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In an exhilarating unit of inquiry, Year 4 students embarked on an exploration of space that not only ignited their curiosity but also deepened their understanding of key scientific concepts. The unit, framed around the transdisciplinary theme “Where We Are in Place & Time,” allowed students to engage with the central idea that “Space exploration provides new opportunities.”
四年级的学生们开始了一场振奋人心的太空探索之旅，这不仅激发了他们的好奇心，还加深了他们对科学概念的理解。这个单元围绕跨学科主题“我们身处什么时空”展开，让学生们参与到“太空探索提供了新的机遇”这一核心理念的探讨中。

⌈ Transdisciplinary Theme
  超学科主题     ⌋

Where We Are in Place & Time
我们身处什么时空

⌈ Central Idea
  中心思想     ⌋

Space exploration provides new opportunities.
太空探索提供了新的机遇。

The Learning Process
学习过程

Igniting Curiosity with a Provocation Lesson
点燃好奇心

The journey began with a hands-on provocation lesson where students crafted their very own vinegar and baking soda rockets. This exciting experiment not only sparked enthusiasm but also laid the groundwork for inquiry into the principles of thrust and propulsion, essential elements in space exploration. By engaging in this fun activity, students were immediately drawn into the world of space, eager to learn more about the universe beyond our planet.
这趟学习旅程以一个实践性的引入课堂为开端。学生们用醋和苏打为原料制作了属于自己的火箭。这一激动人心的实验不仅激发了他们的热情，还为探究推力和推进原理奠定了基础，这些都是太空探索的基本要素。这一活动后，学生们立刻被太空世界吸引，渴望了解更多关于宇宙的知识。

Unpacking Our Learning Goals
解读学习目标

Once the stage was set, the students worked collaboratively to unpack the central idea, lines of inquiry, key concepts, and learner profile attributes. This process of rewriting these learning goals in their own words ensured that they grasped the objectives clearly, fostering a sense of ownership over their learning journey which promotes student agency.
‌在了解探究单元框架后，学生们携手合作，共同梳理出单元的中心思想、探究线索、关键概念、学习者特质。这一过程中，他们不仅以个性化的方式表达了学习目标，体现了自身对这些目标的深刻理解，还极大地激发了学习的积极性和主动性。

Exploring the Solar System
探索太阳系

The exploration then shifted to the solar system. Students covered essential concepts such as gravity’s influence on planetary movement and shape. By creating a scale model of the solar system, they not only visualised the vast distances between celestial bodies but also understood the relative sizes of planets. This hands-on model-making activity enhanced their spatial awareness and provided a tangible connection to abstract concepts.
接着，学生们探究了太阳系。他们学习了重力对行星运动和形状的影响等基本概念。通过创建太阳系的比例模型，他们不仅把天体之间的距离可视化，还理解了行星的相对大小。这个模型制作的动手活动增强了他们的空间意识，并为抽象概念提供了实际的模型。

The Adventure of Space Travel
太空旅行冒险

Next, the students examined the history and technology of space travel, beginning with NASA’s monumental Apollo moon landing. They learned about the challenges faced by astronauts and the significance of this achievement in human history. Exploring life aboard the International Space Station (ISS), students discovered the daily routines of astronauts and the scientific research conducted in microgravity. This real-world connection to space exploration inspired many to think critically about the future of humanity in space.
随后，学生们研究了太空旅行的历史和技术，从NASA的阿波罗登月开始。他们了解了宇航员面临的挑战以及此举在历史上的重要性。在探索国际空间站（ISS）生活时，学生们了解了宇航员的日常生活，以及他们如何在微重力环境中进行科学研究。通过这次的太空探索，结合实际，激发了学生对人类未来在太空中的思考。

Designing Space Schools
设计太空学校

The culmination of the unit was a project that allowed students to channel their newfound knowledge and creativity into designing Space Schools. Working in groups, they crafted thoughtful models incorporating essential facilities for life in space. This collaborative project not only fostered teamwork and communication skills but also encouraged critical thinking as they considered the unique needs of a school in an extraterrestrial environment.
本单元最让人激动的部分就是，学生们运用学到的知识，结合自己的创造力，设计了一所太空学校。他们以小组为单位，制作出了包含太空生活所需全部基本设施的校园模型。这个小组活动不仅锻炼了学生们的团队合作和沟通能力，还激发了他们在考虑外星环境中学校特殊需求时的批判性思考。

In conjunction with building their models, students created marketing brochures for their Space Schools. This task provided an excellent opportunity to engage with non-chronological reports, where they applied their writing skills by using headings, subheadings, and text boxes. This integration of English skills reinforced their understanding of persuasive writing while showcasing their innovative ideas.
在制作太空学校模型的同时，学生们还制作了宣传手册。他们通过灵活运用标题、副标题以及文本框进行写作，有效地锻炼了非时间顺序叙述的写作技能。这种英语写作技能的巧妙融合，不仅极大地巩固了他们对说服性写作技巧的理解与掌握，而且充分展现了他们的创新思维和创造力。