Annabelle Kalb, PYP teacher, International School of Stuttgart, Germany
In Grade 3 at the International School of Stuttgart, we believe learning is most powerful when driven by curiosity, big ideas, and student voice. Our recent unit under the IB Primary Years Programme’s transdisciplinary theme “How the world works” invited students to explore the central idea:
“Our Earth is a unique part of an interconnected solar system.”
With 21 students from diverse backgrounds—many learning English as an additional language—our classroom became a space where different perspectives enriched the inquiry. Through an inquiry-based approach, we encouraged students to ask meaningful questions, explore key concepts, and take ownership of their learning journey.
Starting with purpose
We launched the unit with three guiding questions:
- What are we learning?
- Why are we learning it?
- How are we learning it?
Students shared their thoughts on sticky notes, helping them reflect on the unit’s purpose. These early conversations laid the foundation for a classroom culture rooted in student agency.
Concepts at the heart of learning
As an IB World School, we frame learning through specified concepts. This unit focused on:
- Form – What is it like?
- Connection – How is it connected?
- Function – How does it work?
These concepts moved the learning beyond facts. Students explored how systems in space work together and how those relationships affect life on Earth.
The power of questioning
Using Trevor MacKenzie’s Question Pencil, students learned to shift from closed-to-open-ended questions—ones that lead to deeper thinking. Instead of asking, “How many planets are there?” they began to wonder, “Would the Earth have energy without the sun?” or “Will Earth eventually overheat from the sun?”
One initially disengaged student eventually became curious and inspired through the inquiry process, showing how student voice transforms learning when learners feel their questions matter.
From wondering to action
As questions filled the board we then organized them into categories—Earth, Sun, Black Holes, etc.—and students selected topics for personal inquiry. They used books, videos, and teacher support to guide their research and presented their findings through posters, audiobooks, and digital presentations.
This student-led investigation developed key Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.
Reflection and growth
Students reflected throughout the unit, monitoring their learning and identifying next steps. Their questions deepened over time, and they demonstrated their understanding creatively.
By the end, they didn’t just know more about the solar system—they became better thinkers, collaborators, and inquirers, prepared to explore new challenges in the world around them.
Five key takeaways from our unit on “How the world works”:
- Student agency drives learning
Ownership and choice boost motivation and engagement. - Conceptual learning builds lasting understanding
Big ideas like form, function, and connection help students apply knowledge across contexts. - Open-ended questions lead to deeper thinking
Questioning skills turn curiosity into meaningful inquiry. - Diverse perspectives enrich learning
International-mindedness creates richer discussions and understanding. - Inquiry is about the process, not just the product
The journey of asking, investigating, and reflecting fosters lifelong learning skills.
