A Week of STEM

This week, we explored a range of engaging experiences to celebrate STEM Week. From hands-on challenges to learning from experts, the students had many opportunities to think creatively, ask questions, and make meaningful connections to the world around them.

We were fortunate to welcome guest speakers who introduced us to new and inspiring fields of learning. One session focused on 3D printing, where students explored how designs can come to life. They even created their own personalized name tags, experiencing firsthand the process of turning ideas into tangible objects.

Another highlight was a session on Artificial Intelligence, which sparked thoughtful discussions and questions. The students began to understand how AI is shaping the world around us and reflected on both its possibilities and responsibilities. It was truly insightful to see them engage with such a complex and relevant topic.

Our students also spent time in the STEM room, where they took on a variety of hands-on challenges and experiments. There was a strong sense of collaboration, problem-solving, and perseverance as they tested ideas and learned through trial and error. The energy and excitement were contagious!

We are also grateful to the parents who joined us during some of these sessions. Your presence and support added so much value to the experience, and the students loved sharing their learning with you.

In addition, we had a meaningful talk from Kobe City about natural disasters and preparedness. This session helped students make important real-life connections, especially here in Japan, and encouraged them to think about how they can stay safe and be responsible members of their community.

All of these experiences came at the perfect time, as many students are beginning to deepen their thinking for the PYP Exhibition. The knowledge and ideas they encountered this week will no doubt inspire their inquiries and actions moving forward.

Finally, this week was also a time of reflection and gratitude as we said goodbye to Yumiko and Yuiko. We shared special memories, kind words, and thoughtful presents to celebrate the time we’ve had together. They will be deeply missed, but we wish them all the best in their new journeys.

It has been a week full of learning, connection, and growth—one we will not soon forget.

Have a wonderful spring break to all of you. 

Your homeroom teacher, 

Ms. Pam

From Research to Creation

This week in our classroom, there has been a noticeable shift in energy. For the past several weeks, our students have been deeply immersed in the research phase of the PYP Exhibition -- asking questions, conducting interviews, reading articles, analyzing sources, and trying to make sense of complex issues that matter to them. The classroom has often felt like a research hub: notebooks open, tabs multiplying on laptops, quiet discussions happening in corners, and moments of excitement when someone discovers a piece of information that connects to their inquiry.

Now, we are entering a new and exciting stage of the Exhibition process: creation.

For many students, finishing their research feels both satisfying and slightly intimidating. Research provides structure -- there are questions to answer and information to gather. Creation, however, asks students to transform that knowledge into something meaningful that can be shared with others. It requires them to think carefully about how to communicate their ideas, what message they want their audience to understand, and how their work can inspire action.

This week has been about making that transition.

Students began by reviewing everything they have learned so far. They revisited their notes, organized their key findings, and discussed what information felt most important to share. Some groups realized that their understanding of the issue had changed significantly since they first started their inquiry. Early questions have evolved into deeper insights, and students are beginning to see the bigger picture of the topics they chose to explore.

One of the most rewarding parts of this process is watching students take ownership of their learning. They are no longer simply collecting facts -- they are making decisions. What format will best communicate their ideas? How can they make their message clear to their audience? What kind of impact do they want their Exhibition to have?

Across the classroom, creative planning has begun to take shape. Some groups are designing interactive displays that will allow visitors to engage directly with their topic. Others are developing models, visual presentations, or digital media that help illustrate the issues they have researched. Several students are thinking carefully about how to incorporate action into their projects -- considering ways they can raise awareness or encourage positive change within the community.

The classroom atmosphere now feels different from the research phase. There is more movement, more discussion, and a growing sense of anticipation. Materials are starting to appear on tables: chart paper, markers, design drafts, and early prototypes. Conversations sound like young designers and creators at work: “How can we show this visually?” “What if we add an example here?” “Will our audience understand this part?”

These moments remind us that learning is not just about gathering information -- it is about transforming that information into understanding and sharing it with others.

I look forward to seeing their ideas continue to grow and their creations begin to come to life.

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you.

Your homeroom teacher, 

Ms. Pam

Curiosity, Questions, and a Winning Week

 This week, our classroom energy was split between two very exciting events: preparing for the school musical and continuing the important research that will shape each student’s PYP Exhibition. While rehearsals took up much of our time, students continued developing their inquiries and thinking about how their topics connect to the real world.

The PYP Exhibition is an opportunity for students to explore an issue or idea that matters to them. As their research deepens, they are beginning to identify the different perspectives, systems, and responsibilities connected to their topics.

Several students are exploring how human societies function and how our decisions shape the world around us. One student is investigating the design of cities and how urban environments influence the way people interact and live their daily lives. Another is looking closely at leadership and governance, considering how societies define fairness and responsibility and how those ideas influence communities. Questions about technology are also emerging, with one student examining how artificial intelligence and digital tools are reshaping the way people learn and interact with information.

Other students are focusing on the relationship between humans and the natural world. Some are researching how ecosystems function and how human actions affect oceans, animals, and the environment. These inquiries include exploring pollution, environmental change, and the responsibilities people share in protecting the planet. A related topic looks specifically at the connections between humans and animals, including the ways animals are trained and how relationships between species develop.

A few students are examining how people experience culture, creativity, and media. Music, anime, and fashion have sparked thoughtful questions about identity, emotion, and self-expression. These students are investigating how artistic forms evolve over time, how audiences connect with them, and how culture can influence beliefs and stereotypes.

Health and human performance are also areas of interest. One student is researching how footwear design can affect athletic performance and prevent injury, while another is exploring the many ways sports impact people physically and socially. Another inquiry focuses on how we develop problem-solving skills and how facing challenges helps strengthen the brain and our ability to think critically in everyday situations.

Some students are exploring complex global issues, such as conflict and disasters. These inquiries include examining how wars affect societies and individuals, as well as understanding how natural disasters occur and how communities can prepare for them.

At this stage of the Exhibition process, students benefit from support in answering their guiding questions, identifying reliable sources, and thinking about the different perspectives connected to their topics. Conversations at home -- asking students what they have discovered, what surprised them, or what new questions they have -- can be a wonderful way to support their learning.

To end the week on a celebratory note, our class also participated in a basketball tournament with several other schools on Friday. The students showed fantastic teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship -- and we are proud to share that they won the tournament! It was a wonderful reminder that learning also happens through collaboration, perseverance, and supporting one another.

We look forward to seeing how the students’ research continues to grow as they move further into their Exhibition journey.

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you!

Your homeroom teacher, 

Ms. Pam