Our 4th Grade students embarked on an exciting journey to explore the wonderful world around them during one of their Units of Inquiry. Units of Inquiry help shape our International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme; our primary students work on 6 units throughout the school year, each focused on understanding the world around them and human commonalities through the lens of the Transdisciplinary Themes.
Throughout the unit, 4th Graders discovered how energy can be transformed and used in various ways. After learning about different forms of energy, including renewable and sustainable sources, students were tasked with designing and building their own renewable city. Students worked collaboratively to develop a city plan. They sketched blueprints in art, before bringing their city to life by constructing a model city. Their city had to consist of essential components, such as transportation systems, business, schools, homes, and a charging station.
To power their city, students incorporated solar panels, hydro power, wind power, and geothermal energy. Students developed and built a functional wind turbine, a hydropower water wheel, and even found ways to connect LEDS to the Solar Panels, placing them on the roofs of homes and businesses.
Throughout the development stage, students conducted experiments to test each form of energy, applying real-world examples found in Jersey City. Once their model city was complete, students presented the “Waldo City”, explaining how each part of the city operated using different forms of renewable energy.
This hands-on real-world learning experience allowed our 4th grade students to engage with science, technology, and sustainability while fostering creativity, teamwork, and problem solving skills!