The Power of Partnership: Reveal Math and Co-Teaching at Netzaberg Elementary

NETZABERG, Germany – At Netzaberg Elementary School (NES), students’ rigor and creativity are becoming increasingly ongoing and visible in classrooms, supported through the integration of Reveal Math STEM Connections and a push-in co-teaching model. These learning experiences are aligned with College and Career Ready (CCR) Standards and Next Generation Science (NGS) Standards, guided by the thinking frameworks of Hess’ Cognitive Matrix and Webb’s Depth of Knowledge (DoK).

Through extended learning time, interdisciplinary thinking, and collaborative instruction, NES teachers help students connect academic standards with meaningful real-world experiences.

Teachers are currently implementing the Reveal Math curriculum, which encourages students to apply mathematical thinking beyond traditional problem solving. Through Extended Thinking activities and STEM Connection projects, rigorous-minded students explore real-world situations that require critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

To support this work, NES teachers use a co-teaching approach, where educators work together in the same classroom. This model allows students to receive immediate feedback, individualized support, and differentiated instruction while exploring more complex ideas.

The push-in structure also provides extended work time, enabling students to move beyond routine practice and develop deeper conceptual understanding. Teachers guide students as they test ideas, refine strategies, and connect mathematics with other subject areas. Interactive digital tools such as Pear Deck, including emerging AI-supported lesson features, also support classroom discussions and allow teachers to gather real-time feedback from students.

Reveal Math in Action

Students across grade levels apply their mathematical thinking through hands-on STEM challenges that sometimes extend beyond the classroom. In one example, a third-grade student built a spaghetti tower using spaghetti and marshmallows at home as part of a Reveal Math STEM activity. The structure was later shared during class discussions as students explored strategies for building stable designs.

Another example is the fifth-grade Reveal Math STEM Connection Unit 11 project, “Potluck with a Twist.” In this activity, students apply mathematical reasoning while planning elements of a collaborative celebration marking their upcoming transition to middle school. The project encourages teamwork while helping students see how math connects to real-life planning and decision-making.

Student Voice and Real-World Connections

Student voice and personal interests play an important role in learning at NES. In one second-grade STEM connection activity, a student connected mathematical thinking to ideas from the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. The project sparked interest across grade levels and encouraged written feedback from other students.

“I feel so good because I could talk about my favorite show in my math learning and get feedback from students in upper grades,” the student shared. The student was especially excited after receiving feedback notes from schoolmates outside the classroom, demonstrating how learning can inspire collaboration across grade levels.

A Foundation Built Through STEAM Learning

Today’s projects build upon a strong tradition of interdisciplinary STEAM learning at NES. In previous years, students explored hands-on challenges such as tiny house design, self-model engineering figures, and story-vending machine construction. These activities encouraged students to develop hypotheses, test ideas through trial and error, and connect learning across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Students also used digital tools—including MackinVIA, Britannica Online, PebbleGo, coding platforms, Adobe applications, Pear Deck, and Minecraft—to research information and present their work creatively.

One interdisciplinary project focused on conservation zoos, where students researched endangered animals and environmental issues. Students designed conservation zoos in Minecraft and later built physical dioramas based on their designs. Within their digital environments, students used NPC characters and informational boards to present their research writing, helping them communicate what they learned about wildlife conservation in an interactive and engaging way.

A Commitment to Growth

Through Reveal Math, interdisciplinary projects, collaborative co-teaching, and interactive technology, Netzaberg Elementary School continues to foster an environment where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive—helping students connect their classroom learning to the world around them.