The last week and a half has been crazy. Probably the craziest all year. Packed full. But absolutely wonderful.
It's funny how when you're so busy being productive, it feels good, even though you're exhausted. Well, every night since my craziness started, it's been early to school, and home at sunset. And during the day... forget about planning periods and break times. Those were non-existent! But I didn't grow tired of the kids. And I didn't get sick of being at school. And I was able to spent time with my Strength and my Life.
And I loved these two weeks.
Why was it so crazy? Two reasons.
Reason One: I have a friend, and her name is Rachel. And I haven't seen her in 342 days since we graduated. And she's coming to Indonesia. For two weeks. Starting tomorrow. So every spare moment was spent planning for the next couple weeks... so I could spend as much time with her as possible.
Reason Two: Science Fair
The focus of the unit is on the scientific method. How it works. What variables impact each use of it. And when the scientific method is not the best method to learn (like those times that we should use Scripture, history, or our family's traditions). Those were our outcomes. So the task was very open-ended. Kids had to ask a question. Do a little research. Hypothesize. Design an experiment where they changed one variable. Analyze their data and create charts or graphs. And form their conclusion. Simple right? Well, in a PYP program that is inquiry driven, the students ask whatever questions they want and we guide them, individually, to design their experiment and reach their conclusion.
Hence why my breaks were taken up. Each day I got to work with these kids one-on-one and help them understand different aspects of our world. It was a wonderful time to talk with them personally or in small groups. I got to be super intentional about their understanding of the natural world. And I got to make them think. And think more. And continually ask why, how, and what now.
And then today we got to show off our experiments to the parents and some other students. So much fun. So much of a mess. And so worth all the time and energy that it took.
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| Dancing Raisin |
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| Soap breaking surface tension |
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| Eating up the oxygen |
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| Oobleck |
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| Flying Balloons |
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| Putting out the fire |
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| Expanding Air |
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| Milky Sunset |
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| Bouncing Egg... Bouncing Carrot? |
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| Underwater volcano |
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| Bounding Egg |
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| Refraction Action |
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| Magic Cup |
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| Quicksand |
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| Colorful bouquet |
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| Static Electricity |
