Exploring Current Events Through Units of Inquiry

One of the benefits of teaching and learning in the PYP is how it strives to provide students with a way to connect to their learning. It does this by making that learning relevant. One way we do this is to bring in the world around us and support students as they make connections. This is a powerful way for students to process current and historical events in context.
Right now at Spicewood 2nd grade is exploring the causes and affects of natural disasters. They bring in local events such as the recent central Texas Fires and the ongoing drought; as well as global events such as the flooding in Thailand. This provides students with theopportunity to expand their awareness of the world around them and investigate the social and scientific factors involved. This unit also provides students with the background knowledge, or schema, they will need when as 3rd graders they look at how economic factors are affected by interruptions to the supply and demand chain. One of the disruptions being a natural disaster, or weather event.
Other current events and topics being explored at Spicewood right now are: alternative energy sources in 5th grade and conflict resolution in 4th grade. In the 4th grade unit the conflicts being examined are those related to economic, social, cultural, political and religious differences.
Stop in any Spicewood classroom to see students acquiring the skills and knowledge that will help them create a better and more peaceful world!