Washington County Public Schools officials and one student spoke Thursday night about their experiences with a program that allows students to operate their own minicity.
Curriculum in language arts, social studies and math are integrated into lessons for Exchange City, a hands-on learning experience sponsored by Junior Achievement of Central Maryland.
Some of the county's fifth-grade students prepared for about six weeks, selecting jobs and political offices they would like to hold in their own minicity. They then took a field trip to Owings Mills, Md., where the 10,000-square-foot city has been constructed.
Officials told board members Thursday that it provides students with opportunities to learn what it takes to create a business, produce consumer goods, supervise employees, pursue and hold elected offices, and earn and manage money.
