The Kohelet Prize Database

Subject: Science

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Baby Moshe’s Basket 2.0 and Domino Designs: Shemot 2:3 and 2:5 Reinvisioned through the Lens of STEAM and Design Thinking

Harnessing the power of STEAM and Design Thinking, students built and attempted to float a tevah to garner insight into Moshe’s birth mother’s attempt to save him from death, and designed and executed a domino formation based on the significance of the actions of Bat Paroah and other characters central to the early experiences of the Jews in Egypt.

By: Zahava Bensimon from Milton Gottesman Jewish 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: Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Tanach

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Anatomy and Purity: An Integration of Science with Taharat Hamishpacha

The program is designed to integrate the Anatomy and Physiology class taken by several 11th and 12th grade girls at Valley Torah High School with the halachic components of taharat hamishpacha.

By: Miriam Striks, Leora Gabay from Mstriks@vths.org

Grade(s): 11, 12, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Halacha, Science

Pedagogy: Blended Learning

View complete entry »

Building Halacha through Physical Science Lab

For centuries, Jews have used the best scientific principles of the day to form the Jewish Law that they practice and keep. This series of interdisciplinary units uses the physical science skills and content that the students are learning in science, in service of deepening their understanding of the Jewish Law they study in Talmud classes.

By: Yaakov Jaffe, Maimonides School Science Department from Maimonides

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

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

Pedagogy: Experiential Education

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Earth Science

Working backwards from the physical and topographical design of Israel, the connection between Israel, Earth Science and Halacha, and the consideration of our (Fuchs Mizrachi Lower School’s) physical location in the world; this unit was designed to ask and answer six essential questions that take the students on a journey across many disciplines.

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

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

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Engineering, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Math, Mishnah, Science, Social Studies, Technology

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

View complete entry »

The TREEhouse at Abrams Hebrew Academy

Abrams Hebrew Academy introduces the TREEhouse; an outdoor classroom that provides learning opportunities for all Abrams students from nursery through 8th grade. The TREEhouse, Teaching in a Revolutionary Educational Environment, is a specifically and thoughtfully designed space that allows for class in both secular and Judaic curricular areas.

By: Amy Hamacher from Abrams Hebrew Academy

Grade(s): K, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Science

Pedagogy: Blended Learning

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Creating a High School STEM Center

Considering current learning standards, we planned for a true STEM Center in which we truly highlight 21st century student skills and motivate their accomplishments beyond a traditional academic track. In our submission, we describe how the STEM Center was created including conception, construction, ongoing instruction, training and maintenance.

By: Racheli Daniel, Vince Bonina from Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School

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

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

Pedagogy: Design-Thinking Model, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Coding helps Tanach come to life

Teachers at the Maimonides School integrated students’ knowledge of computer coding with their Judaic Studies content to help students connect with Jewish practice and texts. Students in 2nd-4th grade used Scratchjr, KIBO robots, and the engineering design process to demonstrate their learning in Judaic Studies.

By: Dani Carrus from Maimonides School

Grade(s): 1, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science

Pedagogy: Blended Learning

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Schechter Westchester’s TOM (Tikkun Olam Makers) Makeathon

SW's TOM Makeathon, a fully student-run initiative, is the embodiment of our school's dual goals: the application of real-world skills to revolutionize student thinking and improve the world in tangible ways. Teams of students work with individuals with disabilities to design and fabricate products that will make daily life more manageable.

By: Danny Aviv from Solomon Schechter School of Westchester

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

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

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

View complete entry »

“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

View complete entry »

From Landfill To Life Filled – Applying Israeli innovation to an interdisciplinary project-based learning experience

Hebrew Academy Miami RASG middle school students participated in a interdisciplinary project based learning experience with a global component. They integrated math and entrepreneurial skills, environmental science, tech tools and Hebrew language in order to design a solution for a global environmental issue and do Tikun Olam.

By: Meirav Kravetz, Marie Angie Lopez, Javier Gonzalez from Miami Hebrew Academy RASG

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

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Economics/ Business, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Ivrit, Math, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Technology

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, Language Immersion, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design

View complete entry »

Book Day

Book Day is an authentic learning experience that starts with a book. Students connect to literature through a full day of extended interdisciplinary activities including literacy, Hebrew, Israel and/or Judaic studies, social studies, math, science, art and music, technology, physical activity, sound, and taste.

By: Haviva Donin Peters from Ramaz 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, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Music, Physical Education/Health, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Technology

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

View complete entry »

Medical Ethics Hospital Simulation

Teaching hands on, real life medical ethics utilizating a major medical centers simualtion center, we bring students into the hospital, where they have the opportunity to learn how to participate in various cutting edge and routine medical procedures, as they encounter potential ethical issues in them and then study and discuss relevant Torah.

By: Jason Weiner from Shalhevet; YULA boys; YULA girls

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

Subject(s) of entry: Gemara, Halacha, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Physical Education/Health, Science, Technology

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

View complete entry »

Austin Jewish Academy (AJA) Fifth-Grade Sustainability Curriculum

As part of AJA's commitment to educating life-long environmental stewards, Ms. Hidalgo developed a reproducible model curriculum to teach sustainability through opportunities for real-world learning. Her program involves innovative classroom study and school-to-farm service learning and has an extraordinary impact on her students and AJA community.

By: Karen Hidalgo from Austin Jewish Academy

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

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

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

View complete entry »

Film Festival in Bloom

The goal of the fifth grade film festival project is to develop critical thinking across the curriculum by integrating the use of Bloom’s taxonomy in a project that encompasses writing, researching, technology, math, environmental science, and service.

By: Kim Sivick, Jodi Deichman from Katz Hillel Day School

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

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

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

View complete entry »

Cosmic Ray Research During The 2017 Solar Eclipse

Students developed a research question and carried out an investigation studying cosmic rays during the solar eclipse. This process involved designing, testing and building a muon telescope. Students carried out the investigation, will be presenting academic papers, and created data that is being used in physics classes at our school.

By: Allen Sears from Ida Crown Jewish Academy

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

Subject(s) of entry: Science

Pedagogy: Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning

View complete entry »

Why do we research and look for alternatives?

Why should Kitah Dalet learn about alternative energy? What do our Jewish Texts teach us about G-d’s creation, Earth? How can children begin to research, build, and educate other students about alternative sources? The Alternative Energy Project is an interactive and engaging curriculum that focus on both responsibility and abstract thinking.

By: Renee Fine, Vanina Sandel from Yavneh Day School

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

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Social Studies, Tanach, Technology, literature

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Design-Thinking Model, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Socratic Method, Soulful Education, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

The Prepared Environment

Our innovative, Montessori inspired environment allows our children to work in a warm, exciting and stress-free atmosphere that promotes high motivation and a love for learning. This model creates the ability for each child to receive a customized curriculum according to what s/he needs which encourages emotional, social, and academic success.

By: Chayale Cohen from Arevim Schoolhouse

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

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

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, Language Immersion, Montessorri, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Bayit Rishon Museum

The Bayit Rishom Museum is a project that was developed to allow students to view Tanach as a historical vehicle and for Mesopotamian artifacts to be used to appreciate Jewish History. Using important historical artifacts, students created virtually museums to teach about the Bayit Rishon Era.

By: Jeremy Hellman from Yeshivat Noam

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

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

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

View complete entry »

School’s Cancelled: A Day of Non-Traditional Learning

How do you promote real world skills in a traditional school atmosphere? During Expo Days at YDLV, classes are cancelled and students embark on a themed journey of learning and inspiration, giving them the opportunity to practice non-traditional skills with a variety of exercises and challenges built for real world learning.

By: Brittney Friedman from Yeshiva Day School of Las Vegas

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, History, Math, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Technology, literature

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

View complete entry »

Environment + Energy = Engaged, Motivated and Successful Students

A Montessori inspired environment for an elementary school child that is conducive to problem solving, independent learning, respect, positive time on task, with modeled expectations will create a caring and safe place for children to be successful, excited and engaged in learning.

By: Andria Drucker from Arevim Schoolhouse

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

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

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

View complete entry »

מה רבו מעשיך—Science with a Jewish Soul: an Integrated Science Program for Young Children

Yearlong program integrates Jewish life of young children with their developing scientific minds; connects Jewish learning relevant to the child at that time: holidays, Parshah, blessings, Mitzvot; inspires in children love of science & spiritual awe of the world around them; fosters creative, critical thinking, teamwork & empathic problem solving.

By: Lisi Levisohn, Leah Bresler, Michal Dorfman from Berman Hebrew Academy (Also known as Melvin J Berman Hebrew Academy)

Grade(s): K, Elementary school

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

Pedagogy: Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Socratic Method, Soulful Education, Wholebrain Teaching, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Scheduling Circus

Creating a school schedule is difficult. Furthermore, creating a schedule that works for 14 multi-age, multi-level, individual students with very different academic and social-emotional needs, seems nearly impossible. It was through a journey of taking great risks and reflecting on failures that brought our classroom the schedule(s) we all needed.

By: Amy Morford from Arevim Schoolhouse

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, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Math, Mishnah, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Physical Education/Health, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tefila, literature

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, Montessorri, Social and Emotional Learning, Wholebrain Teaching, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

STEAM into Service

Environmentalism and sustainability are topics rooted in Jewish values and very relevant in today’s world. Through exploration, collaboration, research, field trips, and learning from guest professionals, students understand the struggles we face, the steps being taken to develop more sustainable practices, and recognize that they too can help.

By: Louise Lindsay from Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School

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

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

Pedagogy: Experiential Education, Hevruta Learning, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Wholebrain Teaching, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

An Interdisciplinary Study of the Lenape People

SW’s aim is for students to cultivate their identity as global citizens who recognize and respect cultural similarities and differences among kol yoshvei tevel (all who dwell on Earth). Our third-grade study of the Lenape tribe showcases that effort through an integrated curriculum incorporating hands-on, project-based learning and exploration.

By: Elise Goldman, Alyssa Gioio, Sara Herbrand, Denise McGinnity, Glenn Simonelli from Schechter Westchester

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

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

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, Wholebrain Teaching, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Enhancing STEM Enrichment Curricula

To increase student passion and development in STEM, I have designed and crafted new and innovative enrichment courses in both computer science and high-level physics. This includes an on-ramp course in computer science principles, a second-year computer science course, and a two-year rotation of four semester long physics courses.

By: Chris Senhouse from Gann Academy

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

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science, Science

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

View complete entry »

Finding Meaning: Prayer Through Reflection and Integration

We launched an initiative in our Lower School where the General Studies teachers collaborated with their Judaic Studies counterparts to help students make meaningful connections between themes that were being studied across both disciplines in the second and fourth grades and themes that emerge throughout their daily Tefilla.

By: Tali Seinfeld, Tami Teller from Ramaz School

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

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

Pedagogy: Language Immersion, Social and Emotional Learning

View complete entry »

Price of Life

The low amount of organ donors worldwide creates a lack of supply of organs for transplant. Students write a personal essay on whether or not they will sign an organ donor card, as well as produce an event with the goal of educating the community about the the problem of organ trafficking and its relationship with the signing of an organ donor card.

By: Racheli Shandrovsky from Kehillah Jewish High School

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

Subject(s) of entry: English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Halacha, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Social Studies

Pedagogy: Design-Thinking Model, Flipped Learning, Hevruta Learning, PBL - project based learning, Socratic Method, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Creating a Positive Environment for All Children

The South Florida Jewish Academy engages in a holistic approach to education. All teachers, in every subject and at every level work seamlessly as a team to put together a comprehensive plan for each student. This manifests itself in numerous creative and innovative programs and curricula.

By: Mrs. Baila Gansburg, Rabbi Gavriel Ohayon, Ms. Tracy Brown, Morah Leah Gansburg from South Florida Jewish 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, Engineering, Foreign Language, Gemara, Math, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Technology, Tefila

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

“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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Interdisciplinary​ ​Integration Through​ ​Service​ ​Learning for​ ​Middle​ ​School​ ​Students

Classroom instruction focuses on the sources and then the development of Jewish law. It is then taken out of the classroom weekly so that students have the opportunity to put the lessons into practice. Lessons and projects incorporate language arts and math skills, torah, art, technology, science, and health.

By: Edith Horovitz 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, Halacha, Mishnah, Philosophy/ Values/ Ethics/ Hashkafa, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Tanach, literature

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Modular Educational Games

A kit to produce educational games in any language, in any subject, and at any level of difficulty. The process of creating these games develops the student’s learning abilities (focus on detail, categorization, collaboration,self-direction) and social skills.
These games can be used as a part of teaching, reinforcement, review, and assessment.

By: Lior Kakon, Yigal Kakon from Hillel Torah

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

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Foreign Language, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Math, Mishnah, Music, Physical Education/Health, Science, Social Studies, Tanach, Technology, literature

Pedagogy: Design-Thinking Model, Gamification, PBL - project based learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Design Thinking Lab: Teaching Students How To Solve Real World Problems

Children and adults are faced with challenges every day at home, school, and work. Design Thinking is a creative process geared to solve these difficult challenges in a “people focused” approach. In this unit, students will learn about Design Thinking and the steps and process it involves. Then, they will set out to solve challenges.

By: Yonina Lermer from Yeshiva Har Torah

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

Subject(s) of entry: Engineering, Science

Pedagogy: Design-Thinking Model, PBL - project based learning

View complete entry »

Rainforest and Tu Be’shvat

Why are trees important in our world and what is our role in taking care of trees? Our kindergarten students learned about the importance of trees in our world while studying about the the rain forest and the holiday of Tu Beshvat. Our learning concluding with performance of the Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry.

By: Amy Musler, Rufina Feld, Tilly Pelz, Cherry Kruse, Ravit Eldar from Denver Jewish Day School

Grade(s): K, Elementary school

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

Pedagogy: Experiential Education, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

The Flexible Mindset

The Flexible Mindset, used in a kindergarten classroom, is a combination of growth mindset, flexible seating, and integrated projects. This combination makes for a learning environment that is ever changing to meet the needs of each student in the classroom community and bring learning to life.

By: Emily Hayes, Hinda Lind, Chelsea Avchen from The Sandra E. Lerner Jewish Community 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, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Foreign Language, History, Ivrit, Music, Physical Education/Health, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Technology, Tefila

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

View complete entry »

Nutrition Nibbles

To conclude our nutrition unit, I challenged my 5th graders to each design a tasty, healthy snack for kids which would be a good source of their assigned vitamin/mineral. Each student would present at our student-designed snack conference, to which we invited other classes. The whole creative process could be applied to various other subjects.

By: Sari Kopitnikoff from Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey

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

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

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

View complete entry »

Talking Trees in Kitah Alef-Impact of Trees in our Environment -An interdisciplinary Unit

1st graders learned about trees through literacy, science, math, Ivrit, art, movement and by working in cooperative groups. The unit included studying the parts of trees in Hebrew and English, the impact of trees on the environment and its natural resources. We emphasized the mitzvah of tzedakah and of planting trees in Israel for Tu B'Shvat.

By: Shira Stein, Linda Sipzner, Rebecca Feldman from Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy

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

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

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Experiential Education, Hevruta Learning, Language Immersion, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

ART LAB

Today art rooms have become hubs that dynamically enrich students’ lives in multiple ways. The art room at MJGDS uses traditional materials in addition to modern technologies and the infusion of Judaism, Math, Science, Engineering, Language Arts, and Social Studies make it a high tech space for student creativity and innovation.

By: Shana Gutterman from Martin J. Gottlieb 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, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Foreign Language, History, Math, Science, Social and Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tanach, Technology, literature

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Design-Thinking Model, Gamification, PBL - project based learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Wholebrain Teaching, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Kindergartners Construct a South Campus Community Theater to Enhance Their School’s Learning Environment

In Kindergarten at MILTON, the theme of community guided our work and was woven into all aspects of our curriculum. Over the course of a semester, we explored the concept of community through the lens of theater. Our multi-disciplinary curricular approach to learning culminated in the creation of the South Campus Community Theater.

By: Lisa Davis, Xani Pollakoff, Vasilios Pournaras from Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation's Capital (formally JPDS-NC)

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

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

Pedagogy: Design-Thinking Model, Experiential Education, PBL - project based learning, Wholebrain Teaching, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

MakerLab: Innovation and Creation

Hillel Academy's goal is for students to “learn how to learn”.  We don’t give instructions in Makerlab, we give tools and guidance, and challenge the students to find answers and solutions on their own. It is amazing to watch the next generation of innovators get their first taste of inventing.

By: Michael Gamson from Hillel Academy

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

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

Pedagogy: Design-Thinking Model, Hevruta Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Gan Chaiot Chadash–The New Zoo Project

With the goal of designing a habitat for an animal on the endangered species list, the students utilized their knowledge of area and perimeter to create a habitat enclosure to scale, research the taxonomy of their chosen animal, and explore our Jewish duty to care for and protect animals. The unit is infused with Hebrew text and vocabulary.

By: Frannie Magnani, Ruthi Ofek from Shalom School

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

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science, Economics/ Business, Engineering, English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Ivrit, Math, Science, Tanach, Technology

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

View complete entry »

STEM Day 2.0

I organized and planned a school wide STEM Day. This event consisted of 5 different STEM-based activities that all students in the school actively participated in. All activities were hands-on and allowed the students to see the connection between school, STEM, and the real world.

By: Lisa Shamus from Beth Tfiloh Middle School

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

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

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, Experiential Education, Wholebrain Teaching, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

No soil in a soil-less environment – Hydroponics for the real world

A full curriculum and real-life experience growing bug free lettuce in our greenhouse. "Farm to Table" concepts presented with participation across the grades. Interdisciplinary connections will be made.

By: Mrs. Besie Katz, Mr. Stephen Bray from Politz Hebrew Academy

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

Subject(s) of entry: Science

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

B’reisheet Unit

The basic foundation of everything is the creation of the world, or as we Jews know it: Briat haolam. In my Kindergarten class, Briat haolam is not taught in the mere few days before Parshat B’reisheet, but rather over the course of two to three weeks, depending on the calendar of that specific year. The reason that we take this long in teaching our students about Briat haolam is because we are not just imparting information to them about what was created on each day, but rather, we are allowing our students to experience creation in many different ways: through Science, Literacy, Art and Math. By integrating so many different aspects of the world into the creation unit, we are sending our students an extremely important lesson: Everything is from Hashem!

By: Mrs. Rivki Slepoy from Yeshivat Noam

Grade(s): K, 1, Elementary school

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

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

View complete entry »

Water: An examination

Using the bracha Mashiv HaRuach and Parshat Noach, this unit investigates water on a deep level. It includes many types of instruction so that all students can access the learning.

By: Mrs. Anna Sanders, Ms. Bayla Clement from Ben Porat Yosef

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

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

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning

View complete entry »

Torah N Technology- Mishna PowerPoint

The TNT Program (Torah ‘n Technology) at Maimonides integrates curriculum studies and enrichment programs with technology, following our school motto: “A Beautiful Blend, Torah and Worldly Experience.” This program helps students find relevant and creative expression to their learning, as well as instruction in important technology skills.

The Mishna/Talmud PowerPoint program empowers students to creatively visualize the content and Mishnaic language, transforming basic words, letters, and text into an exciting multi-media format.

By: Rabbi Shmuly Rubin from Maimonides Hebrew Day School

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

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Computer Science, Gemara, Halacha, Mishnah, Tanach, Graphic Design

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Shake Your Lulav!

This is a Google Slide presentation about the mitzva of Ushpizin, welcoming honorary guests into the sukkah, which integrates content and skill building, as well as Hebrew language acquisition. It was originally designed for use as a flipped classroom.

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

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

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

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

View complete entry »

MULTI-LEVELED DIFFERENTIATION

This is a revolutionary system that uses technology to differentiate learning based on multiple cognitive learning factors that affect the learning process. Each student is catered to according his or her unique circumstances and abilities.

By: Rabbi Yehuda Schwartzberg from Stars of Israel 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: Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Science, Tanach

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

View complete entry »

MAP & LEAP Program

The Pressman Enrichment Academy Program is designed for those children in grades 2-5 who demonstrate the ability to work beyond their current grade level and offers opportunities for appropriately challenging learning as an adjunct to instruction in the classroom. The program is an acceleration program which is designed to meet the rate at which the child learns and to meet the level at which the child shows academic competence. The program consists of two parts: Math Acceleration Program ( MAP) and Language Arts Enrichment Acceleration Program ( LEAP).

By: Ms. Barbara Schmidt from Pressman Academy

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

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

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Go Green Initiative

Go green was a true project based learning initiative that involved inquiry based learning and differentiation based on interest. It resulted in real changes and student empowerment.

By: Ms. Gerri Chizeck from Levey Day School

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

Subject(s) of entry: Science

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning

View complete entry »

Global Competency For Jewish Learners

A Grade 10 Global Competency Course that will empower and engage our students to become global citizens within a Jewish context. Students will learn a diverse range of practical skills to prepare them for jobs of the future. The final class project will be a fully kosher, volunteer service trip to Ecuador, where students will build a school, visit a Synagogue in Quito, celebrate Shabbat in the Andes and put into practice the lessons they learned during the course.

By: Mr. Jamie Cohen from TanenbaumCHAT

Grade(s): 10, High school

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

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, IBL - inquiry based learning, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills, Global competency skills development, Phenomenon based learning (a new curriculum model created in the Finland school system)

View complete entry »

Focus on Growth – Differentiation Through Student Goal Setting

Our committee of educators designed and implemented a Focus on Growth initiative for our kindergarten through fifth grade students. This initiative encourages students and teachers to work together to set differentiated personal goals, monitor progress, and celebrate achievement in a variety of areas.

By: Ms. Lara Sparks, Mrs. Deb Barwick, Mrs. Jodie, Applebaum, Ms. Jordana Weinberg, Mrs. Carla Muller, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, Mr. Eric Einstein from Denver Jewish Day School

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

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Music, Science, Tanach, Specials, Social/Emotional, All Curricular areas

Pedagogy: 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Enrichment@Maayanot

To meet the educational needs of our strongest students, who are not fully sufficiently challenged by the Honors classroom we instituted an enrichment program. Each student chooses two projects (bekiut and b'iyun) to work on over the course of the year. The handful of students participating across the grades, through specially geared programming form a peer community of motivated achievers who push each other to discover and reach their full potential.

By: Rabbi Donny Besser, Mrs. Rivka Kahan 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, Gemara, Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Music, Science, Tanach

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Differentiation and Newsela.com: A Match Made in Heaven

My entry discusses the need for every teacher and Learning Specialist to use this website in their classrooms or Learning Centers. It can be used for differentiation among students from third grade, all the way through high school.

By: Mrs. Meryl Recinos from Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey

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

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

Pedagogy: 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Creating an focused but open engineering makerspace

During this 6 week course, students were exposed to open-ended engineering design and multidisciplinary entrepreneurship in this unique makerspace course. Students with minimal background in STEM and electronics came away with a physical 3d prototype with sensors coded on arduino, a blog/website, initial business analysis, and in many cases an app. These were all created by the students with guidance from students a few years older. Students were given short focused PBL lessons to build their skills in key areas such as electronics, arduino coding, patent law, business development, app design etc. followed up by individualized online learning specific for their projects.

By: Mr. Yosef Skolnick from Shulamith High School of Cedarhurst

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

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

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

View complete entry »

Chopped (pronounced “חפט“)

Inspired by the hit cooking show “Chopped” teams of Hilchot Brachot students used mystery ingredients to create their own recipes. While the members of a team had to work with the same mystery ingredients, each team member was responsible for developing a unique recipe for their specific bracha. Final recipes were put together into a class cookbook. Who has lots left to learn and who. has. chopped?

By: Mrs. Shira Greenspan from Ramaz Upper School

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

Subject(s) of entry: Halacha, Math, Science, Cooking, Health, Writing

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

View complete entry »

“Reaching Each Child”.

Our Sages say "chanoch l'naar al pi darko" - teach each child in their own way. It is critical to understand the student as an individual with their strengths and weaknesses. Only then can we truly educate them.

By: Mrs. Chaya Teldon, Miss Colleen O'Brien, Mr. Dani Hak, Mrs. Mindy Rogers, Mrs. Yudit Kasowitz, Ms. Sarah Kugelman from The Jewish Academy of Suffolk County

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

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

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Now You Siyyum…An Exploration into Thematic Jewish Learning

Hillel Day School eighth grade students experience an integrated Judaic Studies learning opportunity as part of their final year at Hillel. Instead of separate Rabbinics and TaNaKh classes, students are guided through classic and modern texts of many genres to explore, thematically, our Hillel Day School core Jewish values. The students are encouraged to explore deeply, and to begin asking the many great questions that arise as they synthesize their developing Jewish identities with our modern world.

By: Mr. Saul Rube, Rabbi Jonathan Berger, Mrs. Amira Soleimani from Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit

Grade(s): 7, 8, Middle school

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

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

View complete entry »

Moot Beit Din

As a summative capstone to my student’s learning of the Jewish applied science of Torah, I decided to create a Moot Beit Din project in the eighth grade, in which student would learn about current controversial issues and make a judgement based on sources. They would research halachah, science and other relevant information, then debate their topic and the other students would form the court, passing judgement and justifying their decision based on the information presented.

By: Rabbi Ben Shlimovitz from Gross Schechter Day School

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

Subject(s) of entry: Gemara, Halacha, Mishnah, Science, social studies

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Innovations Across the Nations

In conjunction with science and social studies, students learn about real-world problems that affect humankind on a global scale. Students are challenged to think critically and creatively as they plan and engineer products that address the real world problems.

By: Mrs. Lori Rutcofsky from Rockland Jewish Academy

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

Subject(s) of entry: History, Math, Science, Engineering

Pedagogy: 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Immigration Fair

I teach the same students 4th grade Texas History and then 5th grade US History the following year. We put on an Immigration Fair for 2-5th grades using what we learned about Immigration into both Galveston and Ellis Island.

By: Mrs. Cathryn Mellon from Beth Yeshurun Day School

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

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

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

View complete entry »

Facilitating Critical Thinking through Reflection and Problem-Solving

I facilitate critical thinking through a steady practice of reflection and problem-solving with my students. I believe that these social and emotional practices help them think creatively about themselves and, ultimately, their learning.

By: Ms. Randi Gordner from The Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle

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

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

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Collaborative technology in the classroom: pilot project

In a ground-breaking incorporation of collaborative technology in the classroom, fourth grade boys and seventh grade girls piloted an integrated multi-week project in language arts and history respectively. Students were provided with project guidelines and a bank of iPads and worked in teams to share their findings in an original video using script writing, costuming, set design, acting, videography, and audio-video editing.

By: Mrs. Lynn Karz, Mr. Robert Lipman, Mrs. Ashley Scotti, Rabbi Yisroel Pollock from Yeshiva Aharon Yaakov Ohr Eliyahu

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

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

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

View complete entry »

Alternative Energy Exploration Unit

This integrated writing and science unit focuses on energy, and asks the driving question “How and why should we use energy wisely?” Students investigate what energy is, where it comes from, and how we use it. They conduct research on sustainable fuels, write persuasive essays advocating for the use of a particular source of energy, design billboard advertisements for their chosen energy source, and participate in a debate judged by industry experts on different forms of sustainable energy. Finally, students design and create their own tikkun olam service-learning projects to make a positive difference in our community’s use of energy.

By: Ms. Rebecca Sheinbaum from Denver Jewish 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: Literature, Mishnah, Science

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

View complete entry »

Risk-Taking and Failure: A Greenhouse for Learning

A cautionary tale of the lure of innovative educational opportunities that not only engage and inspire, but also exemplify our Jewish values and how to best integrate into existing school culture to ensure acceptance and longevity. Our effort led to the near loss of a signature program. The risk was well worth it, the failure a challenge, and the ensuing lessons, invaluable for the program and our school.

By: Allison Oakes from Sandra E. Lerner Jewish Community 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, Ivrit, Literature, Science, Environmental Curriculum (integrated into general and Jewish Studies and Hebrew), Environmental Curriculum

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

View complete entry »

Makerspace Failure= Learning

In my K-5 Makerspace classes, students are able to explore, design, engineer, create, collaborate and educate. They are exposed to hundreds of different materials, tools, and supplies ranging from straws, to robotic LittleBits, to broken VCR players. Students are taught, encouraged, and accepting to challenges as learning opportunities and understand that in the Makerspace, there is not failure, only learning.

By: Ms. Jamie Moskowitz from Perelman Jewish Day School

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

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

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

View complete entry »

iPad English Classroom Trial: Challenges, Successes, Discoveries, and Failures

Over the academic year of 2014-5, I embraced the introduction of iPads across the entire SAR High School freshman class by taking certain risks and often failing at integrating the iPad into my already digital curriculum. A record of my efforts were recorded on a public blog that I used as both a record of my “trial run” and a platform for networking with other iPad educators via social media. In my year-long blog, I shared questions, answers, successes, challenges, and yes, even failures regarding the first-year introduction of iPads into my already paperless English classroom. My blog record shows that while I failed at fully integrating the iPad as a media device, and while I failed at fully aligning iPad apps with my already digital curriculum, I succeeded at researching, recognizing, and even demonstrating the iPad’s strengths and challenges in my English classroom.

By: Dr. Hillel Broder from SAR High School

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

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

Pedagogy: 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Computer Lab

Utilizing online computer courses for remedial, standard, and advanced students.

By: Mr. Daniel Rosenblum from Mesivta Shaarei Arazim

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

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

Pedagogy: 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

צער בעלי חיים Compassion towards animals – Examining an ancient Jewish value through a modern real life question: Should Zoos exist or not?

Should Zoos exist or not? This was the question that led a Jewish Values course section that dealt with the value of "״צער חיים בעלי , Compassion towards Animals. Students were encouraged to dive into the subject searching for various pieces of evidence to support their claims and eventually present their argument in a "court".

Note: all attachments are products of students' work, except for the following: "Argument document", "Jewish texts" and "curriculum".

By: Mrs. Shosh Bernstein from Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School

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

Subject(s) of entry: Gemara, Science, Tanach, Jewish Values

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

View complete entry »

Who is Melvin Bubble?: Using Literacy to Enhance Our 21st Century Skills

The 3rd graders worked on a beginning of the year interdisciplinary assignment as a getting to know you better project. The project combined many 21st century skills, including communication, creativity & innovation, and global awareness. The project centered around the book Who is Melvin Bubble? by author Nick Bruel and culminated with the students getting to understand the real world outside their classroom by meeting Mr. Bruel via Skype!

By: Ms. Kimberly McDermid from Denver Jewish Day School

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

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

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

View complete entry »

What is PV? A PBL Odyssey

What is PV? Learn all about it in this six-minute video made by the 6th graders at Lander~Grinspoon Academy. This video is the culmination of a year long Project Based Learning experience on solar power. It was produced utilizing community media at Northampton Community Television.

By: Ms. Rebecca Lederman from Lander~Grinspoon 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, Math, Science, STEAM, Technology, Engineering

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

View complete entry »

Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim

Through study of modern ethical dilemmas related to the use of animals in our society, and a cursory dive into traditional texts related to the treatment of animals, students write position papers and debate Lincoln-Douglas style in an attempt to convince peers and parents to act in a manner that aligns solutions to current concerns with ancient wisdom.

By: Mr. Aviv Matzkin from Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School

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

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

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

View complete entry »

Tu’Beshvat School wide Real World Unit

For Tu’Beshvat 2016 the Hamilton Hebrew Academy decided to create a school wide initiative that integrated science, biology, the arts, Ivrit and Judaic Studies. Our vision was to create a real world, interdisciplinary experience that would engage all learners.

By: Mrs. Goldie Weiser, Mrs. Rebecca Shapiro from Hamilton Hebrew Academy

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

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

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

View complete entry »

6-Week Entrepreneurship makerspace

During this 6 week course, students were exposed to open-ended engineering design and multidisciplinary entrepreneurship in this unique makerspace course. Students with minimal background in STEM and electronics came away with a physical 3d prototype with sensors coded on arduino, a blog/website, initial business analysis, and in many cases an app. These were all created by the students with guidance from students a few years older. Students were given short focused PBL lessons to build their skills in key areas such as electronics, arduino coding, patent law, business development, app design etc. followed up by individualized online learning specific for their projects.

By: Mr. Yosef Skolnick from Shulamith High School of Cedarhurst

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

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

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

View complete entry »

Whole Brain Teaching

Whole Brain teaching is an approach that is designed to teach the way the brain is really created to learn while maximizing student involvement. It is a flexible method that can be adapted by any teacher to their own teaching methods.

By: Mrs. Chaya Berelowitz from Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh

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

Subject(s) of entry: History, Literature, Music, Science

Pedagogy: Whole Brain Teaching

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Turn Tube

This is a tool I invented to maximize student work time and teacher conferencing. The teacher can work one on one with a child easily while other kids are engaged in their work. Every year, the children ask what this is and love using it!

By: Ms. Amy Kohen from Schechter Westchester

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

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

Pedagogy:

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

OROT Teacher

OROT provides a Jewish day school education to the diverse learner in many of Philadelphia's area Jewish day schools.

By: Mrs. Susie Wohlgelernter from OROT/Politz

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

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Literature, Math, Science, Tanach, Chumash, Language Arts, Social Studies

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

View complete entry »

Learning Environment – Jennifer Dolny

My presentation displays the learning environment in my classroom. This learning environment encourages student centered learning and promotes academic, social, and emotional growth.

By: Mrs. Jennifer Dolny from Yeshivat Noam

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

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

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Integrated Girls High School Program

Ashira is an integrated girls' high school program providing small classes with individualized learning to girls whose primary deficiency is in the academic domain. Ashira is housed in a mainstream high school, enabling maximum socialization which is so crucial during the high school years.

By: Mrs. Bracha Cohen, Ms. Sarah Levy from Ateres Bais Yaakov

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

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

Pedagogy:

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

First Grade Flexible Seating Environment

As education shifts to chromebooks, cooperative learning, small group instruction, and personalized learning, so must the classroom furnishing and arrangement. With flexible seating, and no assigned seats, my students are free to sit, stand or lay on the floor as they learn. I have observed increased motivation and engagement as well as a higher rate of student interaction since implementing flexible seating. My first graders are doing their best work ever!

By: Ms. Cheryl Cooper from Scheck Hillel Community School

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

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

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Flexible Seating in The Classroom

I found that by giving students a choice they tend to take more ownership. In the classroom, I wanted them to take ownership in learning. I chose to try flexible seating in the classroom which gave students a chance to have a choice in where/ how they sit while learning. I found by giving students a choice in seating very successful and I found the focus in my classroom to rise.

By: Ms. Danielle Levin from Perelman Jewish Day School (Stern Center)

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

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

Pedagogy: 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Co-teaching program

Looking at a classroom, even when empty, tells a lot about the learning environment. Are students facing the same direction to be receivers of information or are there centers and desk-clusters, meeting areas and reading books created to support students in moving through routines, working together, and supporting more independent learning. This later description is the innovative and engaging classroom that is Tovi Admon’s.

By: Mrs. Tova Admon from Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh

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

Subject(s) of entry: Halacha, History, Ivrit, Literature, Math, Science, Tanach, Holidays, Tefila

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

A Little Google with a Jewish Twist

Our school has been transformed to replace traditional classrooms with opportunities for project-based learning that emphasizes 21st-century skills in creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication. The physical design facilitates these educational goals, and impacts student-centered learning in increased motivation and achievement. It has put Hillel at the forefront of the paradigm shift in education, wherein student-driven inquiry develops tomorrow's problem-solvers, and gives children the skills they need to inherit their world, and not the factory-model, outmoded 20th-century model of education that no longer aligns with the skills students need in an ever-changing global world, and does so, most importantly, through the context of a Jewish education, which gives them the moral and ethical, values-based foundation they need to navigate a complex world.

By: Mrs. Joan Freedman from Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit

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, History, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Science, Tanach

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

View complete entry »

“Unity in the School Community”

Jewish Day Schools often face a dichotomy between the Judaic and General Studies Departments. The Jewish Academy is making a priority of tackling this challenge through innovative means. Our goal is to create a seamless curriculum.

By: Mrs. Chaya Teldon, Ms. Sarah Kugelman, Mrs. Yudit Kasowitz, Miss Colleen O'Brien, Mr. Dani Hak, Mrs. Mindy Rogers from The Jewish Academy

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

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

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

View complete entry »

Tu’Beshvat School wide Interdisciplinary Unit

For Tu’Beshvat 2016 the Hamilton Hebrew Academy decided to create a school wide initiative that integrated science, biology, the arts, Ivrit and Judaic Studies. Our vision was to create a real world, interdisciplinary experience that would engage all learners.

By: Mrs. Goldie Weiser, Mrs. Rebecca Shapiro from Hamilton Hebrew Academy

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

Subject(s) of entry: Art, Gemara, Halacha, Ivrit, Literature, Music, Science, Tanach, Social Studies

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

View complete entry »

The Torah Times, Creative Torah Journalism

"The Torah Times" presents Torah events as "Breaking news" Happening right now! All the text and presentation are developed by Maimonides students, blending Torah knowledge with creativity, humor, writing, and graphic design.

Highly creative, The Torah Times engages students to find the soul /essential messages of the Torah that connects to life & current events today. Protagonists such as Abraham/Lot, Moses/Pharoh, or Aaron/Korach shed their ancient robes and venues to address current issues; Midrash/commentaries become our news outlets with the inside scoop. This personifies Rashi's Translation of the Shma: "Hayom Al Levaech" -not as an old chronicle, but as actual, new, and current.

By: Rabbi Israel Rubin, Rabbi Michael Caras 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: Computer Science, Gemara, History, Literature, Mishnah, Tanach, Creative Writing

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

View complete entry »

The Rosh Chodesh Calendar Project

The Rosh Chodesh Calendar project is a two year multiweek integration program which has been successfully incorporated into our school for the past four years. Year one involves integration between the science, technology, art, Ivrit/Hebrew language and Judaic teachers for grade five; year two integrates Humanities, physical education, math/engineering, art and Judaic instruction for grade six/Middle School. Each of the multiweek learning units culminates in a presentation showcasing student individual and class research projects for parents, and occasionally the greater Indianapolis Jewish community

By: Mrs. Miriam Gettinger, Dawn Bick, MaryEllen Fellegy, Maya Shmoel from Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis

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

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

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

View complete entry »

The Jewish Academy’s Reflection Integration

Our team integrated the theme of reflection across all grades as well as across all subjects. Reflection is an overall strategy and theme for the school. Laying the groundwork in our first unit is key to a successful year of reflection and revision.

By: Miss Colleen O'Brien, Mrs. Sarah Kugelman, Mrs. Yudit Kasowitz, Mr. Dani Hak, Mrs. Chaya Teldon from The Jewish Academy of Suffolk County

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

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

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Tashlich STEAM Waterfall

This project was planned for grades TK-8 to participate in a school-wide STEAM project to learn about Rosh Hashana, Tikkun Olan, Teshuvah, and Tashlich. The project included integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math into Judaic Studies.

By: Ms. Judith Hendlish, Mrs. Marion Schwartz, Mr. Arnon Arad from Abraham Joshua Heschel and Kadima

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

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

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

View complete entry »

STEM Fair

In the spring of 2015, ASHAR students presented their projects in a school wide fair culminating a year long focus on combining the learning of science, math, and Torah.

Based on the premise that everything secular can be found in the Torah, our students in first through eighth grade explored the connections between kodesh, holy, and chol, secular.

By: Mrs. Debby Jacobson, Mrs. Jennah Schuh from ASHAR

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

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

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

View complete entry »

Psychology and Jewish Thought

In this year-long elective for seniors, we study the basic topics of psychology as any college-level introduction to psychology course might. On an almost daily basis, we provide lesson extensions (class discussions, opportunities for student reflection, and direct instruction) about how these lessons integrate with the discussions found in the discipline of Jewish Thought.

By: Rabbi Yaakov Jaffe, EdD from Maimonides

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

Subject(s) of entry: Halacha, Science, Tanach, Psychology, Jewish Thought

Pedagogy: UBD - understanding by design

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Mishkan Meets Makerspace

In our “Mishkan meets Makerspace” unit of study, we integrated skills from all S.T.E.A.M. disciplines, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics and enhanced our studies of Parshat Trumah by creating our own three dimensional model Mishkan. Using the chumash text as a foundation for purposeful learning, students worked collaboratively to bring the complex details of the Mishkan to life with excitement and passion. The final product incorporated all four learning modalities and six of Gardner’s multiple intelligences enabling each student to experience, engage and conceptualize ideas according to individual learning style and interest.

By: Ms. Elana Trombka, Mrs. Sarah Hochman from Bi-Cultural Day School

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

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

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

The Middot Project

The Middot Project blends the emerging wisdom of Positive Psychology with the timeless perspective of Jewish values aimed at a lifetime of meaning and human flourishing.

By: Rabbi Tsafreer Lev from de Toledo High School

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

Subject(s) of entry: Mishnah, Science, Tanach

Pedagogy: Blended Learning, UBD - understanding by design, 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Jewish Folktales

The folktale unit is a culminating cross-curricular project for students in fifth grade, integrating Jewish Studies, reading, writing, and public speaking. Students read a variety of Jewish folktales and choose one to study in depth. We strengthened this project by partnering with a local theater company, Wolf Performing Arts Center, to work with the students to present it effectively, analyze the setting and values, and reflect on the morals of the tale.

By: Mrs. Mindy Civan, Mrs. Abbye Cornfield from Perelman Jewish Day School

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

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

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

View complete entry »

JEHMS Program- Jewish Education for the Humanities, Math, and Science. Does your Jewish Education Sparkle? Rigorous Middle School Fusion Program to enhance Secular Studies with Jewish Concepts

JEHMS is a middle school fusion program (adaptable for K-12) which employs original, distinctly Jewish lesson plans to communicate required secular concepts, thereby blending secular and Jewish education to better streamline, unify, and integrate Jewish Day School dual curricula. JEHMS is multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary curricula in math, science, social studies and English Language Arts, aligned with the Common Core Curriculum, to teach secular skills and knowledge by employing Jewish concepts. JEHMS does not replace Judaic studies, rather is revolutionizes the content of secular classes to seamlessly include Jewish learning as it explicates secular concepts.

By: Mrs. Nomi Feinberg from Katz Hillel Day School of Boca Raton

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: Halacha, Literature, Math, Science, Tanach, Hashkafa

Pedagogy: 21st Century Skills, Interdisciplinary - Original Works

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Interface Between Science and Religion

Examine scientific data regarding the early stages of the universe. Identify 7 recent scientific discoveries. Show how these scientific discoveries are contained in the first 3 verses of the Torah, as interpreted by Ramban, Rambam, and Chazal.

By: Mrs. Kochava Yitzchak from Ida Crown Jewish Academy

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

Subject(s) of entry: Science, Tanach, Jewish Thought

Pedagogy: IBL - inquiry based learning

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Real-World Learning: Experiential Learning Designed and Implemented by Students and Faculty

The office of Student Life at Beth Tfiloh High School has developed beyond cute programming and is now seen as an Educational Department, working alongside all Academic Departments to enhance, collaborate, deepen and apply values, ideas and skills being taught in various disciplines and give them a meeting place of relevance and application through experiential programming. This is a new and exciting way to envision teaching for the Real World and I am excited to share the fruit of the first three years of this experience with you in the hope of inspiring more schools to develop this approach as well.

By: Ms. Rachel Levitt-Klein from Beth Tfiloh Dahan

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

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

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

View complete entry »

Fifth Grade Sustainability and Service Learning

Karen Hidalgo has developed a project-based unit on sustainability that has become the hallmark of Austin Jewish Academy’s fifth grade program. It has evolved over the past three years culminating in a service-learning project meaningfully integrated with Jewish studies presenting unique opportunities for students to become real world problem solvers.

Please begin with Text Introduction and proceed to Curriculum Outline.pdf

By: Ms. Karen Hidalgo from Austin Jewish Academy

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

Subject(s) of entry: Halacha, Literature, Math, Mishnah, Science, Tanach, Writing, Technology, Engineering, Critical Thinking, Language Arts

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

View complete entry »

Family History Project

Students research the genealogy of their families and present the stories of their ancestors within the historical and cultural context of the Jewish communities they came from.

By: Miss Chani Gotlieb from Manhattan High School for Girls

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

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

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

View complete entry »

Project-Based Learning at CHDS

As we continue to improve our middle school program, we recently elected to change our learning environment to include more Real-World Learning, based on projects that better motivate students and increase their engagement. This entry describes our accomplishments so far.

By: Dr. Bernard Franks from Cincinnati Hebrew Day School

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

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

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Electing a School Dugmah

During the 2016 election season, every member of the student body was involved in a mock election. The election was completely student-run and developmentally appropriate for elementary school students. The fifth grade students took the reins on the campaign for a school dugmah(leader/example).

By: Mrs. Abbye Cornfield, Mrs. Mindy Civan from Perelman Jewish Day School

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

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

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Comprehensive Digital Citizenship Curriculum

Technology today pervades every facet of life, from the refrigerator to the cell phone. In order, then, to prepare our students for well-integrated lives in the modern world, we must provide them with the psychosocial and emotional vocabulary and awareness to value, build and sustain healthy relationships; the technological skills to choose and use tools responsibly and effectively; and the Torah and Mussar (Jewish tools for self-development) skills to guide and shape their lives in accordance with their Jewish principles. We have developed an expanded, multi-year, cross-departmental curriculum based upon the most up-to-date research and most classical of Torah ethics, that reaches into every part of our educational process, teaching students directly and also via continuing education for staff and parents.

By: Mrs. Sarah Lipman, Mr. Robert Lipman, Rabbi Yisroel Pollock, Rabbi Shlomo Goldberg, Mrs. Robin Goldberg from Yeshiva Aharon Yaakov Ohr Eliyahu

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

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science, Gemara, Halacha, History, Literature, Tanach, Jewish Ethics

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

View complete entry »

Practicing Real World Skills Through a Revolutionary Service Learning Program

At CCJDS, we teach our children that their words and actions have the power to make change in this world. We believe that as they grow and learn academically, so too should our children explore what it means to make a difference in the world and in the lives of others. Through our school-wide, cross-curriculum SHIR HaLev program, students embark on a yearlong service project in the spirit of the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

By: Ms. Hadas Rave from Contra Costa Jewish 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, Ivrit, Literature, Science, Tanach, Jewish Studies, Jewish Values, Tikkun Olam, Social/Emotional Development

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Non-Fiction Research about Teeth

In this lesson, student use skills learned to navigate non-fiction texts in order to do research and learn facts about teeth. This topic is relevant to first grade students as they often begin losing their baby teeth at this stage of life, and it provides them with the scientific reasoning behind this occurrence.

By: Miss Hillary Edelson from SAR Academy

Grade(s): 1, 2, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Literature, Science

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

View complete entry »

Benainu בינינו (Between Us)

Benainu is Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community Day School’s holistic and comprehensive health and wellness program. Led by internal staff, with a strong home-school connection, Benainu considers the wellbeing of the whole child—the physical, spiritual, moral, social, and emotional parts that form the students we love. Through this program, we equip our middle school students with the knowledge, skills, and guidance they need to effectively navigate the complexities of adolescent life and provide them with the foundation from which they can continue to have private, personal and meaningful conversations with trusted adults throughout their years at Beth Tfiloh and beyond.

By: Mrs. Victoria Hervitz from Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community Day School

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

Subject(s) of entry: Science, Health, Ethics

Pedagogy:

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Knocking Down Classroom Walls

Why should we limit our students to the knowledge of our teachers? By using Skype lessons, we bring in knowledge and experiences to our students that were unavailable to them before. I built learning experiences for our students around Skype lessons.

By: Mrs. Elyse Haber from Hebrew Academy Montreal

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

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

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

View complete entry »

Kindergarten Community Library Project

Using the Design Thinking Model, the Kindergarten classes redesigned and created a more efficient and organized library based on the needs of our school community. The children researched, interviewed, and engineered in order to enhance our JPDS-NC South Campus Community Library which houses picture books, non-fiction, fiction, easy readers, Hebrew, and Jewish values books in an inviting environment which is conducive to learning and reading for fun.

By: Lisa Davis, Vas Pournaras, and Xani Pollakoff from JPDS-NC

Grade(s): K, Elementary school

Subject(s) of entry: Art, History, Literature, Math, Science, Social/Emotional

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, Design Thinking Model

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Imagine and Design Lab: Beyond the Classroom Walls

A fifth grade teacher and curriculum coordinator collaborate to develop a science unit. The children learned about inventors and inventions, specifically, how inventors solve real world problems. They designed a new unit incorporating Design Thinking to help students gain real world problem solving skills.

By: Mrs. Yonina Lermer from Yeshiva Har Torah

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: Science

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

Forces Unit

In this unit, we learned how forces cause movement in both physical and social environments. The Ontario Science Curriculum talks about direct and indirect forces (e.g. gravity, magnetism, static electricity), but we took this concept to the next level by analyzing direct and indirect forces that have an ability to cause real world movement. To do so, we integrated our Science learning with Reading, Writing, Drama, Art, Jewish Studies, Technology, and Media Literacy.

By: Miss Melissa Master from Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School

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

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

Pedagogy: UBD - understanding by design

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Transcendentalism

Integrated Creative Judaics (ICJ) was a new initiative for interdisciplinary education at de Toledo High School in West Hills, CA. During the 2014-2015 school year, a Media Arts 2 class was paired with a dedicated Judaic Studies class for the entire year. During the second semester, the Media Arts/Judaic Studies joint class entered into a multi-week collaboration with an Honors English 11 class to explore themes of transcendentalism through the lens of the Hebrew prophets and bring learning to life through the Media Arts.

By: Mr. Roger Blonder, Mr. Devin Villarreal, Mr. 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, Halacha, History, Literature, Mishnah, Science, Tanach

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

View complete entry »

First Comes Wonder

What does Real World Learning mean in the elementary classroom? Making science, social studies, current events and the children's natural interests the launching point that ties together the reading, writing and math.

By: Mrs. Debra Tolchin from Yeshivat Noam

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

Subject(s) of entry: Literature, Math, Science, Limudei Kodesh - Ben Adam Lechavero

Pedagogy: UBD - understanding by design

View complete entry »

All School Read

Every student in our school reads the same book, author or Jewish value-themed text. Working across grades and disciplines, students develop projects synthesizing ideas related to these texts from Art, Music, Judaic studies, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. Most years we have found a partner school to widen our students' horizons and deepen their understanding of the theme or value being studied.

By: Mrs. Julia Weinstein, Mrs. Elaine Kaplan from Rockwern Academy

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

Subject(s) of entry: Art, History, Literature, Music, Science, Judaic Studies (culture, history, values)

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

View complete entry »

A Slave’s Journey: From Brick Making to Matza Baking

This curriculum uses the Exodus story as the foundation for the students to research and execute the making of bricks. The Pesach narrative is then used to expose the students to child labor throughout history. The bricks are used to build a working oven upon which the students baked matza and then taught the rest of the school the matza-making process.

By: Rabbi Andrea Gouze from Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island

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

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

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

View complete entry »

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

View complete entry »

8th Grade Integrated Project

The Integrated Project (IP) is a year-long study that spans the curriculum and represents the culmination of the students' K - 8th Grade studies at Mandel JDS. Students choose a theme or topic they want to study and integrate it into each subject within each of the disciplines throughout the year. Through the visual and dramatic arts, and often the performing arts and technology, students bring their fully integrated topics to life in an evening program.

By: Ms. Barbara Weiss, Ms. Leah Spector, Ms. Kim Favor from Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School

Grade(s): 7, 8, Middle school

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

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

View complete entry »

4th Grade PBL: Amusement Parks

Through an interdisciplinary integrated PBL on amusement parks, our 4th graders gain real world experience by

participating in a program to increase their understanding of economics and money systems and applied their knowledge

about supply and demand as well as profit and loss and related it to the project. In all the different subject areas students

experience and participate in different lessons all related to the amusement park. The project presents an opportunity to

build and enhance our students' cooperative learning skills.

By: Ms. Halle Dubin from Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School

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

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

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

View complete entry »

6th – 8th Grade PBL: Entrepreneurship Program

This project simulates a real world experience, in the context of an interdisciplinary approach, and helps students finance their 8th grade Israel trip. They are exposed to the basic of money management and investments and learn about different types of investment vehicles and create an investment portfolio. This entrepreneurial program builds the middle school students' critical thinking skills and advanced communication skills, while building creativity.

By: Ms. Kim Favor from Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School

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

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

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

View complete entry »

39 Melachot of Shabbat—Connecting the Past to the Present

A curriculum on the 39 melachot of Shabbat that connects how life was in the past before the advent of electricity to modern times that we live in, with an emphasis on the hands-on and practical understanding of science and engineering and how that affects Shabbat observance. The students are fascinated to see how science plays a role in their everyday life and this heightens their motivation for learning and creates a plethora of practical questions which we examine and research.

By: Rabbi Eliezer Kessler from Yeshivat Torat Emet

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: Halacha, Science

Pedagogy:

View complete entry »

Circulation: Heart and Lungs

In this units, students will understand the structure and function of the various components of the circulatory system, through didactic and hands-on learning activities. Students will further explore the interaction between the heart and lungs and discuss the impact of their behavior and decisions on their health.

By: Mrs. Racheli Daniel from Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School

Grade(s): 9, High school

Subject(s) of entry: Science

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

View complete entry »

STEM Day

I initiated a school-wide STEM Day, where the students participated in several hands-on activities. These included science, technology, engineering and math activities. The students were able to see how the skills that they learn in school are used in real-life situations.

By: Mrs. Lisa Shamus from Beth Tfiloh Middle School

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

Subject(s) of entry: Math, Science

Pedagogy: PBL - project based learning, STEM

View complete entry »

3rd Grade Classroom Economy

In 3rd grade my students are active participants in our classroom economy. They earn, spend, & save money. They can distinguish between Needs and Wants. Students created hand made duct tape wallets for money and keep running records of their earnings. Throughout the year my students learn about real life experiences like applying for and managing jobs, the pride one feels when chosen to be the employee of the month, having overhead expenses, and at the same time, trying to save money. We have auctions, garage sales, and many opportunities for students to use their money. This year long initiative teaches my students financial literacy.

By: Mrs. Alysa Beer from Perelman Jewish Day School - Forman Center

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

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

Pedagogy: 21st Century Skills

View complete entry »

Integrated Learning Lab for Junior High History, Language Arts, and Tech Tools Instruction

A first-in-its-class Integrated Learning Lab and Enrichment Option for 6th-8th grade boys and girls was configured for the 2016-17 school year, based upon the successes and lessons learned in earlier pilot studies in 2013-2016 (see, for example other submissions from this school). The goal of this ambitious program is to more fully involve students in the process of discovering, analyzing and engaging with new information, while giving them real-world experience in using the critical-thinking and technological tools imperative for rational, safe and productive interaction with today’s networked world.

By: Mr. Robert Lipman from YAYOE

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

Subject(s) of entry: Computer Science, History, Literature, Science, Technology Tools, Critical Thinking Skills, Data Analysis, Mindfulness, Awareness

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

View complete entry »