On Tuesday, Grade 4 celebrated their last Genre Book Project Fair. Through these projects, students have been learning about different genres and demonstrating their knowledge and creativity, as well as practicing and applying research, thinking, communication, and self-management skills.
Not only did we celebrate how students have grown a deeper appreciation for reading different genres, but we also applauded them for how they have developed as inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgable, balanced and reflective students. After students shared their projects, they went face-to-face against their parents to show who had learned the most about genre this year. It seems the parents have also learned quite a bit throughout the process of the Genre Book Project.
Monthly Archives: June 2016
Building An Insect Hotel with Grade 1
They are digging the clay out of the ground. They are collecting sticks from the ground and the soil. They are carrying the bucket to the German classroom. They are putting the clay into the plastic tube and making holes in the clay. They are drilling holes in the wood.
They are using the sticks to make holes in the clay. They are breaking sticks into smaller pieces. They are breaking the sticks and putting them into the tube. He is trying to push the clay into the tube and make holes in the clay. Here is our insect hotel.
Words by Abdulaziz, Eunsang and Arata
Order Your H.I.S. Yearbook Now!
The Yearbook will take you on a fantastic journey through the school year 2015-16.
Enjoy all the memories and have your friends sign your Yearbook!
Order your copy at the H.I.S. office!
Explore Science Festival
On Thursday 16th June, Grades 6-9 went to Luisenpark, Mannheim to visit the annual Explore Science festival.
The Grade 7 students were involved in one of the competitions and were challenged to build a kinetic sculpture, which they had been working on in both Science and Design classes in the two weeks building up to the competition.
The students in grades 6, 8 and 9 had the opportunity to visit many science exhibits throughout the day as well as simply enjoy the park grounds and playgrounds.
This years theme was all about humans and the main hall had many different exhibit featuring optical illusions.
Below are some of the student comments from Grade 7.
“I think the day was really fun. We got to see some projects other people were preparing and the illusions were confusing!” Jules
“It was fun doing the science project” Devin
“The day was fun because we got to do some cool activities!” Caitlin
“It was a cool day. we saw lots of other projects by the other competitors. We went around the park and walked around. I think it went well considering it was raining!” Caroline
“It was a good day and I had a brief idea of kinetic sculptures for next time. Learning about kinetic sculptures is a good thing to know about!” Shahad
“I really liked going to Luisenpark because it was very interesting to see other peoples work and enjoy the day.” Holden
“it was a great day. It was fun to see the other projects and to interact with other groups” Estela
“I really enjoyed looking at all of the optical illusions. I liked seeing all of the kinetic sculptures other schools created” Josef
“Most of the day was spent seeing experiments in the many tents around the park. When showing our experiment, there were a few problems, but compared to others it went rather smoothly.”
photo & text: SAB
Grade 1 Explores Man-Made Habitats at The Zoo
Grade 1 got wild about habitats on their trip to the Heidelberg Zoo!
Building on the knowledge that they gained on their previous field trip to the forest, the students were able to compare and contrast this man-made habitat to a natural habitat.
They learned about feeding patterns and behaviors exhibited by animals in the wild and in captivity. The group was given a tour by zoo rangers, who described how some compatible animals can share a habitat, as long a predator and prey are kept apart from each other!
The rangers passed around specimens of animal fur, claws and bone for the children to touch and smell.
After noticing some of the animals kept in the zoo were endangered species, the students became familiar with another crucial function of zoos: to ensure the survival of animals who are in danger of extinction due to destruction of their natural habitat.
photos & text: JN
Bennett & Brianna
Remember Bennett and Brianna? A big thank you to their family for sending us photos and a wonderful message:
Just a little feedback … Both of our kids finished up their school year in the USA last week, and I am happy to report that they both received the highest marks in all their classes.
Brianna took German 5 with 12th graders and breezed through, and Bennett was just asked to join the gifted program.
I wanted to let you know that their years at H.I.S. have given them a very good foundation. Keep up the good work!
Bennett just finished up his regular baseball season today, and his team tied for first place. They all had a lot of fun. Bennett also participated in cross country running, Nordic skiing, and track and field.
Brianna wanted to give hockey a try this year. I was so proud of how she took on a new sport amongst all these hockey crazy people. The kids here start skating about the time they start walking. She had a lot of fun and hopes to play hockey again next year. She also participated in archery and softball.
Renee Christensen
H.I.S. Eco-News!
A sand lizard has taken up residence in the the lizard sculpture that was built during the Environment Week in the orchard. It was spotted by the Grade 4 ES students.
Thanks to Abdullah, paths have now been created connecting the apple trees so that you can meander your way through this little ecosystem. Insects galore and birds overhead! It would be great if these paths could be maintained as it makes the area really accessible and exciting.
The school playground is also superb for bees and insects. The rock garden and its plants are looking magnificent at the moment and full of life.
text: NP, photo: lizard: Wikipedia & Playground Flowers: AS
Grade 11 – Cooking For Refugees
In their German class, Grade 11 students Anna and Sara talked about the situation of refugees in Heidelberg. They decided to do a cooking evening and invite refugees to be their guests in the International Café.
The International Café opens every Thursday.
After Sara’s mother offered assistance, the students decided to prepare the food at home. Anna made a Greek Tzatziki and together they cooked a dish called Maqloobeh, which is popular in the Middle East (with rice, vegetables and minced meat). Grade 11 student Robin was also there to prepare the tables and serve the food, and former H.I.S. student and graduate Roberto took over the job of the driver. He also enjoyed the evening and took the chance to talk about his Namibia experience with one of the staff members of the International Café.
photos & text: MIH
A Day in The Forest – Grade 1
Grade 1 visited the wonderfully natural habitat, the forest. We explored the different living things that grow and live in the forest.
The children searched for clues of animal presence, as well as possible shelters and hiding places for the forest inhabitants.
They searched for food and water sources for our forest friends.
Being able to spend a whole day in the forest helped us understand a bit more about how life in a natural habitat, without the comfort of our home, can be like.
photos & text: JN
M.A.D. Summer Night at H.I.S.
Congratulations MYP Students!
A creative mixture of performances, video installations, exhibitions and film presentations was presented at the M.A.D. Summer Night yesterday. Grade 6 students performed “Radioactive” to start the evening. After that Grade 10 invited the audience to interview them after showing 3 short movies they had produced. Grade 8 students performed Shakespeare scenes on stage showing their interdisciplinary learning skills inspired by their English and Art teachers. The comics put on display by Grade 7 and the “Science” songs produced by Grade 6 showed that Sciences and the Arts can go hand in hand, too. Grade 7 and 9 displayed some of their favourite art work. The interactive and new format of the evening was a fantastic experience. Congratulations to all MYP students and special thanks to our Art teachers Anna Bär, Kirsty Mottram and Dominik Bär and all helping hands!
photos & text AS