In Grade 4, our students were investigating how humans have a responsibility to make informed choices for the sustainability of local and global environments. To dive into this learning, students learned about the Compass Education Sustainability Compass. They analyzed different topics through the lenses of nature, economy, society, and wellbeing. One topic the fourth graders were really excited about was a garbage only waste system. They continued to investigate this topic further with the Sustainability Iceberg. As they analyzed why people use a garbage only waste system, grade 4 students began to think about the school’s waste system.
The students interviewed a team of admin members to learn more about the school’s systems and the ways they are addressing sustainability. During the interview, students identified different topics they would like to explore in small groups, and they began to investigate and research on their own. They asked questions, made plans, and took action to make ISD a more sustainable school.
In Arts class, connecting what they learned within their Unit of Inquiry – Sharing the planet, Grade 4 students were invited to think of ways artists can approach the question of sustainability. We looked for examples in various artworks and learned about Marina Debris. Marina is an eco-friendly artists from Australia, who is reusing trash to raise awareness of ocean and beach pollution and calls herself an “artivist”
This inspired our Grade 4 artists to become “artivists” themselves. Within these projects, they used artistic methods of expression to cultivate awareness and motivate change in society.
If you are keen on the whole artistic project have a look at the videos of Grade 4A and Grade 4B.
