RACINE- OHIO- In an exciting and creative venture, a group of enthusiastic fifth graders from Southern Local Schools recently wrapped up their dynamic Airbnb Real World Problem Solving Project, brought to life through Project RISE, a program from the Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center.
Launching in early March, this engaging project unfolded over a vibrant month and pulled students into the fascinating world of hospitality and entrepreneurship. Guided by an eager team, including Project RISE's very own Amy Robinson, dedicated intern Katie Sheridan from Ohio University, and local Airbnb owner Alyssa Webb, the students dived deep into the nuts and bolts of running an Airbnb in Racine.
"The Airbnb Real World Problem Solving Project is all about connecting classroom concepts to real-world challenges in a fun and interactive way," Ms. Robinson enthused. “Witnessing the students jump into this project, researching, analyzing, and crafting innovative solutions was incredibly rewarding!”
What made this project particularly special was its customization for younger learners, usually aimed at high school students. The team was eager to see how perceptive and imaginative these fifth graders could be, hoping to instill some vital soft skills.
The chosen trailblazers from Mrs. Martie Rose’s classroom—Danielle Brown, Munro Bush, Kinleigh Colburn, Alia Cooper, Alexandra Cornell, Allie Dodson, Oliver Exline, Caleb Hart, Augustus McDaniel, Liam McKendree, Liam Pierce, Logan Reece, Lilly Sargent, Caiden Sellers, Waylon Sellers, Breonna Sigman, Deckar Thomas, Israel Thomas, Lofton Triplett, and Kaycee Young—were eager to embark on this adventure.
To kick off the project, students were introduced to the concept of an Airbnb. They learned how to think like entrepreneurs and discovered the importance of marketing a business.
“The students jumped right into the Airbnb project with energy and enthusiasm! They came up with incredibly creative ideas, mastered Canva in no time, and produced eye-catching flyers that were simply fantastic. Their promotional video captured the essence of their hard work and imagination. I couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments. This project has been such a rewarding experience for all of us!” Mrs. Rose exclaimed. “Watching them flourish has been truly inspiring!”
Assignments were both educational and exhilarating! Students shared what they loved about Airbnb.
They also brainstormed engaging attractions in the area that would entice travelers. Check out the video below to see their promotional pitches.
They also created eye-catching flyers and tackled real-world challenges that come with running such a business.
“It was a blessing to share my passion for owning an Airbnb with these bright minds. They came up with wonderful ideas to draw visitors to the area, and their fresh perspectives were truly invigorating,” Webb shared, clearly inspired by her young collaborators.
Katie Sheridan echoed this sentiment, saying, “It was rewarding to see these students feel empowered and motivated to positively impact their community by helping the Airbnb owner.”
The grand finale of their hard work culminated in a delightful promotional video showcasing the Airbnb. Students helped craft ideas and shared pictures that passionately highlighted the fun-filled experiences in Meigs County. The creative touches truly made the video pop. Check out their amazing promotional video below—it’s a testament to their hard work, creativity, and teamwork!
Mrs. Webb awarded prizes to the students who demonstrated exceptional creativity in designing promotional flyers for her Airbnb. Students Alia Cooper and Allie Dodson were recognized for their outstanding efforts, earning accolades for their visually engaging and innovative flyer design.
Additionally, Augustus McDaniel was recognized for the best promotional pitch. As a reward for their hard work and creativity, all three students received gift cards to use at McDonald's.
The students were rewarded with a pizza party, sponsored by Roses' Excavating & Trucking, to show appreciation for all their hard work on the Airbnb project. Thank you so much!
If you'd like to learn more about the Airbnb in Racine, scan the QR Code below.
Southern Local would like to thank Mrs. Rose, Project RISE, and Airbnb owner Alyssa Webb for all of their time and effort with this project.