Over the past two months, we embraced not one but two IB Units of Inquiry: How We Organize Ourselves and How the World Works.

We studied the interactions between the natural world and human societies to better understand how systems—from ramps and elevators to trash collection and the post office—help organize and advance our communities. As inquiring scientists, we explored the relationship between force and motion by pushing, pulling, and dropping objects throughout the classroom. As knowledgeable and principled mathematicians, we built on what we knew about finding the area of a shape to discover how to calculate perimeter.

Students found a balance between being open-minded and true to their ideas as they crafted both imaginative fractured fairy tales and well-researched biographies. They also selected a country they care about to research and present on, growing their global awareness and appreciation for other cultures.

Throughout May and June, we’ve continued to reflect on our Learner Profiles and Pillars of the Month, asking ourselves how we can persevere, be caring, and act as responsible citizens in our classroom and beyond.

To culminate our learning, students hosted a Living Wax Museum to celebrate and showcase their hard work. Our brave risk-takers came to school dressed as the famous person they had studied, ready to communicate fascinating facts when an onlooker pressed their “play” button.

It’s hard to believe this phenomenal year is coming to an end—it feels like just yesterday we were meeting for the first time in September. We are truly proud of how much our students have grown—academically, socially, and emotionally—and we can’t wait to see all the places they’ll go next!

UOI Showcase: Living Wax Museum

Dancing through Culture Week

A Fantastic Field Day