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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quanzhou Trip

Disciplines/Subjects: Science, Social Studies, ELA, Visual Art. Key Themes: Chinese Culture Our Grade 5 students recently enjoyed an ELT (Experiential Learning Trip) to Quanzhou, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and traditions. The trip provided a fantastic opportunity for students to experience the essence of the region, from its vibrant tea culture to its artistic performances. Students were thrilled to visit a Shaolin Temple, where they witnessed an awe-inspiring Kung Fu show that highlighted the discipline and artistry of martial arts. They also embraced the local tea tradition by picking fresh tea leaves and learning the delicate rituals of tea-making, discovering the beauty of this age-old Minnan practice. The students explored the local culture further by watching an enchanting puppet show, a performance steeped in storytelling and artistry. Dressing in traditional Minnan attire added a layer of fun and connection to the city’s history, as they admired the detailed craftsmanship of the clothing. The architectural wonders of Quanzhou, with their distinctive curves and intricate carvings, left the students in awe. This immersive experience allowed them to gain a deeper appreciation of the city’s heritage while having a great time. The trip was a perfect blend of learning and enjoyment, bringing the ancient traditions of Quanzhou to life.

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.