Exploring the Wild Without Leaving the Classroom

The shoebox diorama has long been a hallmark of elementary school learning. Students transform cardboard boxes into detailed scenes, from forests and oceans to historical settings and imaginative worlds, using carefully placed figures and objects. Traditionally, students stand beside their projects and present them to their teachers and classmates.

At Kyle Wilson Elementary School, that familiar assignment took a digital turn thanks to Teresia Ndung’u, third grade teacher, and Amanda George, instructional technology coach.

“I assigned students to select an animal to study, research how it survives in its environment, and design a detailed diorama that reflects the animal’s habitat and key adaptations,” Ndung’u said. “The twist was that I worked with Mrs. George to leverage iPads and other curriculum-aligned digital resources to put the students inside their projects. That level of immersion made our students excited to create the videos, and it has been rewarding to see how proud they are of their work.”

As students watched the presentations, technology shifted the classroom from deserts to coastlines, riverbeds, and other animal habitats. One presentation showed students surrounded by lush greenery representing a jungle habitat from the Americas, explaining how animals adapt to that environment, while another group carried the class to the Pacific coastline to learn about sea otters.

George said one memorable moment came from a student who typically remains quiet during whole-group discussions.

The project directly reinforced important grade-level science concepts. It aligned with Virginia Science Standard 3.4, which focuses on how animals use physical and behavioral adaptations to survive in their habitats. Students demonstrated this by explaining how their animals depend on features like food, water, shelter, and space. 

Deanna Libby, principal at Kyle Wilson Elementary, praised the creativity and engagement students brought to their presentations.

“I was blown away by the creative use of technology and was so proud watching every video,” she said. “The project showed how technology can empower students to share their learning with confidence and pride.”