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.

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.

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.

Simulated Store Shopping Experience

Disciplines/Subjects: Mathematics Key Themes: Money Price Calculation Role-playing, Shopping Experience Change Transaction In the Grade 2 Mathematics "Money" unit, students engage in an interactive and fun hands-on project—simulating running a small store. In this activity, students are divided into groups and take turns playing the roles of customers, shop assistants, and cashiers. The activity includes: Setting Prices for Items: Students apply their knowledge of price calculation to assign prices to different items. Role Distribution and Interaction: Students rotate between being customers and store staff, learning about store operations and transactions. Simulated Shopping: Customer groups use simulated RMB to purchase items from their designated stalls. Shop assistants help customers select products and inform them of the total price. Cashiers handle payments and give change when necessary. This activity not only allows students to apply their mathematical knowledge in a real-world context but also helps them understand the concepts of money management, price calculation, and social interaction through role play.

"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.

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.

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.

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.