Fourth graders at Mandalay Elementary School have some new ideas for family vacations, and they won’t have to travel very far. Students recently finished their New York State projects, which culminated with a presentation for parents on Nov. 14.

Each student selected a region of the state to research, including the Adirondacks, Capital Region, Catskills, Finger Lakes, Long Island, New York City and Western New York. They had to study the components that made each region unique, such as culture and arts, historical landmarks, landforms and popular activities. For their research, students used nonfiction books, newspaper articles, educational websites and videos.

The project supported the fourth grade social studies curriculum which focuses on New York State. Students from Gina Favata’s and Erin Joyce’s classes created digital travel brochures using Google Slides. 

For the inaugural Mandalay Travel Agency Day, parents were invited to walk around the cafeteria and learn about New York’s different regions. Students, well versed on their regions, were expertly able to answer any questions. 

“The students worked so hard organizing and compiling all of this information,” Ms. Favata said. “They were so excited about learning something new, and they are hopeful to visit some new places right here in New York.”