by Hetty Boon, Junior Kindergarten Lead Teacher -

In the unit of inquiry, “How we organise ourselves”, Ms. Hetty’s students researched how food could take different forms and be processed into different products. JK3 used the kindergarten kitchen to squeeze oranges into juice. The students were very excited witnessing the process of change, and orange juice became the topic of interest from that moment onwards. As the unit progressed, they questioned where orange juice comes from, and how it becomes the juice packet that is sold in supermarkets, which in turn is served on our breakfast tables.

As a class, JK3 focused on developing their questioning techniques while inquiring into the creation and processing of orange juice: Where does the juice come from? What is its texture? Is it as runny as water? Does it have pulp? What kind of equipment do we need to squeeze the juice? What would orange juice machines look like in a factory environment? Can we make our own orange juice machine? They also wondered about how people work together to produce our food and came up with questions such as: Who makes the orange juice? Who controls the juicing machines? How does the orange juice come to our school and classroom?

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The buzz started around the concept of juicing machines as Ms. Hetty’s students showed their understanding of what they think the machine would look like and what it may need to run. First, they researched the topic, using books and videos on how to squeeze oranges, and wrote about it in their Learning Log. The students drew their machines and slowly a plan for creating one of their own from recycled materials was made. The children showed their understanding of the form and purpose of the machine as well as the processes it should undertake.

Ms. Hetty’s students created their own makerspace, a constructionist place, where students give life, shape, function and purpose to their ideas. While using the space, they utilised knowledge, skills, and tools from a wide range of content areas and experiences to display their knowledge and build understanding. By creating machines, students have been given multiple opportunities to think critically and improve their creations throughout the unit. What an amazing learning journey starting from a very young age!