Fourth grade is an important stepping stone year, helping students grow in independence as they begin preparing for their middle school journey at BCCS. This is all done through everyday learning designed to ensure they acquire knowledge and further practice discipleship habits!

For example, in science, students explore energy, what it is, where it comes from, and how we use it in our daily lives. To bring this learning to life, students were introduced to these concepts by visitors from DTE Energy. They explored different types of energy, various energy sources, and practical ways to conserve energy in their everyday routines.

But the learning didn’t stop there. Students were challenged to think more deeply. How much energy do we actually use each day? What impact does that have? How would God want us to use energy wisely? As they wrestled through these questions, they began to recognize that energy use comes with both financial and environmental costs.

Next, students connected their learning to making responsible choices as stewards of God’s creation. To put their thinking into action, they collected and analyzed data on energy use in their classrooms. They tested items like their projectors and Chromebook carts. They discovered that if they turn off the projector, energy use is reduced by at least half! They plan to share their insights with others here at school or at home to save energy and financial resources.

Through intentionality in how teachers design learning, fourth graders are not just covering a topic in science; they’re putting what they learn into practice!