As an English teacher in a STEM-focused, environment, I often work alongside subject specialists to help students communicate their ideas effectively. This term, I supported Grade 12 students as they worked on their Graduation Projects, real-world challenges tackled through engineering, design, and teamwork.
Students developed innovative prototypes like a solar-powered air and water purifier, a voice-controlled bathroom for the elderly, a smart shopping cart, a bird strike detection system, and a 3D turbofan engine trainer. These projects were technically demanding, but they also required students to present their ideas clearly in under three minutes and respond confidently to questions.
To help manage this process, we used Freeform.
Students needed one space to collect research, sketch systems, organise tasks, and build their presentations. Freeform’s visual, open-ended layout made that easy. Each group worked in a dedicated space where they could combine notes, diagrams, screenshots, and links. Its intuitive interface meant they could focus on refining their ideas without getting distracted by formatting or structure.
My role was to help them prepare for the final pitch which included summarising their process, selecting key vocabulary, and rehearsing responses to likely questions. Freeform made it easy to support this work in context. I could follow their progress, leave suggestions, and guide their storytelling in a way that felt connected to their technical thinking.
Several groups used elements from their boards in their final presentations, which helped them explain their journey clearly and with confidence. Tools like Freeform help bridge the gap between content and communication, something especially important in interdisciplinary, project-based learning.
For educators supporting STEM or collaborative work, it’s a simple but powerful platform that keeps both thinking and expression visible.
Here are two freeform Boards created by students.
June 09, 2025 .
English
Your students did a fantastic job with their Freeform boards! Very impressive authentic graduation projects. Thanks for sharing how Freeform can be used very effectively for project based learning.
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