NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Drury High School students recently presented their project-based learning (PBL) work at Babson College, earning recognition among 53 schools and over 5,800 students nationwide for their understanding of academic content and real-world problem-solving. 

 

The event highlighted the school's commitment to transforming traditional education into engaging, practical learning experiences.

 

The student presentations were based on Transformative Learning Experience (TLE) units implemented in Mark Brown's Mathematical Thinking Algebra II course and Morgan Shafer's Honors Biology course. These units, developed through a partnership with Springpoint, a nonprofit organization focused on innovative high school education, emphasize culturally responsive and purposeful learning.

 

On Jan. 14, three ninth-grade students—Anna Dean, Aura Potvin, and Vivian Vareschi—presented their project on genetic engineering, which focused on pollutants in the Hoosic River, particularly PCBs. Their work included the development of a biosensor using genetically modified E. coli and a website to share their findings. Dean highlighted her learning about the local environment and the history of the Sprague Electric Company's impact on the Hoosic River, while Potvin explained the biosensor's technical aspects. 

 

"This unit has made me more interested in science and aware of the difference we can make in our own environment once we are aware of the issues," Vareschi said. 

 

Two juniors, Chandler Matney and Jocelyn Phelps, showcased projects from the Hustle Economy TLE, which applied algebra concepts to business ventures. Matney presented Sole Revive, a custom shoe cleaning and design service projected to turn a profit within five months. Phelps detailed her secondhand book resale business, which achieved immediate profitability through community donations. 

 

"I appreciated having the opportunity to have multiple attempts to show mastery. It really motivated me to perfect my project, especially once I knew I would be presenting it," Matney said.

 

Phelps added, "Despite not being a fan of presenting, I would do it again because it was such a valuable experience. Even during class, the whole thing felt really community-driven and allowed both creative freedom and the opportunity to bounce ideas off each other."

 

Drury High School began its shift toward project-based learning in 2023, aiming to connect academic rigor with real-world applications. The school's collaboration with Springpoint and Portrait of a Graduate focuses on equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills for future success.

 

Reflecting on the initiative, teacher Morgan Shafer said, "I learned with them and had to be willing and open to learning new things. It really helped me improve my own skills."