{"id":284149,"date":"2025-07-04T16:53:10","date_gmt":"2025-07-04T07:53:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/isnedu.org\/?post_type=nagano-campus&p=284149"},"modified":"2025-07-07T12:45:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T03:45:08","slug":"nagano-milky-way-what-a-productive-week-it-was-june-30th-july-4th","status":"publish","type":"nagano-campus","link":"https:\/\/isnedu.org\/en\/nagano-campus\/nagano-milky-way-what-a-productive-week-it-was-june-30th-july-4th\/","title":{"rendered":"Nagano Milky Way: What a Productive Week it was! (June 30th-July 4th)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This Monday, Milky Way class had an unforgettable field trip to one of our friends\u2019 family farms\u2014a meaningful experience deeply connected to our year-long Unit of Inquiry about plants<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The adventure began with a warm welcome from our friend\u2019s family, who graciously opened their farm to us. Surrounded by fresh air and green fields, the children eagerly rolled up their sleeves to take part in real farm work. First, we planted soybean seeds<\/strong>, learning about the care and patience it takes for plants to grow. The students dug small holes, gently placed two seeds in the soil, and covered them with care, many expressing excitement about what these tiny seeds will become in the months ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next came an equally exciting activity: potato harvesting!<\/strong> With gloved hands, the children dug through the soil and squealed with joy every time they discovered a potato hiding underground. It was a moment of discovery and reward that helped them see how plants grow and provide the food we eat every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re so grateful to our friend\u2019s family for hosting us and providing this enriching, hands-on learning opportunity. We were also able to share the harvested potatoes with our friends on campus. As we continue exploring our unit on plants, this trip will remain a highlight, full of real-life connections, teamwork, and joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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New Unit<\/strong>: Recycling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We kicked off our new Unit of Inquiry on Recycling<\/em> with a surprising and thought-provoking provocation activity. When the students opened their eyes, they were greeted by an unexpected sight: scattered trash<\/strong> on the floor. Items like PET bottles, a carton box, a plastic cap and bag, and crumpled tissue and paper towel, newspaper, etc. were left out in plain view. The teachers didn\u2019t say a word\u2014they simply watched and waited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To our delight, the children immediately took action. Without being asked, they stood up and began gathering the items together<\/strong>. They placed everything in the middle of the room, demonstrating care for their environment and a strong sense of responsibility. As they worked, we heard them discussing what the materials were and wondering out loud if these things could be used again<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the cleanup was done, the teacher posed a simple question: \u201cWhat is recycling?\u201d<\/em> Two students shared thoughtful responses:
\u201cRecycling is making something new from trash.\u201d<\/strong>
Their answers showed not only curiosity but also a budding awareness of how waste can be transformed and given a new purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This experience launched a lively conversation and set the tone for the rest of the unit. We\u2019re excited to explore questions like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • What kinds of materials can be recycled?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • What happens to our trash after we throw it away?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • How can we reduce waste and take care of our planet?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Our young inquirers are off to a great start, and we can\u2019t wait to see where their thinking and creativity take them next as we dive deeper into the world of recycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Here’s our new song related to our UOI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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