Explorers Unleashed: G3 Blog

We are nearing the culmination of our Sharing the Planet unit. Grade 3 & 4 learners hosted an ecosystems mini-showcase to share our understanding on  what makes up an ecosystem  and  the interconnectedness of living things in an ecosystem. We invited the the other primary classes to attend and they were treated to puppet shows, dramatic plays, videos and other ways learners chose to share what they know. Grade 5 & 6 completed feedback forms which Grade 3 learners then used to help them reflect on their sharing and the showcase experience as a whole. Our third line of inquiry is into how we can make respectful choices . Grade 3 began by sharing some of the ways they already know the Earth and our ecosystems are being threatened. We then began to unpack the idea of BIODIVERSITY by making use of some amazing resources from the WWF's Our Planet initiative (links to videos can be found in the Links For Learners section of this blog)....

Our first unit for this new year is on Sharing the Planet . Grade 3 and 4 are exploring the Central Idea that l iving things impact the ecosystem of which they are a part . Our first two lines of inquiry with this Transdisciplinary Theme are into  what makes up an ecosystem and the interconnectedness of living things in an ecosystem. For this unit we are going to be scientists. We began by asking 'how do we think like a scientist?'. We learned that scientists are curious and ask questions. Scientists look closely and take careful notes. Scientists discuss their thinking with others. Then our scientists got their hands dirty as they has began working to rejuvenate the school garden in preparation for this year's Gardening Club. Gardening set the scene for our next project - the preparation of two vermicomposting boxes.  As learners explore  producers, consumers & decomposers  they will be able to see their own real life ecosystem...

Grade 3 are just finishing up our Unit on Sharing the Planet. Our central Idea for this unit was that Humanity's future is dependent on resources . Our guiding question through our first Line of Inquiry was "What's the problem?". We sought to understand the challenges faced by so many due to limited natural resources . To follow our learning journey through our first LoI, please check out the previous blog posts on  Zero Hunger ,  Clean Water & Sanitation ,  Clean & Affordable Energy . Our guiding question through our second Line of Inquiry was "What can we do?". Learners undertook a project called Designing for Change. We brainstormed ideas where we could Invent , Innovate or Campaign to create a positive change. After some discussion, learners grouped themselves around an idea that was Quick , Bold , Long Lasting and able to be Resourced . Learners followed a design cycle to develop their projects: After read...