VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2 SEPTEMBER 2019

The Grade 5 Chronicles

Mentari Intercultural School Jakarta
(An IB World School)

Right in the Middle of Biodiversity LINES OF

INQUIRY:
Grade 5’s current unit, Sharing the Planet, focuses on the topic of
biodiversity, and one way for the students to understand it better is to
immerse themselves right in the middle of it. Taman Safari served as a good
setting since the 170-hectare park is nestled in the middle of trees and
mountains and houses around 2,500 animals.

On September 11, two big buses filled with excited 5th graders left
MISJ and made their way to their classroom for the day. Once they arrived, Interdependence
the tour guides led the students to some icebreaker activities. Then, they between
climbed into the Taman Safari buses waiting for them and started their organisms,
lessons about biodiversity, living things and the environment. biomes and the
environment
The students were all very enthusiastic in seeing all the animals up
close, but the real deal was when they visited the nursery, animal hospital
and elephant and tiger holdings. There, the tour guides explained about the
animals’ unique
characteristics and how
they help the animals in
adapting to their
environment. Their Living things
habitats were also adapt to their
discussed and the environment
different threats and
dangers in it.

1 2 3
Human
LANGUAGE ARTS interaction with
UOI MATH
the environment
Sharing the Planet - Biodiversity Addition and Subtraction of Subject-Verb Agreement
relies on the interdependent Whole Numbers and Decimals affects the
balance of organisms. Simple Present Tense balance of
Perimeter of Triangles, Squares
Biodiversity and Biomes and Rectangles systems

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Even the diet of the animals was explained to

the students as they saw where and how their
food is being prepared. The students also
learned about the different conservation
programs with them asking questions such as
the release of any captured animal.

The students were given a glimpse of

the harsh reality a wild animal is facing thus, it
helped them realize how human interaction
with the environment deeply affects the
balance of life on earth. Hopefully, this
educational trip had opened their minds and
hearts to the gravity of our responsibility as
stewards of our planet and that they would do
their part in whichever way they are capable.
At the end of the day, Mufasa’s words to Simba
about our environment ring true: It belongs to
no one but is yours to protect. It is a great
responsibility.
The Right to Vote
September 13, 2019 was a memorable day for
MISJ Elementary. For the very first time, a Student
Council will be formed, thus calling for the need to
conduct an election. This was an opportunity for
students to experience campaigning and voting. A
campaign period was assigned wherein students heard
the sides of the two parties. During the election day,
each student was given a ballot to fill in with their votes,
and their pinkie finger was inked to show that they have
already voted. Just like a real election! Once all votes
were counted, Team S was declared the winner.

Island of the Blue Dolphins in a Tweet

COMING UP NEXT…
Sept. 30-Oct. 4 - Midterm break

October 7 - Resumption of
classes

October 24 - United Nations Day

Oct. 31-Nov. 1 - Parent-Teacher

Conference

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The Grade 5 Gallery