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.

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.

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.

Arduino-Powered Drawing Robot: Merging Art, Engineering, and Coding

Disciplines/Subjects: Engineering Computer Science (Coding) Art and Design Mathematics (Geometry, Measurements) Key Themes: Robotics and Automation Creative Problem-Solving Interdisciplinary Learning (STEM + Art) Hands-On Engineering In this project, students designed and built a drawing robot using Arduino microcontrollers, servo motors, and basic mechanical components. Inspired by the Arduino Drawing Robot from Instructables, the project combined engineering, coding, and creativity. Students worked in teams to assemble the robot, write and upload code to control its movements, and troubleshoot challenges. The final goal was to create a functional robot capable of drawing geometric patterns and designs, showcasing the intersection of technology and art.

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.