Toss that Test Aside!

As we all know, students already get plenty of tests, so why not let your elementary students show what they learned creatively? Whether your students are reading independent books or your class has just finished a history of anything project, such as a unit on space or pioneers, a culminating project can really cement that learning. Whether you’re focused on building academics or building character, we have some great ideas!

Here are 72+ fun and creative activities for elementary students to show what they know, including presentation ideas, simple service projects for schools, and community service projects. These ideas are perfect for making learning more engaging and fun for younger students.

Innovation Presentation Ideas (projects for elementary students)

1. Create a poster
2. Make a PowerPoint presentation
3. Design a model
4. Make a shoebox diorama
5. Use a 3-panel display board
6. Make a timeline
7. Create a board game incorporating key elements
8. Write a poem
9. Write and perform a skit
10. Make a TV or radio commercial
11. Make a collage
12. Make a mobile
13. Create a test about the topic
14. Make a word search
15. Make a crossword puzzle
16. Write a report
17. Create a flow chart or diagram
18. Write an interview of a relevant person
19. Create questions and an answer key
20. Write journal/diary entries
21. Write a postcard or letter exchange
22. Create a scrapbook
23. Create a photo album
24. Make an instructional video
25. Give a presentation
26. Create an interactive notebook
27. Create a set of task cards
28. Make a pamphlet or brochure
29. Write a newspaper article
30. Perform a puppet show
31. Hold a debate
32. Hold a mock court case
33. Create an episode of a reality show
34. Create a game show
35. Have a panel discussion of “experts”
36. Compose a rap or other song
37. Use a Venn diagram to compare two aspects of the topic
38. Design a comic strip about the topic
39. Create a children’s story about the topic
40. Create a map
41. Write a fable or myth about the topic

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42. Create a help wanted ad and a letter/resume to answer it
43. Write a text message dialogue relevant to the topic
44. Write a series of tweets relevant to the topic
45. Create a Facebook wall relative to the topic
46. Create a Pinterest board relative to the topic
47. Start a blog
48. Decorate a box and fill with relevant objects
49. Create a foldable
50. Create a flip book
51. Create a Cootie Catcher
52. Create a cereal based on the topic (cover a cereal box)
53. Assemble a time capsule
54. Create several bookmarks about different aspects of the topic
55. Write a recipe relevant to the topic (good for showing causes of an event)
56. Do a newscast
57. Write an acrostic poem
58. Create an Internet scavenger hunt
59. Write an advice column with several problems related to the topic
60. Create flash cards or trivia cards
61. Create a cheer relevant to the topic
62. Make a short documentary film
63. Create a museum exhibit
64. Create a top 10 list relevant to the topic
65. Create a simple video game
66. Make a “Choose Your Own Adventure” story
67. Create a mini book with one fact/idea per page
68. Create a glossary of relevant terms
69. Make a paper chain with a different fact for each link
70. Make a flower with a different fact for each petal
71. Write a handbook or instruction book
72. Create a newsletter
73. Design a mural related to the topic
74. Create a quiz show-style game for classmates to participate in
75. Build a diorama using LEGO bricks or other building materials
76. Develop a trivia board game related to the topic, like historical events
77. Create an infographic to illustrate key concepts
78. Design a 3D model or sculpture using clay, cardboard, or other materials
79. Create a short animation or stop-motion video about the topic
80. Organize a class art gallery featuring artwork inspired by the topic
81. Make a digital storybook or eBook on the topic
82. Write a series of short stories or a novella related to the topic
83. Create a virtual reality experience or simulation about the topic
84.  Implement a Genius Hour where students can discuss their passions!

For High School and College Students

While the ideas above are mainly geared towards elementary students, middle school, high school, and college students can also benefit from exploring creative presentations and projects.

The following sections provide additional suggestions for older students looking for unique ways to showcase their knowledge.

Creative Presentation Ideas for High School and College Students

1. Develop a multimedia presentation slides or PowerPoint) using video, audio, and visual elements. The entire presentation can be recorded and the video presentation can be shared with the appropriate audience.
2. Create an interactive website or blog to present the research or project
3. Design an engaging infographic to illustrate key concepts
4. Host a podcast episode or series related to the topic
5. Collaborate with other students to create a short film or documentary

Creative Study Guide Ideas for High School and College Students

1. Develop a mind map to connect and visualize key concepts
2. Create flashcards with illustrations or mnemonics to aid memory
3. Design a flowchart to outline the steps or stages of a process
4. Develop an interactive quiz or game to test knowledge
5. Collaborate with classmates to create a shared study guide or resource

Online Projects for Students

1. Create a virtual museum or gallery showcasing a specific topic or theme
2. Develop a web-based learning module or tutorial
3. Collaborate with other students to create a virtual event or conference
4. Design a digital escape room focused on a particular subject. Read more about how you can make your own escape room!
5. Play around with augmented reality! Read about Quiver.
6. Create an online community or forum for discussing and sharing ideas related to a specific area of study

As you can see, there are numerous creative presentation ideas without PowerPoint that can help students of all ages engage with their learning and showcase their knowledge. From elementary students to high school and college project ideas, these innovative activities provide a fun and engaging way to demonstrate learning and foster a deeper understanding of the material.

10 Simple Service Projects for Schools

1. Organize a school supplies drive for a local school in need
2. Set up a creative activities workshop for students at a nearby preschool or kindergarten
3. Create a community service project focused on environmental conservation
4. Partner with a local food bank to organize a food drive
5. Volunteer at a local food pantry to help distribute goods to those in need
6. Plan a school-wide clean-up day to beautify the campus
7. Organize a clothing or toy drive for a local children’s shelter
8. Develop a tutoring program for younger students in need of academic assistance
9. Coordinate a school-wide recycling initiative to promote sustainability
10. Host a charity fundraiser event to support a cause important to your school community

Further Reading and Related Blog Posts:

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out these other related posts on our blog:

1. Summer Projects for Teachers and Their Kids – Discover fun and educational summer projects that teachers can enjoy with their own children, making the most of the break while still engaging in learning.
2. Parents: Please Don’t Do Your Kids’ Projects! – This post discusses the importance of allowing children to complete their own projects, fostering independence, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
3. Awesome Hands-On End of Year Projects – Explore a variety of hands-on projects perfect for wrapping up the school year, keeping students engaged and motivated as the summer break approaches.
4. Hands-On Projects for Creative and Critical Thinking – Dive into a selection of hands-on projects that promote creative and critical thinking skills, making learning an interactive and enjoyable experience for students.
5. Make Project-Based Learning Fit Your Students’ Needs – Learn how to adapt project-based learning to suit the unique needs of your students, ensuring they get the most out of these engaging and educational experiences.

By exploring these additional resources, you’ll find even more creative ideas and strategies to enhance your students’ learning experiences and promote their growth in and out of the classroom.

You can get 15 of these ideas with student instruction sheets and grading rubrics with Ready-to-Use Creative Book Reports.

Did we miss any of your favorite creative ways to show student learning? Leave it in the comments!

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