Sharing the planet

By Ms Leanne McKenzie, Year 2 Teacher

As part of our Sharing the Planet Unit of Inquiry, Year 2 students have been exploring the following central idea: "design connects us to our environment". Students have participated in a range of learning experiences, inquiring into the differences between natural and built environments.

We went on an excursion to the National Arboretum of Australia, where students investigated how this unique place is a managed environment rather than being a natural or built environment. The children identified the similarities and differences between these environments.

Students have also benefited from listening to visiting guest speakers who have spoken about:

• the process of designing cities
• the design-thinking process
• the needs of our natural world and
• the needs of people to connect with natural environments.

These experiences have inspired our students to think deeply about Frog Gully, which is located behind the Gold Room at the Junior School. Year 2 students can enjoy this area as it is the outlook from their classrooms, but the children would like to work together to try to find solutions on how all students could access Frog Gully. They are also keen to think about supporting the fauna and flora in this area of our school, both now and into the future.

The children have walked and made observations in this area and investigated the design-thinking process. Now they are developing their ideas. It has been a rich learning experience in which the students have been able to see authentic connections. The Inquiry links strongly with our Bush School program, where the children learn collaboratively to appreciate Country and to develop a love of outdoor learning.