Caldwell Arts Academy’s third-grade students applied their knowledge from social studies to design and build their businesses to create Star City.
The result was a miniature city with a bank, courthouse, city hall, bakery, stores, veterinarian clinic, and a dance studio. Tyler City Mayor Don Warren and Star City Mayor Daniel Gamez exchanged keys to their respective cities in a ceremony before family, friends, and members of the Tyler community, symbolizing the bond between the students and the larger community.
“It is always fun to be able to interact with students,” Mayor Don Warren said. “I am amazed at how well they create, and they problem-solve. They did such a wonderful job in building these businesses.”
“The best part of Star City was getting to meet the mayor of Tyler,” Star City Mayor Daniel Gamez said. “My favorite part about being the mayor was getting to welcome everyone to my city.”
The Star City project is an excellent example of how hands-on learning can be engaging and educational.
“Watching the students get to apply what they’ve learned in social studies about running a business has been amazing,” third-grade teacher Mrs. Pearson said. “My goal for our grand opening was for students to get to share their excitement and knowledge with the community. They exceeded my expectations.”
