Fourth-grade students at Valley Ranch Elementary put their innovative skills to work as they strived to breathe new life into Old Town Coppell. As part of the newly introduced STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum for the 2023-2024 school year, these young minds showcased their imaginative plans to City of Coppell elected officials and staff leaders on Wednesday, Oct. 18.
The City of Coppell has been actively pursuing the revitalization of Old Town as part of its long-term community development goals. Under the guidance of their teacher, Kelly Beach, Valley Ranch fourth graders took on an engineering planning project to reinvigorate the historic district and draw in more visitors. Their journey was marked by the quintessential stages of the engineering design process — ask, imagine, plan, create, improve, and share.
Eager to contribute to their community's transformation, learners began by delving into the current challenges faced by Old Town Coppell following a tour. They asked questions, brainstormed, and envisioned various businesses and events that could invigorate the area.
"We went to Old Town Coppell, and saw that it needed a little boost. It needed a little more entertainment,” Valley Ranch fourth grader Sania Ahmed said.
Following their exploration, students formed groups and took on roles such as "Project Manager," "Lead Architect," "Public Relations/Includer," or "Construction Manager" to narrow down their ideas.
The young innovators drew insights from a survey conducted by the City of Coppell last spring. Their presentation incorporated data revealing that 47% of respondents did not visit Old Town due to lack of interest. The data also showed things such as 68% of respondents desired festivals, 67% supported food truck concepts, 78% endorsed investments in fine dining restaurants.
The groups used facts and figures to refine their ideas into a cohesive final plan, adhering to the Leader in Me School leadership habit of "Think Win-Win."
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Valley Ranch fourth graders present their various concepts for the revitalization of Old Town Coppell to City elected officials and staff.
Over the course of three weeks, students meticulously designed blueprints, created models, and crafted presentation slides for their business proposals. Their efforts were guided by the Leader In Me School leadership habits of "Begin With the End in Mind," "Put First Things First," and "Synergize."
Among the more than 20 inventive ideas presented were:
- Old Town Convenience Market — a daytime market featuring fresh products;
- Bookmelts — a combination library and ice cream parlor;
- Homes of the Vibes — a Hibachi arcade;
- VRE Express — a family restaurant offering Indian and Chinese cuisine;
- Top Tapas — an elevated Spanish cuisine restaurant;
- Pawsome Pet Care — a pet care and supplies business; and
- OTC Music Event — an event featuring bands, food, games, and activities.
Sania Ahmed (left) and team members present their proposal, "OTC Music Event," to Coppell City Councilman Don Carroll (right).
“Many people were interested in festivals, so we came up with the OTC Music Event,” team Project Manager Ahmed said as she explained her group’s concept. “It will have local bands and a food truck, and also many games, so adults and their kids can have fun.”
The students’ imaginative plans hold the promise of a vibrant and thriving Old Town in the near future. Equally noteworthy, the showcase stands as a testament to the students' innovative thinking and the impact receiving STEAM curriculum at a young age can have on their ability to approach complex challenges.
New for the 2023-2024 school year, Coppell ISD is offering a STEAM curriculum — including coding, robotics, and the engineering design process — at all of its elementary schools. This instructional design promotes higher-level thinking and creativity for Kindergarten to 5th grade students. Each of the district’s 11 elementary schools has a full-time STEAM educator and the STEAM program is being provided to Kindergarten to 5th grade students at all elementary schools as part of the weekly “specials” class rotation, in addition to music, art, and physical education.