Sunroomers - From Science to Society

How the World Works - 

The Sunroomers have completed their inquiry into how scientific exploration enhances human existence. By conducting a number of experiments, and seeing themselves as scientists, they have used the principles of scientific testing to design their own experiments. 

Does Preshil Need a Dictator?

It's not everyday that you are asked by a 9 year old if you would like to vote in a Preshil Referendum, which would see Arlington become a sovereign state, and then elect a new leader. And it is certainly not everyday that I get asked if I would like to be:

a) President

b) Prime Minister, or

c) Dictator 

I want to assure families that I declined all offers, but I did have lots of questions about the proposed referendum, and what it might take to secede from Australia and declare independence for Preshil. 

The Sunroom are exploring how historical perspectives help to shape societies, and the recent referendum served as a wonderful provocation. Indeed, in true child-led fashion, the provocation came from the children, and has been harnessed by the teaching team to explore our political system, and the elements that make it tick. 

Being responsive to the children's imagination, and playful leanings, the classroom looks set to establish itself as an independent state, and through this inquire into systems of cooperation that will support the Sunroom citizens to understand the central tenets of democratic living... or could we see the rise of an autocracy? 

Through discussion the children are refining their understanding and creating agreed definitions of societal pillars. 

When one child proffered that the class needs to vote on the systems to be put in place, this led to a query about if democracy and voting was assumed, and why?

When one child said all children should have the same money, and equal pay, thereby creating harmony and abolishing need, this led to objections which are yet to be explored.

These thought experiments are sitting at the centre of this inquiry. The children will wrestle with the problems of determining what are the needs of the people, and how do those needs influence society?