ROCK SPRINGS – Remember back to sitting in class working on a research paper. Finding the right encyclopedia, going through page after page to find the information, not to mention the many trips to the pencil sharpener while looking at the clock waiting for the bell. Boy how times have changed.

On  Monday, the fifth-grade students in Christy Magagna’s class were sitting behind a camera, shooting a newscast. This was not just any newscast but one which specifically focused on an individual state. Magana explained the students were broken into six groups and were assigned a specific state.

The team researched their assigned state while learning the camera, apps and computer programs needed to do the news. Students gave news, history and even weather reports, working together as part of the team. After each take of the report, they would gather around and if the group did not like it, they would shoot it again until each student felt the best job had been done.

Young newscaster Kaylee Courtney said the project has been a lot of fun because it shows them how to work as a team. She also said it is so fun recording and whenever they record they have to make sure the end product is as good as they can make it.

“We don’t have to write, we get to use a computer,” Courtney said.

Porter Hansen said it was fun because it was interesting to learn how to use new things. Also, teamwork was another positive thing for Hansen. He said the team has had fun finding interesting facts about their assigned state and it has helped them learn because everyone brings different things to the project and there is more than one speaker.

America Santos also found positive learning experiences in working as a team and also in using new technology to do the project.

Santos said they get to record things and the team gets to all decide what is the most important.

“Working as teams is real fun because when you work by yourself you don’t get as much and we get to bounce ideas off each other,” Santos said.

To get this project moving forward, Magagna applied for and received a Quest Grant. The grant purchased the equipment used by the students. She said this project has been rewarding because it is a new experience for students.

“The biggest thing is the students are more engaged when working as a team,” Magana explained. “It also gives students skills they can use in the real world. It puts a fun spin on curriculum.”

When the state newscasts are finished, they can be shared with parents and grandparents. Upon completion the projects will be uploaded on My Big Campus.