For those looking to deepen their practice in student-centered learning, the Projects, Pedagogy, and Play Conference 2026 offers a space to explore project-based learning, creativity, and the role of play in education.
This conference brings together educators and leaders to share strategies, tools, and real-world approaches that support engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students.
🗓 Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
📍 Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport, Bloomington, MN
Participants can expect sessions focused on collaboration, innovation, and practical applications that can be implemented in classrooms and schools.
🎟️ Learn more and register:
https://bit.ly/4cZaPP2
The goal of the MAAP STARS Legislative Day is for students to visit with their legislators and “tell their stories”. By meeting with their legislators, students help promote their school and students gain a better understanding of the legislative process. We were able to listen in to an information session and opening ceremony to start the day. During this session, students learned about current issues facing the legislature and a little more about how the legislative process works. We then met with State Senator, Michael Holmstrom. Students appreciated his time and enjoyed the opportunity to share more about their educational journeys. Senator Holmstrom recently visited Terra Nova for our project exhibit day and remembered some of the students and their projects. Students concluded the day with a brief tour of the Capitol building. We were able to see the Courtroom, both the House and Senate Chambers, and the Governor's Press room. This helped students better understand the three branches of government. All students reflected on their experience and shared that it was a fun and valuable experience and would look forward to doing this event again next year!
We headed to Xcel Energy’s Monticello plant for an exclusive look at their Nuclear Simulator. Our crew got to see how operators manage the grid and keep things running safely and efficiently. It felt like stepping onto a movie set, but the science behind it is 100% real!
Huge thanks to Xcel Energy for the "radiant" hospitality and for inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians. ⚡️🧤
Learning by Doing! ✨There is a special kind of magic that happens when students step away from the desk and get their hands dirty. Project-Based Learning isn't just about the final result—it’s about the curiosity, the trial and error, and the teamwork it takes to get there. We don't just teach the "what," we explore the "how". Seeing our students take ownership of their learning is the best part of every day! 💡🌱
So impressed with our students' creativity in the physics seminar! They weren't just building cars; they were mastering energy transfer and structural integrity. Seeing these designs come to life (and actually cross the finish line!) is what hands-on learning is all about!
Hoċokata Ṫi's (pronounced 'ho-cho-ka-ta tee' ) Cultural Center was more than an out of the classroom experience—it was a powerful opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and resilience. Through immersive exhibits and meaningful conversations, students connected classroom learning to real stories, perspectives, and traditions that continue to shape our community today.
2026 Scholarship Application & Information
The Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) is pleased to announce its 2026 Scholarship Program, which will award up to five $2,000 scholarships to Minnesota high school juniors. The program is designed to increase student awareness of township government and its role in serving local communities. https://www.mntownships.org/about/scholarship-program
From learning how sunlight turns into power to seeing the "behind-the-scenes" of the solar industry, it was an eye-opening day. It’s one thing to read about sustainability, but seeing it in action is a game-changer. 🔋🙌
Students first visited a residential solar panel installation site before arriving at the Everlight Solar Warehouse for an interactive discussion and exploration of solar energy technology.
A huge thank you to the team at Everlight Solar for showing us how we can power the world a little cleaner!
❄️Snow❄️ much fun at Powder Ridge! Students hit the slopes for this Out of the Classroom experience full of skiing and snowboarding while building skills and confidence! ⛷️🏂
Chill space, focused minds ❄️📚
Through our partnership with Change to Chill, this inflatable igloo is more than just fun — it’s a space for students to reset, refocus, and thrive!
Wright County Patrol Sergeant Cotten + K9 Chase = The Ultimate Team! 🤝🐕 Our students learned some "paws-ome" facts during this presentation: 🚓 Teamwork: We learned how long this dynamic duo has been working together and how much extensive training is involved! 👃 Super Sniffers: The kids were amazed at how far away Chase can smell contraband! 💼 Career Paths: Officer Cotten shared what is involved with breeding, selecting, and training K9 Officers, as well as what led him to become a K9 Handler! Thank you for visiting Terra Nova School and showing us that heroes come with four legs, too! Shoutout to our curious students for asking great questions as well!
The classroom view turned into a literal snow globe, so we did the only logical thing: grabbed our coats and headed outside! From exploring the fresh powder to the birth of some very stylish impromptu snowmen, today was all about making the most of the moment.
Nothing beats the pure joy of an unexpected nature break! ❄️✨
🚌🌟 School Bus Driver Appreciation Day🌟🚌
Honoring Our Road Warriors! We are celebrating the incredible team that keeps our students moving!
Thank you, Terra Nova drivers, for your patience, smiles and dedication!
#BusDriverAppreciation #ThankYouDrivers #HeroesInYellow
