We are exploring our environments in this unit of inquiry. Our central idea is: Observing our surroundings helps us appreciate where we live and we decided to address two of our lines of inquiry which are: how we appreciate our surroundings (responsibility) and how we observe our surroundings and the changes that take place (perspective.) The activity was to see the impact of finding trash in their playground environment and what action they would take. Our Learner profile choice was, being principled and our key concepts are Responsibility and Perspective. Our ATLs are Self management, taking care of and having control of ourselves. Social skills, working with others and Research, I learn by using different resources. The students were being tuned into the impact of trash on environment when they visited the Wadi and the beach. Their research took place when using the tinkering table to make things from the trash and their finding out happened at snack and lunch time when they are encouraged to clean up their eating environment. Some of the students are aware of being principled and will often demonstrate it by helping others clear up without being asked. When the students were presented with a playground full of rubbish most were shocked, some of them discussed what action they should take, some didn’t notice and played on the equipment. A group took action by starting to clean up the playground, they eventually encouraged all the other students to join them. Much discussion took place as to how the rubbish got there and their conclusions were the older students had a party and put it there or the wind blew it there. Some children took their learning further by using some of the trash to mend the playground equipment. After clearing up the students sorted the rubbish by reading the signs: Paper, Metal and Plastic. After a discussion about the activity the children came up with some interesting questions and answers. Next week they will be able to take their learning further when they recycle the trash.
