Projects-MOONSHOT ACADEMY

Zero-Carbon Building-Building a Sustainable Future

Disciplines/Subjects: Architecture, Environmental Science, Engineering, Physics Key Themes: Zero-Carbon Building, Renewable Energy, Smart Building, Carbon Neutrality, Sustainable Development In the face of the intensifying global climate change, humanity is confronted with unprecedented environmental challenges. Scientific research indicates that the construction industry is one of the major sources of global carbon emissions, accounting for a significant proportion of the total global emissions. To tackle this challenge, countries around the world are taking action to reduce carbon emissions in the construction sector. China, as one of the largest construction markets globally, is actively responding to the national "dual carbon" goals (carbon peak and carbon neutrality), promoting the green transformation of the construction industry, and achieving sustainable development. Against this backdrop, our project is launched. It aims to design and construct a zero-carbon building model through interdisciplinary collaboration, demonstrating how to achieve minimal environmental impact and maximum energy efficiency in architecture. Students will learn the principles of zero-carbon buildings, including energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and resource management, and apply them to real architectural design. The core of the project is to have students work in teams to design and build a building model that incorporates renewable energy systems (e.g., solar panels) and green building technologies (e.g., green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems). Students need to consider the energy needs of the building, material selection, environmental adaptability, and aesthetic design. They will ultimately present their model and explain their design choices and how they align with zero-carbon goals. Through this project, students will not only master the theoretical knowledge of zero-carbon buildings but also develop teamwork, problem-solving, and innovative design skills. This project is not only a practical exploration of architecture but also a profound experience of sustainable development and a contribution to global climate goals.

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.

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.

Exploring the Chicken-Vegetable Symbiosis System - A Learning Journey from Life to Ecology

Discipline/ Subject: Biology, Ecology, Engineering Key Themes: Life Cycle, Ecological Cycle, Engineering Design, Sustainable Development This project follows the life cycle of chickens as the main thread, integrating ecological cycles and engineering design concepts to create a chicken-vegetable symbiosis system that promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Learners will explore the entire process of chicken incubation, growth, rearing, and its symbiotic relationship with plants while continuously optimizing the system through engineering design and scientific experimentation. The project covers the stages of egg incubation and chick development, the construction and management of the chicken coop, the application of microbiological technology in chicken manure treatment, and the continuous optimization of the ecological symbiosis system. Through hands-on practice, teamwork, and scientific inquiry, learners will enhance their problem-solving abilities and gain a deeper understanding of ecological cycles and sustainable development principles.

Community Handbook - MSA 10KM

Disciplines/Subjects: English Language Arts, Social Science, Geography Key Themes: Expository Writing Community Engagement Local Geography and Environment Civic Responsibility Real-World Application of Writing In this project, students will engage in expository writing to create a comprehensive community handbook for the MSA 10KM area. This area spans from the school campus to a 10km radius. Students will explore the community through activities like walking tours and observations, collecting data on local culture, architecture, and environment. They will then compile this data into a clear, informative guide that can be used by new students, parents, and visitors to understand the community. The project connects writing skills with real-life experiences, demonstrating the value of writing in everyday life. Students will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and civic engagement skills, reinforcing their role in contributing to the community.

Youth-Run Newspaper Project

In this Youth-Run Newspaper project, Grade 7 learners will create and design their own youth-run newspaper. They will take on roles such as reporters, editors, designers, and photographers, producing articles that reflect important events (past/present/future), school news, and issues relevant to their community or the world. Through this process, learners will develop essential literacy, research, and communication skills while gaining hands-on experience in journalism. This task simulates a real-world context where learners work as reporters and editors to gather, write, and present informative articles.

Memory Realm-Building My Family's Digital Legacy

Disciplines/Subjects: Computer Science, Ethics, Language Arts, Design Key Themes: Digital Heritage Preservation, AI Ethics, Memory Digitization, Intergenerational Communication In the "Memory Realm" project, fourth-grade learners will explore the application of artificial intelligence in preserving family memories. As digital memory creators, learners will collect and organize the voices, images, and handwritten texts of their relatives and use AI technology to generate digital family personas.Learners will go through a complete process from memory collection, data organization, AI synthesis, and ethical evaluation to final storage and presentation. They will gain an understanding of the potential and challenges of AI technology while discussing ethical and privacy protection concerns. Ultimately, each learner will create a personalized "Digital Legacy Capsule" to store their family memories.

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.