By Ally St. Pierre, Admissions and Marketing Manager at the Strelitz International Academy

On Tuesday, October 16, 2024, our fourth-grade students engaged in an exciting blend of STEM education and cultural exploration as part of our International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). Incorporating themes from recent Jewish holidays; Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, students applied their inquiry skills in a series of creative, hands-on experiments, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration.

One highlight of the afternoon was a science activity inspired by the symbolic “Tashlich” tradition. In this experiment, students dropped cubes of baking soda into vinegar, resulting in a fizzing chemical reaction. This visual display represented the act of letting go of the old, much like the traditional casting off of sins into flowing water.

The fourth graders also explored the concept of density with a sweet twist. Using honey, oil, and water, they observed how these liquids interacted, discovering how each layer was based on its density. The experiment also linked back to the holiday symbolism of honey, representing a sweet start to the new year.

The grand finale was a structural challenge: building sukkot, traditional booths, out of marshmallows and other materials. Each group designed and constructed its sukkah, testing its strength and stability against simulated desert storms. This activity highlighted not only their creativity and engineering skills but also the PYP’s focus on fostering open-minded, reflective learners.

This engaging afternoon of science and cultural connection allowed our fourth graders to deepen their understanding of both key scientific concepts and the rich traditions that inspire community and reflection—hallmarks of our IB approach to education. Schedule a visit!