A group of AIM students at Boon Elementary recently turned a creative classroom project into a real-world experience.
As part of a semester-long unit, fourth through sixth grade students designed scale model RVs inspired by national parks and targeted them to specific audiences. One group chose McDonald’s as their theme – and that choice brought an unexpected partnership to life.
Students Charles Lam, Julia Penna, and Mia Martinez reached out to Gaines Gibson, Owner/Operator with the O’Reilly Group McDonald’s, to learn more about how their design could reflect the values and branding of the company. Their RV model included functional features, visual elements from the McDonald’s brand, and careful attention to scale and audience.
In April 2025, Mr. Gibson visited Boon Elementary to view the final product and speak with the students about business, marketing, and the history of McDonald’s. He was joined by Marty Warburg, Community Engagement and Guest Services, who also attended as a representative of McDonald’s.
“We’re so excited that Boon Elementary decided to do a McDonald’s RV as one of their projects,” Gibson said. “It turned out great. The kids did such a good job putting the RV together, and we’re going to take it to the stores. Since it’s an RV, it’s going to make a road trip. We’re going to hit several of our McDonald’s in the area.”
The visit was part of a broader AIM project focused on real-world learning through design, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students not only built their RVs to scale but also conducted interviews, sought feedback, and refined their models based on professional insight.
“The students had to take their RV and market it to others based on what they thought it was worth,” said AIM teacher Katie Lasseter. “They called McDonald’s and asked what features would be beneficial in an RV and what the inside might look like. They wrote their own interview questions and got on the phone themselves. It was really cool to see how passionate they became.”
Principal Jessica Blackburn described the project as a strong example of hands-on learning with real-world connections. “The teachers reached out to a local McDonald’s, and now they’re here talking about what they do,” Blackburn said. “And they’re going to take the students’ project and have it displayed at the McDonald’s as a presentation. That’s an amazing opportunity for our students.”
The McDonald’s RV will be displayed at the Stacy Road McDonald’s location following the school visit, allowing the community to see the work of the Boon AIM students.
AIM, which stands for Activating Inquisitive Minds, is Allen ISD’s elementary gifted and talented program. It offers specialized learning experiences that go beyond the general classroom, encouraging in-depth study, creative problem solving, and community engagement.
While the McDonald ’s-themed RV was a standout, other students created models inspired by Chick-fil-A, minimalist modern living, and even LEGO characters. Every project reflected the students’ ability to blend imagination with purpose.
What began as a classroom study of national parks evolved into something bigger—a project that helped students see how far their ideas can travel.
