Student Scientists Create Models to Present Their Learning
It has been a very busy few weeks of science and environmental studies at SMS. Several Grade7 students have completed 3D models that visually depict the many important aspects of their research into climate change. These models represent causes, effects, and/or solutions for this global issue. The concepts students chose to represent are the result of the larger inquiry project, which was completed, earlier this term.
Why Is Inquiry Learning Valuable?
Inquiry-based learning engages students with real-world connections. Students have the opportunity to explore and use high level questioning to expand their understanding of the world. This approach is experiential and requires problem-solving!
For example, a project can start with an overarching question such as: Why is climate change an issue, and how can we solve it?
Asking questions is truly the key to inquiry learning. Students can design their own questions or address questions that are part of the learning journey for discussion in class. Students can generate many, many questions. These types of questions get students thinking! It also creates a personal touch as the decide which questions they are ready to tackle and how deeply they would like to investigate the specific questions they have generated.
For example,
1. What do you feel it will take to make a difference in slowing down climate change from a personal/community/global perspective?
2. How does plastics pollution affect sea life and the industry built around it, both short and long term?
3. Do you believe climate change is a threat we can conquer in the next decade? Why or why not?
4. What’s the one thing you would encourage people to begin doing RIGHT NOW to alleviate this problem?
And here is a little bonus – this research and discovery was completed in French. Mme Dalgaard sends her Congratulations! Merci à tous nos chefs de l’avenir pour leurs efforts en français et d’avoir partagé leur apprentissage au sujet de ce problème mondial. Thank you to all our future leaders for their eforts in French and for sharing their learning on this global problem.
I agree, well done SMS phoenixes!
Sydney Griffith