Kujawa Elementary Students Study Global Issues

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Fourth grade students at Kujawa Elementary School have been studying and researching global issues. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) primary years program campus, students are expected to investigate the relationship between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

The goal is to have students gain a better understanding of how the world works and how humans can work together on a local or global scale to find resolutions.

This year, students could focus on one of the following European issues: homelessness, child labor, natural disasters, economy, health care, religion, immigration, poverty, government, educational systems, debt crisis, human rights and responsibilities, military, justice system, terrorism and violence problems.

Students worked in groups according to their global interest while teacher mentors assisted them with their research. Not only did students have to decide how they would present the information but they also had to figure out how they could help (i.e. collect money or canned goods, provide awareness brochures, design a website, create posters).

The rigorous IB Program aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

“It’s inspiring how the students that normally have trouble academically or have behavior issues are now very engaged in this exhibit and have taken ownership of their education,” said Kim Corrick, IB Pirmary Year Program (PYP) coordinator at the Kujawa Education Center and district support for the whole continuum of the IB program. “The students have come away learning something new and are amazed by many of the problems that exist in the world.

“Every year when we do this project, our students end up with a desire to make a difference. I’ve seen their behaviors change as they learn about the many issues that affect or could affect them or others. They realize they want to be a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem.”

Students from seven classrooms exhibited their projects December 20. Their teachers are Rhonda Merriweather, Laurie Ellington, Nancy White, Linda Johnson, Lita Killebrew, Roberto Velázquez, Jacob Elmhorst, and Benjamin Valle.

The group of students discuss the Romanian Military while the group in the featured image above elaborates on the United Nations Military.

A group of students did their research on terrorism.

A group of students discuss earthquakes effects on a community.

A couple of students stand with Kimerly Corrick, IB PYP campus coordinator; Principal Debera Thomas, and Pat Wade (far right), area superintendent of Nimitz area schools.