Projects-MOONSHOT ACADEMY

3D Geometric Model Design

In this interdisciplinary project, learners will integrate Geometry (Math) and basic Computer Science (3D CAD modeling) to create a new 3D-printable object by combining common geometric solids (cubes, rectangular prisms, cylinders, cones, etc.). Real-World Context. Students imagine a scenario where they must design a small object for a specific function such as an organizer, a desk accessory, or a decorative figurine. They learn how shape choice, dimensions, and angles affect both the visual appeal and structural stability of the item. Core Activities. Ideation & Sketching: Students research real-world objects, brainstorm designs, and sketch initial ideas using geometric solids. CAD Modeling: Students import or construct shapes in a user-friendly 3D CAD environment (e.g., Tinkercad or Fusion 360), focusing on alignment, scaling, and boolean operations (union/subtraction) to create a combined model. Math Connections: They calculate approximate surface area, volume, and predict 3D print times or materials used. This might also involve problem-solving around stability and weight distribution. Iterative Prototyping: Students print small-scale prototypes, observe flaws or design improvements, then adjust the model and reprint if time allows. Presentation & Reflection: Learners showcase their final 3D-printed object, explain the design choices, and reflect on how math and computer science skills drove their success.

Super Clean Life

Disciplines/Subjects: Language、Science、Social Study、Visual Arts Key Themes: Empathy、Clean life、Material change、Marketing and sales In this project, learners will act as an expert team to help "Stinky Princess" solve some of the problems she encounters in her life. "Stinky Princess" hopes to find a magical soap that not only makes her clean and fragrant but is also made from eco-friendly and healthy materials. During this learning journey, learners will be assigned the following roles: Bacteria Investigator: When they put on the white investigator's hat, they need to gather as much knowledge as possible about bacteria through various channels, create a set of bacteria profile cards, and make an "ID card" for the bacteria residents. Healthy Lifestyle Guardian: When they put on the green guardian's hat, they need to explore and experience a lifestyle that coexists harmoniously with bacteria and nature during their outings, and document their inspirations and creative ideas. Magic Experimenter: When they put on the blue experimenter's hat, they will use their knowledge of acids, bases, and changes in states of matter to conduct chemical magic experiments. Fragrant Clean World Inventor: When they put on the yellow inventor's hat, the most critical part of the project arrives, soap making! In this phase, they need to consider factors such as cleanliness, environmental friendliness, scent, safety, and user needs. Soap Company Salesperson: When they put on the red salesperson's hat, it means they need to find suitable customers to promote their product. At this stage, they must use specific sales techniques tailored to different clients to market their product effectively.

"Future Technology City" Unpowered Flying Car Challenge

Disciplines/Subjects: Engineering Design, Physics, Mathematics, Art Key Themes:Gravity Drive, Green Energy, Engineering Innovation, Physics Modeling，Track Car Set against the backdrop of a future energy crisis, fourth-grade learners take on the role of "Tomorrow Tech City Engineers" to design and build a gravity-powered, zero-energy vehicle. By studying track parameters (a test track that is 2 meters high and 7.5 meters long), they apply engineering thinking to optimize the wheelbase, track width, and center of gravity, addressing the challenge of balancing stability on curves with speed. Throughout the project, learners go through the entire process of problem definition (energy needs) - conceptual design (three-view drawing) - material selection (lightweight wood/plastic structure) - iterative testing (speed and friction control) - and product launch (tech expo roadshow). Using limited materials (A4 plywood, 3D-printed gears, etc.), they create an eco-friendly vehicle. This project showcases a deep integration of engineering design thinking and physical principles (potential energy conversion, friction mechanics), and through teamwork, learners achieve a leap from design to reality.

Fantasy Animals

Disciplines/Subjects: ELA/Visual Arts Key Themes: Animals, Surrealism, Creativity, Hybrid Creatures Learners played Exquisite Corpse to explore surrealism and creativity. They then brainstormed, sketched, and designed their own fantasy animals by combining features from at least three different animals. To prepare for their final artwork, learners participated in a watercolor techniques workshop, practicing wet-on-wet, dry brush, salt texture, and alcohol effects. They applied these techniques to create their fantasy creatures using drawing, watercolor, and ink. As an ELA component, learners wrote aproximately 50-word background stories describing their creatures. Sentence starters, vocabulary prompts, and peer feedback supported their writing. The project concluded with presentations, where learners shared their artwork and stories.

The Engineer in the Kitchen

Disciplines/Subjects: Science, Engineering Design, Mathematics Key Themes:Problem Solving, Engineering Design, Creative Thinking, Team Collaboration In the "Engineers in the Kitchen" project, third-grade learners transform into young engineers. By observing and researching real problems in the kitchen, they design and create time-saving and labor-saving kitchen tools. From data collection to prototype design, and through testing and improvement, they experience the entire engineering design process. They showcase their creative outcomes at a final product launch. The project emphasizes interdisciplinary integration and cultivates learners' abilities to solve real-world problems and their spirit of teamwork.

How can time be seen and heard?

Disciplines/Subjects: Performing Arts / Visual Arts Key Themes: Watch designs / Music Production Performing arts teacher Leo Xu and visual arts teacher APM collaborated on a cross-disciplinary creative teaching project—“Time in Sight & Sound.” The two teachers guided learners in exploring the interconnected perception and imagination between visual and auditory arts. Centered around the theme of “Time,” the learners created many outstanding works.

Energy as waves

This project aims to demonstrate that a change in energy will result in a change in wave characteristics. By conducting research, collecting data, and developing a working model, we will analyze how variations in energy impact wave properties such as amplitude, frequency, and wavelength. The students were supposed to submit 2 artifacts and share or present the same to their classmates. 1) Research and data report 2) A working model for data collection

"Make things like Grandpa" -- Using waste to make renewable items

Disciplines/Subjects: Art design, Science, language Art Key Themes:Recycle renewable resources and consider the impact of existing consumption attitudes on the planet，Civic Responsibility "Grandpa Must Have a Way" tells the story of Grandpa turning old blankets into various new items, conveying the environmental concept of making the best use of everything and recycling. At a time when resources are tight and the need for environmental protection is urgent, this picture book provides an excellent entry point for inspiring the public, especially teenagers, to pay attention to recycling renewable resources. Participants will have a deep understanding of the concept, types and importance of recycling renewable resources, and know the recycling process of common renewable resources in life, such as paper, plastic, metal, fabric, etc. Stimulate participants' interest in environmental protection and resource recycling, and establish a consumption concept of cherishing resources and reducing waste. Exercise the practical ability of participants to transform old objects, and cultivate innovative thinking and teamwork spirit. Participants are encouraged to actively practice resource recycling and reuse in daily life, and encourage people around them to participate in environmental protection actions.

Projects

Each project is like an adventure journey. As little detectives, we keep asking questions and, with curiosity and courage, try to solve every challenge.