Projects-MOONSHOT ACADEMY

Multi-cultural Villages and Tribes

Disciplines/Subjects: History, geography, art and global citizenship Key Themes: Cultural Diversity Tribal Traditions Geography and Environment Social Structures and Roles Global Awareness This project explores the diverse cultures of various tribes and villages across the globe. Students will dive into the history, geography, social structures, daily life, and survival methods of these communities. By researching different tribes such as the Maasai, Cherokee, and others, students will understand how geography influences daily life and culture. The project culminates in the creation of display boards for a final expo, where students will share their findings, models, and visual work to showcase their understanding of the tribes they’ve researched.

From Farm to Table

Disciplines/Subjects: Science、Social Study、Language Key Themes: Curiosity、Healthy eating、Plant growth、Regions and cuisine China is an ancient civilization with a profound history of five thousand years. Our traditional culture is vast and profound, and among it, the culinary culture is particularly charming. Chinese cuisine is not merely food; it also carries our history, customs, and wisdom. We have dumplings during the Spring Festival, symbolizing reunion and wealth; zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival, in memory of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan; and mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival, representing fulfillment and reunion. These delicacies are not only delicious but also imbued with deep cultural significance. Learners are going to open a "Culinary Street" in the Moon Exploration Community, allowing friends from all over the world to taste traditional Chinese cuisine and experience its unique cultural charm. At the same time, they will also promote the concept of healthy eating, so that everyone can enjoy delicious and healthy food. In this project, learners can: Gain an understanding of the concept of healthy eating and learn about the relationship between the human digestive system and diet. Explore the signature dishes of major Chinese cities, learn about traditional Chinese tea culture, and try making traditional Chinese pastries and dried fruits. Discover the beauty of food, understand the culture of traditional Chinese shops, and create their own unique stores.

Exploring Trade in West African Countries: Creating a Visual Work Centered on a Proposal

Disciplines/Subjects: Social Science Key Themes: a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, Trade, West African Countries, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Under the grand vision of the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Africa cooperation is increasingly becoming a global focal point. As a future international relations expert, you will have the opportunity to explore this promising region, applying interdisciplinary knowledge from mathematics, history, and computer science to examine how trade can drive shared prosperity. This project requires you to select a West African country, conduct an in-depth analysis of its trade landscape, identify opportunities and challenges, and write a proposal outlining strategies for economic development. Additionally, you will create a visual piece—whether a poster or video—to present your insights in an engaging and accessible way, helping the public understand and care about West Africa’s future. Through this project, you will enhance your data analysis and problem-solving skills, while learning how to articulate your ideas clearly and persuasively. Your work will be showcased in school gallery corridor and may also be featured on public platforms, allowing more people to witness your efforts and achievements. This is not only an academic leap but also a significant step in personal growth. Let us work together to contribute to the harmonious development of a Community of Shared Future for Mankind, shaping a more equitable and sustainable global trade system for the future.

Biomimetic Design

Disciplines/Subjects: Science、Language、Engineer Key Themes: Creativity, Design, Biomimetics Biomimetics is a discipline that involves understanding the principles and mechanisms of biology and applying this knowledge to fields such as engineering, technology, and design. It aims to imitate the structures, functions, and behaviors of living organisms in nature to develop products and systems that are more efficient, energy-saving, environmentally friendly, and intelligent. The applications of biomimetics are extremely broad, including robotics, aircraft, automobiles, architecture, materials science, medicine, and more. Common examples of biomimetic design in our daily lives range from large-scale items like airplanes and eco-friendly buildings to smaller ones like medical bandages and swimsuits. All these are inspired by nature, which provides endless inspiration to designers willing to change reality. In this project, third-grade learners will observe the different characteristics of plants and animals, identify real-life problems that need to be solved, establish connections between the two, and attempt to design a biomimetic product to address these practical issues. Even more excitingly, they will have the opportunity to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. They will hold a formal product launch with their own design. If they receive support from more judges, they may even have the chance to initiate the production of their entrepreneurial product! Throughout this process, they will act as product designers, understanding what a product is, who it aims to solve problems for, what unique design it should have, and how to transform a design into a tangible prototype. They will also be entrepreneurs, needing to deliver a presentation to showcase their achievements and growth. Of course, we also encourage them to fulfill their roles and contribute within their teams. If they can manage budgeting and design, it may offer even greater assistance to their entrepreneurship.

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.

Laughter Project

Disciplines/Subjects: Science、Social Emotional Learning、ELA、CLA、Performing Arts、Visual Arts Key Themes: Empathy 、Happiness 、Performing The Laughter Project allows kids to be like kids. Students explore their natural joy as they investigate what makes them laugh. They learn about the benefits and social implications of laughter. They connect with experts to learn how to make others laugh, then apply their knowledge by creating a "Bag of Tricks" including jokes, a puppet, a funny book to read, and a personal narrative about a funny moment in their life. Students showcase their knowledge and skills at the "Olders Care Center", where they use their bag of tricks to bring joy and laughter to the residents.

Research on Zheng He's Voyages to the Western Oceans

Disciplines/Subjects: Social Science Key Themes: Maritime Exploration, Cultural Exchange, Argumentative writing, Historical Reflection, Multiple Perspectives and Expression This project takes "Zheng He's Voyages to the Western Oceans" as its theme, allowing learners to explore the significance and impact of this historical event from different perspectives through four sub-tasks. They will assume the roles of historical participants, creating voyage logs to express their experiences and feelings during the voyages; write letters to Emperor Yongle from multiple perspectives, reflecting on the purpose and value of the expeditions; produce video research reports analyzing the historical background, achievements, and controversies of Zheng He's voyages; and finally, watch videos created by their classmates and participate in discussions to deeply reflect on this history and discuss its implications for today's globalized society. The project aims to cultivate students' historical thinking, critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and multimodal expression skills, while inspiring them to connect and reflect on the relationship between history and reality.

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.