Nikki Bowers

Bowers' "Toys for Sale" is an integrated, experience-based project that helps young students make decisions and solve problems. Students become "senior toy designers" in a classroom "company" and investigate the research, technology, and marketing associated with toy making. In this way, students experience economics, science, math, and language arts in a meaningful, relevant context. By creating a team atmosphere that allows them to take risks and find solutions, the project gives students the opportunity to be creative and empower their own learning.