 Guided Discovery through Project Work
Guided Discovery (GD) classes challenge students to explore topics of study by factual research, enquiry and discussion.The Guided Discovery curriculum teaches natural and social sciences using the Ontario curriculum as its framework with some localization using topics sourced from Hong Kong and China. Guided Discovery is an excellent means of igniting passion for lifelong knowledge discovery. The language of instruction, whether in English or Chinese, depends on the grade level and subject.
Guided Discoverys thematic approach allows students to become familiar with a particular subject over 6-8 week periods. Teachers act as facilitators to stimulate students curiosity and to encourage self-exploration of key concepts and ideas. Students learn to work in teams to frame issues, to problem solve, and to present their discoveries and insights with pride of ownership.Research and discussions In different language mediums allow students to understand methods, points of view, and advances in both Western and Chinese cultures.
Examples of Guided Discovery projects include:
- Building tents to withstand Arctic conditions
- Designing robots for a rescue mission in a simulated avalanche
- Creating environmentally friendly houses for people in tropical zones
- LEAD project -- Using the latest LEGO Mindstorm / animation technology, students explore the world of engineering, embrace design and creation through play, and integrate knowledge in science, engineering, multimedia, art and music.
The ISF Academy INSIGHT
LEAD -- Learning through Engineering, Art and Design is a Hong Kong inter-school event initiated by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Laboratory.
All P5 students participate in the LEAD project. Working in teams, students are given a theme-based project that involves building motorized robots, producing animations and composing music with technologies developed by MIT Media Laboratory.
This years theme is Space Exploration, and The ISF Academy students have chosen their project to be about an alien family living in a parallel universe. Through the five-week-long project, students also learn important life skills such as teamwork, organization, planning, problem solving, and presentation techniques. |
The ISF Academy EVIDENCE
Science topics studied in Guided Discovery (GD) classes challenge students to explore topics of study by factual research, enquiry and discussion. GD classes are taught either in Chinese or English depending on the grade level and subject theme. Research and discussions on study topics in different language mediums allows students to understand methods, points of view, and advances in both Western and Chinese cultures. |
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