Read about how a second grade classroom helped change their school's ecosystem.
Read MoreRead more to find out about Autumn Peltier.
Read MoreThe Project Playground
Think. Create. Innovate.
Our Mission
Welcome to The Project Playground — a dynamic space where learning is celebrated, shared, and made visible. This website began as the vision of a group of curious 2nd graders at The Conservatory School in North Palm Beach, Florida, who believed that student work should be seen and valued. What started as their project has blossomed into a living gallery — a place where students continue to showcase authentic, hands-on learning.
Through Project-Based Learning and STEAM, our learners tackle real-world challenges, design creative solutions, and make their thinking visible through meaningful work. Every project tells a story of curiosity, collaboration, and growth, carrying forward the legacy of those first young innovators who built this space for others to shine.
More than a showcase, The Project Playground is also a resource for educators — a place to discover ideas, gather inspiration, and see the powerful ways students can engage in authentic learning experiences. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or lifelong learner, this space offers a window into the possibilities of learning by doing.
Through Project-Based Learning and STEAM, our learners tackle real-world challenges, design creative solutions, and make their thinking visible through meaningful work. Every project tells a story of curiosity, collaboration, and growth, carrying forward the legacy of those first young innovators who built this space for others to shine.
More than a showcase, The Project Playground is also a resource for educators — a place to discover ideas, gather inspiration, and see the powerful ways students can engage in authentic learning experiences. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or lifelong learner, this space offers a window into the possibilities of learning by doing.
Lead Learner/Facilitator
Professional Bio
With over 20 years of experience in education, Kristin DeLaTorre is a passionate and innovative educator dedicated to inspiring curiosity, creativity, and excellence in students. Currently serving as a STEAM Lab teacher for grades 3–5 and a middle school Project-Based Learning (PBL) and electives teacher, Kristin designs immersive learning experiences that blend academic rigor with real-world relevance. A recognized leader in PBL pedagogy, Kristin serves as a trainer with a focus on the Ethics of Excellence, guiding educators in designing meaningful, inquiry-driven projects. As a lead trainer in the TCS Collaborative, Kristin has equipped teaching staff with tools to foster student-centered, inquiry-based classrooms. Her commitment to educational excellence has been celebrated with multiple honors, including: Teacher of the Year Dwyer Award in STEM (2023) STEM FPL Grant Classroom Makeover ($50,000) Kristin has also shared their expertise on a national stage, giving a keynote address at the Deeper Learning Conference at High Tech High in San Diego and returning the following year as a featured presenter. Her work and insights have been published in STEAMMakers by Jacie Maslyk and The Improvement Game by Laura Williams. Driven by the belief that education should empower students to think critically, collaborate, and create solutions for a better world, Kristin continues to champion innovative practices that transform classrooms into vibrant learning communities.
Keynote Speech
Kristin DeLaTorre gave the keynote speech at High Tech High's annual Deeper Learning Conference in San Diego in 2023.
Learn MoreThe Improvement Game
Kristin's work in Pollinator's Paradise was featured in the book, The Improvement Game, by Laura Williams. She was made a book contributor as she worked with the author.
STEAM Makers
Kristin's work with her middle school students was featured in the book STEAM Makers by Jacie Maslyk. It delves into the PBL project "Paint the Drain," where students organized a grassroots project to help protect our local waterways.
Code Breakers Podcast
Kristin's work was featured on the podcast Code Breakers with Laura Williams. She discussed how authentic learning has transformed her classroom.
Learn MoreDwyer Award
In 2023, Kristin was a finalist and won the Dwyer Award for excellence in STEM education for all K-12 public schools in Palm Beach County.
FPL Classroom Makeover Grant Winner.
In 2025, Kristin DeLaTorre and Todd LaVogue won a $50,000 grant. The grant was part of a classroom makeover and allowed them to bring their spaces into the 21st century with cutting-edge robotics and interactive experiences such as VR headsets.
Learn MoreFord Warriors in Pink
Sadly, in 2025, Kristin was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She has remains strong and continues her fight with grace and grit. Susan G Komen, along with Ford, the car company, named her a "Warrior in Pink" in 2025.
Go Teach Grants
Teachers in Palm Beach County, Florida, can apply for grants funded by the Ed Foundation. Kristin has been the recipient of several different grants over the years. Grants like these provide invaluable opportunities for learners.
Learn MoreEthics of Excellence
Through her speaking engagements and professional development at High Tech High School in San Diego, California, Kristin has been lucky enough to meet her professional idol, Ron Berger. Click on the link to see his Keynote speech and see how he has shaped her philosophy as an educator.
Learn MoreThe Conservatory School
Students are involved in authentic, real-world learning at The Conservatory School in North Palm Beach, Florida. There, educators use Project-Based Learning and deeper learning pedagogies to ensure students are prepared for our ever-evolving world.
Check them out for yourself!
Check them out for yourself!
TCS: The Creative School
The Conservatory School in North Palm Beach, Florida, stands apart from other schools. Students at TCS learn through hands-on and real-world experiences. Project-Based Learning plays a huge role in our students' learning and growth mindset. Watch the video to see what our students and staff think about the work being done here at The BEST place to learn under the sun!
Environmental Champions Blog
Read more about JANE GOODALL.
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Sylvia Earle By Leiani Dent
Read MoreOur Banyan Tree chatterpix
TLC Blog
Read about how one man inspired us to create change within the differently abled community.
Read MoreRead about how our class made the holidays magical for the students at a school in Kimilili, Kenya.
Read MoreRead about how YOU can help spread kindness and UBUNTU throughout your home, school and neighborhood.
Read MoreStudent Created Green Screens
gREEN sCREEN Donation
Student Written Blogs
Read more to learn about the mysteries of Eclipses.
Read More
Let's go on an learning adventure about tsunami's.
Read More
Read hear to learn about tornadoes
Read More
Our SPECIAL time together
Wow, what an incredible year of learning we’ve had together. Click on the link to see everything we’ve been up to as The Little Caregivers! We hope you see what learning could look like and what schools should be. More creativity, more student voice, and more authentic learning experiences! So sit back relax and enjoy our learning journey!
https://youtu.be/u1LIyPqjjG0
https://youtu.be/u1LIyPqjjG0
Gallery of Lakota Artwork
Gallery of the natural world
The Original team
The Team
These amazing second graders run this website and are 100% in charge especially our Student Written Blogs. They decide which topics should be written about and then work in groups or independently to meet their goals. They are so proud of their work!
Editor in Chief
Mrs. DeLaTorre is our editor in chief and has final approval of our student written blogs. She may be the teacher and lead learner but we work as a collective to accomplish our goals.
Editor
Hi my name is Kellan I chose the editor position over blogging because I didn’t want to blog and there was no more partners. Plus you know that saying “two heads are better than one.” My role as editor is to edit blogs and I’m the first step of the car wash, that means before they see the editor in Chief Mrs. DeLaTorre. I’m the first step to completing their blog. I have a sister, dad, mom and a dog named Jazz.
Content Creator
This is Leiani, she has been working hard emailing and uploading all of the photographs in the different galleries.
Garden Signs
Contact us
- West Palm Beach, Florida, United States
This website was created by a second grade class.
Blog
Edit your Blog articles from the Pages tab by clicking the edit button.
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The Original team 2022-2024
The Team
These amazing second graders run this website and are 100% in charge especially our Student Written Blogs. They decide which topics should be written about and then work in groups or independently to meet their goals. They are so proud of their work!
Editor in Chief
Mrs. DeLaTorre is our editor in chief and has final approval of our student written blogs. She may be the teacher and lead learner but we work as a collective to accomplish our goals.
Editor
Hi my name is Kellan I chose the editor position over blogging because I didn’t want to blog and there was no more partners. Plus you know that saying “two heads are better than one.” My role as editor is to edit blogs and I’m the first step of the car wash, that means before they see the editor in Chief Mrs. DeLaTorre. I’m the first step to completing their blog. I have a sister, dad, mom and a dog named Jazz.
Content Creator
This is Leiani, she has been working hard emailing and uploading all of the photographs in the different galleries.