How The World Works

In the PYP, science is viewed as the exploration of the biological, chemical and physical aspects of the natural world, and the relationships between them. It encourages curiosity and ingenuity and enables the student to develop an understanding of the world. Reflection on science also helps students to develop a sense of responsibility regarding the impact of their actions on themselves, others, and their world. Inquiry is central to this exploration as students construct knowledge and make connections to their own lives. By encouraging hands-on experiences and inquiry, we are able to support students as they engage in the world around them, ask questions, and seek new understandings.
One was we do this is by observing the hatching of chickens. Please enjoy these videos from our latest batch of eggs! Come and visit them in the library today!

Student Led Conferences

This week Spicewood hosted its Spring Conferences in order to share and celebrate the progress of our students.  This is an exciting time for both teachers and students as we have the opportunity to share some of the learning that has taken place over the last several months.
We especially love the format of having students involved because it allows them to take responsibility for what they have achieved and also begin to think about what they still want to know and be able to do. They have the opportunity to share with their families assessments and reflections from their Units of Inquiry as well as books they have been reading, writing pieces, math problem solving and art. Another exciting aspect of the process is seeing the learning environment and imagining what it looks like when teachers are conducting class meetings, problems solving, science experiments, role playing, historical reenactments and all the other things that happen at Spicewood throughout a normal school day.
We want to thank all the families who joined us for these very special celebrations and take our hats off to you for being a partner with us in the education of your child!

5th Grade PYP Exhibition

This past Wednesday, our 5th grade students hosted their Exhibition as the summative project representing their experience in the PYP. The purpose of the project is for the students to demonstrate their cumulative learning while mirroring the process of a PYP Unit of Inquiry. While at Spicewood over 6 years students participate in 36 units of inquiry. Each year grade levels complete one Unit under each transdisciplinary theme, and do 6 of each theme between Kindergarten and 5th grade.
The Exhibition allows students to synthesize their learning of the five Essential Elements of the PYP: knowledge, skills, attitudes, action, and concepts. They do this in groups while conducting inquiry and research on an issue facing our world right now. Groups are mentored by Spicewood teachers and staff, and then presented to the community.

Our students, teachers, and mentors did a wonderful job working together to celebrate this AMAZING achievement.