Students and Seniors Learn Together with Virtual Travel Event

MicroSociety Academy Charter School (MACS) is a K-8 public charter school located in Nashua, NH. The unique learning program that they operate, MicroSociety, allows students to participate in a miniature society of their own creation. The kids have jobs, elect government officials, and even utilize an internal currency. Given remote learning, students at MACS had to adapt and brainstorm ideas for new and innovative online businesses.

The MACS fifth grade class created a business venture that is both fun and educational: a travel agency that can show you the world! Students purchase tickets to a destination and the travel agency takes them through a virtual tour complete with cultural facts and visits to popular landmarks.

With the challenges of this past year revealing an even deeper need for community interaction, the students were encouraged to think of ways to virtually connect with Greater-Nashua. After discussing the possibilities, the class decided to reach out to a senior living community and offer the virtual travel experience to residents who are unable to leave the area due to the COVID19 pandemic. Michelle Runyan, Director of Community Engagement at Hunt Community, welcomed the opportunity with open arms.

The students met with Runyan over zoom to discuss the logistics of the event. The plan was to offer two virtual trips to Hawaii and Australia followed by a Question and Answer session.

Runyan was more than pleased with the program, stating, “The students left no stone unturned in their research, hitting all the highlights for the residents to ooh and aah over. But hands down, the best part of the day was getting to know the kids during the question and answer segment. The connection was so strong that we have plans to get together in person as soon as we can.”

MicroSociety Academy welcomes community partnerships and other service learning experiences. Businesses interested in working with the MACS community may email info@macsnh.org.