Advanced Young Minds Shine Through Research and Presentation Projects
Students in the Advanced Academics Program & Services (AAPS) at Pierce Terrace Elementary School recently demonstrated impressive critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills through a six-week research and presentation project that challenged kindergarten and first-grade students to become young scholars and presenters.
Facilitated by AAPS Resource Teacher April Thornton, students extended their classroom learning by researching specialized topics, organizing information, and creating original Google Slides presentations to share with classmates and teachers. Kindergarten students focused on trees, while first graders selected natural disasters to investigate further.
The project began in April and culminated during the first two weeks of May, when students confidently presented their findings to audiences throughout the school. Kindergarten students shared presentations within their homeroom classes, while first graders presented in the grade-level common hub area at Pierce Terrace Elementary on Fort Jackson.
Using the child-friendly research platform PebbleGo, students worked collaboratively with peers who shared similar topics. They analyzed and evaluated information before synthesizing it into their own words using circle maps—visual graphic organizers designed to help students brainstorm and define concepts. Students then transformed their research into digital presentations by completing one to two Google Slides each day, incorporating images, videos, diagrams, and labeled illustrations to strengthen their presentations.
The project challenged students to move beyond simple recall and engage in higher-level thinking skills. Students made strategic decisions about which information was most important, how to organize their ideas, and how to visually communicate concepts to an audience. Their work aligned with both Bloom’s Taxonomy at the “Creating” level and Depth-of-Knowledge Level 3, requiring strategic thinking and complex communication.
“These advanced learners are our future leaders,” Thornton said. “Being able to create a presentation to inform at an early age is a joy to witness. Seeing them move beyond simple research to captivate an audience with props and passion truly reminds me exactly why I love teaching—these kids are already ready to lead.”
To strengthen communication skills, students also learned formal presentation techniques, including posture, eye contact, gestures, introductions, hooks, and summaries. Several students incorporated creative props to engage their audiences and make their presentations memorable.
Lyla S. used a soda-bottle demonstration to explain how Earth's pressure drives volcanoes, while Brooks B. used a container of water to demonstrate how earthquakes can trigger tsunamis. These hands-on demonstrations helped students connect scientific concepts to real-world events while building confidence in public speaking.
Students also participated in peer critiques using a presentation rubric to evaluate both the quality of the research and the effectiveness of the communication. This process encouraged thoughtful reflection and constructive feedback while reinforcing analytical skills.
For many students, the opportunity to present was both exciting and empowering. “Presenting was my favorite part because all eyes were on me and I felt like a superstar,” shared Lyla S.
Ma’Leah J. admitted to feeling nervous before presenting, but learned how to work through those emotions. “I felt nervous, but I took a deep breath, and I calmed down once I started,” the student said.
Emery A. especially enjoyed the hands-on aspects of the project. “My favorite part was collecting items from trees and sharing them,” the student explained.
The project also supported English Language Arts standards by requiring students to use digital tools collaboratively to produce and publish writing. Through research, technology integration, and presentation skills, students gained valuable experience that extended far beyond the classroom.
To continue strengthening the connection between school and home, student presentations will be emailed to parents, and students are encouraged to share their work with family members.
By integrating research, technology, creativity, and communication, the AAPS program at Pierce Terrace Elementary continues to foster critical thinking and leadership skills in even the youngest learners—preparing students to confidently share their voices, ideas, and discoveries with the world around them.
