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Welcome to the fourth episode of season five of the WAB Podcast. In this episode, Grade 7 student Karina and Grade 8 student Sam shared their experiences learning science in middle school, shedding light on how they are challenged and the support they receive. Middle school science teachers Kamil Rudolf and Greg Brown emphasized the exploratory and personalized approach to science learning at Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) and shared some tips on how parents can support their middle school scientists.
Kamil used an example from the study of the solar system to illustrate the hands-on learning approach. Students engage in activities such as simulating nebula clouds using various materials and constructing models of comet and asteroid bombardment. In the unit of space exploration, students select a celestial object within the solar system for further investigation based on their own interests. This exemplifies the personalized learning experience fostered at WAB.
Personalized learning is also evident in the Science Showcase. Grade 7 student Karina expressed the freedom students have to choose their topics. She is considering a project related to cigarettes for the showcase, driven by her curiosity about the effects of smoking on the human body.
Grade 8 student Sam highlighted the diverse learning opportunities at WAB, noting the flexibility to work independently, in groups, or under teacher guidance. He appreciates the autonomy granted to students, allowing them to pursue independent research while receiving tailored support from teachers.
Discussing parental involvement in their children's science education, both Kamil and Greg advocated for engaging in dinner-table conversations to inquire about their children's learning experiences. They also recommended that parents explore the library and find the many wonderful books on diverse scientific topics, renowned scientists, and their inspiring narratives. Take your child to the library, borrow some books, and use these resources to inspire interesting conversations about science.
Greg emphasized that learning science at WAB is not just about learning the knowledge, but also learning the scientific method and how to think as a scientist. This will best prepare students for High School studies and future scientific endeavors. In this way, students recognize that "science is occurring all around them at all times, not just within our classroom, within our lab." They are also equipped with skills to navigate scientific inquiries effectively when facing real-life scientific issues.
If you want to learn more about how our learners explore science at WAB Middle School, don't miss out on this episode.
Karina is a Grade 7 student at WAB.
Sam is a Grade 8 student at WAB.
Kamil Rudolf is a middle school science teacher at WAB.
Greg Brown is a middle school science teacher at WAB.
