Fourth-grade students at Strelitz International Academy engaged in an exciting blend of STEM education and cultural exploration as part of the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) on Tuesday, Oct. 16. Incorporating themes from recent Jewish holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, students applied their inquiry skills in a series of creative, hands-on experiments, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration.
One highlight of the afternoon was a science activity inspired by the symbolic Tashlich tradition. In this experiment, students dropped cubes of baking soda into vinegar, resulting in a fizzing chemical reaction. This visual display represented the act of letting go of the old – much like the traditional casting off sins into flowing water.
The fourth graders also explored the concept of density with a sweet twist. Using honey, oil, and water, they observed how these liquids interacted, discovering how each one layers based on its density. The experiment also linked back to the holiday symbolism of honey, representing a sweet start to the new year.
The grand finale was a structural challenge: building mini sukkot out of marshmallows and other materials. Each group designed and constructed their own sukkah, testing its strength and stability against simulated desert storms. This activity highlighted their creativity and engineering skills, as well as the PYP’s focus on fostering open-minded, reflective learners.
This afternoon of science and cultural connection allowed the students to deepen their understanding of both key scientific concepts and the rich traditions that inspire community and reflection—hallmarks of the IB approach to education.
Ally St. Pierre is admissions and marketing manager at Strelitz International Academy.
