Recently, our fourth grade students completed an inquiry-based experiment as a conclusion to their unit “Current Attractions.”  This unit is organized under the “How the World Works” IB transdisciplinary theme, with all student learning centered around the idea that “Energy on Earth changes forms, impacting humans and their world.”

In small groups, the fourth graders engaged in a problem-solving activity in which they were challenged to create a solar oven to cook S’mores, using a pizza box, and their choice of materials.  Having learned about insulators and conductors during the course of this unit, the fourth graders were well prepared as they sifted through black paper, colored paper, aluminum foil, and saran wrap and worked collaboratively to choose the best materials and design for their S’mores cooker.  Amazing discussions were heard around the classrooms as the groups worked together to build their ovens, and the knowledge they had gained during their study was evident as they applied this knowledge in a new and exciting way.

Once the ovens were complete, the classes went outside to test their cookers.  A thermometer was placed inside each oven, along with the necessary S’mores ingredients (graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate).  The excitement among the children was apparent, as they watched the temperature rise and their chocolate melt within minutes.  (Of course, it was helpful that the temperature outside was approaching 80 degrees!)  While the S’mores were cooking, teachers engaged their students in a variety of discussion topics introducing other variables that might have altered the experiment, such as a cloudy day, colder temperatures, and whether artificial lighting might work as an energy source.

Participating in real-life activities, promoting an open discussion of possible outcomes and variables, and utilizing new knowledge gained during unit study is at the heart of the IB philosophy, and to see our fourth graders engaged in an authentic experience was seeing a true reflection of the IB at GB!