Washington Elementary STEM Magnet Brings Learning to Life Through Student-Built Cities

At Washington Elementary STEM Magnet, 2nd graders are building their own sustainable cities from the ground up. In their first trimester, students designed sustainable cities, carefully planning how to use resources, protect the environment, and meet the needs of their residents. This trimester, they expanded their cities by creating goods and opening student-run markets, where they buy, sell, and trade with one another’s cities.

Through this hands-on experience, students are learning how economies work while strengthening skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and global thinking. This reflects Washington’s focus on STEM, Environmental Studies, and world language learning, while also encouraging students to think creatively about real-world challenges and their role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Washington Elementary STEM Magnet School, 1520 N. Raymond Ave. Pasadena, (626) 396-5840 or visit https://washington.pusd.us/.

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), 351 S. Hudson Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 396-3600 or visit www.pusd.us.