Exploring Systems and Cycles in Year 4 - written by Ms Lindsey Burrows.  Over the past several weeks, Year 4 students have become scientists in our Unit of Inquiry, Systems and Cycles. Through hands-on experiences, observation, and discussion, students have been developing a deeper conceptual understanding of how natural systems are organized, how patterns and cycles are created, and how changes in one part of a system can affect the whole.

We began the unit with an engaging series of Earth and space demonstrations in the auditorium with secondary science teacher, Mr. MG. Using large-scale models, students explored the relationships between the Sun, Earth, and Moon. These demonstrations helped students visualize complex ideas such as day and night, the movement of celestial bodies, and the repeating patterns we observe from Earth.

Students also explored the phases of the Moon through a hands-on Oreo modelling activity. By recreating each phase, students were able to observe patterns over time and connect their learning to scientific explanations.

This experience supported students in recognizing cycles as predictable and observable patterns.

Our learning extended beyond the classroom during our EOTC to the Shaanxi Nature Museum. This visit provided a rich provocation for thinking about Earth’s systems, particularly rocks, fossils, and how natural processes shape our planet over time. Students were encouraged to observe closely, ask questions, and make connections between real-world examples and their classroom learning.

Back in the classroom, our young scientists explored the rock cycle through a highly engaging activity using Starbursts candy. By applying “heat” and “pressure,” as well as modelling processes such as weathering and erosion, students were able to simulate how rocks change from one type to another over time. This hands-on experience helped students move beyond memorizing rock types to understanding the processes and interactions within the system.

Alongside Earth systems, students have also been exploring life cycles in plants and animals, recognizing patterns such as growth and change. These explorations have helped students see that cycles exist across different natural systems and share common features, deepening their conceptual understanding.

Throughout the unit, there has been a strong emphasis on conceptual learning. Students are not only learning what happens in a system, but how and why it happens. They have been developing their thinking skills by analyzing systems, identifying patterns, and explaining relationships between parts. They are also building their communication skills by using increasingly precise scientific vocabulary to describe and justify their ideas.

Looking ahead to the summative assessment, students will take increasing ownership of their learning by choosing a natural system or cycle they are most interested in. They will research their chosen system and bring it to life in a creative way—such as a model, video, presentation, or stop-motion animation—demonstrating their understanding of how the system works, how its parts interact, and how changes can affect the whole.

We are excited to see how students apply their understanding in meaningful and creative ways as they continue their journey through systems and cycles!

Inspiring Young Artists: Tsz Ching Wong’s DP Visual Arts Exhibition - written by Ms Lily Li.  Following a successful opening for our entire MYP and DP students and teachers on Friday, March 13, our DP Visual Arts exhibition featuring student artist Tsz Ching Wong (Coco) continued to inspire the school community. 

An invitation was extended to PYP teachers on Tuesday, March 17, with dedicated and engaging guided tour slots led by Coco on Friday, March 20. Our PYP students explored Coco’s thoughtful and creative artworks, discovered her artistic process, engaged in meaningful dialogue, and gained valuable inspiration for their own creative learning journeys. It was a meaningful celebration of creativity and artistic growth across our whole school!

Please note that we cannot yet publicize Coco’s wonderful artistic pieces due to IB academic integrity policy, but we can’t wait to highlight her artwork later this semester…be on the lookout!

BRITMUN (March 13th~14th) - written by Ms Leah Neuman.  Hanova MUN delegates from years 8-10 recently traveled to the British School of Beijing Shunyi to hone their debate and diplomacy skills at this year’s BRITMUN. With two honorable mentions to Isabella and Jacob Chen, Hanova students made meaningful contributions to their committees.

All of our delegates grew in their skills as they worked with students from six other international schools to solve some of today's most pressing global issues. We built connections with other schools and with each other and are happy to bring our experiences back to Hanova where we will continue building our vibrant MUN program and tackling real-world social issues.