Dear COIA Community:

In the final year of the Primary Years Program (PYP), 5th grade students carry out an extended, in-depth, collaborative project known as the PYP Exhibition. This involves students working in groups to conduct an inquiry into local or global issues they are interested in investigating further. Our fifth graders began by reading about and discussing current events and then worked in small groups to conduct an in-depth inquiry into a topic of their choice.

  We are so proud of our fifth-grade inquirers! Student groups identified lines of inquiry, brainstormed questions about their topic, and then used this to focus their research as they investigated a variety of resources. A special thank you to all of the knowledgeable community members that volunteered to be interviewed by our students:  Katherine Bruns (WH Recycling Coordinator), Rebecca Cochrane (COIA Library Media Specialist), Maria Gambi Vaca (COIA Parent, UConn Research), Kim Doyle (WHPS Mental Health Coordinator), Ava Gandhi (CT River Conservancy), Ted Goerner (Sedgwick Science Teacher & Founder of WH Tree Project), Sherry Hart (Wildlife Rehabilitator), Chuck Hummel (former COIA Social Worker), Tomas Miranda (COIA Staff, WH Soccer Coach), Ben Perry (Brooklyn Public Librarian), Carly Saindon (Environmental Scientist), Johanna Schubert & Barry Walters (WH Pride), Sandra Sirota, UCONN Associate Professor and Director of Human Rights Institute,  Michelle Lipar & Alison Sjoberg (Journey Home), Sarah Burnett (Volunteer No Freeze Shelter), Dr. Matthew Warren (COIA Parent & Pediatrician).

After their research, students brainstormed different ways they could take action on their topic to make a difference in our community. Some students advocated and raised awareness, some became involved in community projects, and others decided to take action to try to change behavior for the better. You will learn about the different ways students took action as you explore their projects.

Lastly, we want to thank the staff and students at COIA for supporting and encouraging our students through this process. Students used skills they learned through the years to complete this collaborative inquiry project.  We are so grateful for your participation in this process and for making this a successful opportunity for our students. 

With gratitude,

Liz Nascimento & the Grade 5 Exhibition Team: Alexa Freitas, Kaja Hermanowski, Elaine Hill, Molly Jerram, Nanette Paridy, & Marcie Redden