Jewish law with the study of engineering and its principles. In the first half of the year, students learn Hilchot Shabbat and how these laws manifest in modern life. In the second half the year, students work in groups to identify and create a working prototype that merges both Halachic implications and modern technology to enhance the Shabbat experience. Students, thereby, learn to view the latest technological innovations through the prism of a religious perspective.

By: Mrs. Rifkie Silverman from The Frisch School

Grade(s): 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science, Gemara, Halacha, Science

Pedagogy: Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

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Ancient Egypt

When beginning the study of parshat Shmot, students recall that by the end of sefer Breisheet the Hebrews dwelled in Egypt. We are reminded in the first few verses of Shmot that Jacob and his family made their way to Egypt and that Joseph already resided there. As the story unfolds, a rich understanding text can be gained from learning about ancient Egypt and seeing how its culture and environment impacted the Hebrews.

By: Ms. Lisa Richman from Perelman Jewish Day School - Stern Center

Grade(s): 5, 6, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, History, Ivrit, Tanach, Social Studies/History - Ancient Civilization

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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Environmental Education Across the Curriculum: Developing Connected Thinkers For Our Global Future

I teach my students that all of learning and all of life is connected. When we realize connections, we celebrate our
learning. The attached PDF titled Real-World Learning explains how my students learn about the environment and the real world around them by being exposed to connections inside and outside of the classroom and by being encouraged to question and to create ideas.

My presentation begins with the PDF titled Real-World Learning. Thank you!

By: Mrs. Jodi Deichman from Katz Hillel Day School of Boca Raton

Grade(s): 4, 5, 6, 7, Elementary school, Middle school

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science, History, Literature, Math, Science

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Constructivist, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

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