Sixth Grade Students Create Castles

PARK RIDGE, NJ: Sixth grade students at Our Lady of Mercy Academy completed their study of Medieval Europe with a collaborative project and a field trip visit to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst. Both Sixth grade Social Studies classes were challenged with building a Medieval Castle. Students used various materials, taking inspiration from their text books, additional research and their field trip. The students worked together with their classmates as one large team. In doing so, they needed to use planning skills and collaborate with one another on the best course of action.

Both classes had very impressive results. Their castle designs included a cut out through which you can see the interior, complete with adding a church and a manor around the castle. Students enjoyed the creativity. They succeeded in putting what they learned into practice in a creative way that required STEM involvement. Blending the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math into one seamless package helps students learn how to become critical and collaborative thinkers. These skills will help to prepare them for the future as successful learners and leaders.