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Within every primary classroom lies a narrative of discovery, a journey of enlightenment that unfolds with each passing school year. In the dynamic digital landscape of the 21st century, this narrative finds new expression in the digital realm. Amidst this evolution, the Magic “App(le)” project emerges as a beacon, offering primary school students not just a glimpse into digital literacy but also an immersive, interdisciplinary educational odyssey. At its core, the Magic “App(le)” project seeks to provide students with a rich, engaging educational experience centered around the multifaceted understanding of the apple fruit and the acquisition of essential digital skills for effective learning. This unique initiative emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the apple fruit from diverse perspectives while equipping students with the digital tools necessary for educational success.
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The Magic “App(le)” project serves as a gateway to the digital world for primary school students. Through innovative and interactive methods, young explorers delve into the intricacies of digital technology, starting from basic tools and progressing to programming concepts and graphic design, utilizing platforms such as Scratch and Canva. Through these accessible, engaging tools, students are encouraged to cultivate their creativity and practical skills within a stimulating digital environment. From crafting animations and interactive games on Scratch to designing flyers and presentations on Canva, students unlock the transformative potential of digital technology, bringing their ideas to life in a fun, educational manner.
Moreover, daily apple tastings transcend mere enjoyment, becoming opportunities for exploration and learning. Driven by curiosity, students harness the power of the Google search engine to delve deeper into the varieties of apples they enjoy. Collating information, they collaboratively compile their findings into an Excel document, fostering knowledge-sharing among project participants. Leveraging this compiled data, students utilize the Glide digital app creation tool to develop an interactive application, providing users with a wealth of valuable information on various apple varieties.
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Another compelling aspect of the Magic “App(le)” project is its integration of digital learning with interdisciplinary exploration, centered around the apple. From science and mathematics to arts and literature, students are invited to explore the apple’s universe from diverse perspectives.
Interdisciplinary lessons immerse students in the apple’s growth process, nutritional composition, and cultural significance. This holistic approach nurtures a profound understanding of the fruit, emphasizing the importance of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. In science, children embark on field trips to orchards, engaging with farmers and experiencing apple harvesting firsthand. They explore the apple tree’s structure and conduct experiments, including crafting a makeshift battery powered by apples.
In mathematics and technology education, students apply concepts while concocting delicious apple recipes, honing their skills in proportions, measurements, and calculations. They also engage in crafting decorations from dehydrated apple slices, fostering creativity and practical abilities.
In Romanian language classes, students delve into texts exploring the symbolism and cultural significance of apples in literature. Encouraged to unleash their creativity, they craft stories alongside peers from other schools, expanding their expressive and imaginative capacities.
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In visual arts education, students collaborate with a painter, exploring various forms and perspectives of the apple, thereby delving into the fruit’s expressive diversity.
The project culminates in a memorable endeavor – the planting of apple trees. Symbolizing a commitment to the environment, this act embodies a tangible step toward a greener, more sustainable future. The captivating Magic “App(le)” project, characterized by its diversity, unfolds through an impressive international collaboration. Involving 22 teachers from 12 schools across 5 countries – Greece, Malta, Moldova, Romania, and Türkiye – this transnational partnership enriches the learning experience by amalgamating diverse perspectives. Strengthening ties between schools and communities, this international collaboration fosters global understanding and cooperation. Through this project, a robust network of education professionals emerges, poised to inspire and share knowledge with students and colleagues worldwide.
The Magic “App(le)” project transcends mere education; it embarks students on a magical journey of knowledge and exploration. By seamlessly integrating digital literacy with interdisciplinary apple exploration, this initiative equips young learners for an ever-evolving digital world, nurturing their imagination, creativity, and critical thinking skills essential for active, informed citizenship.
Thus, the Magic “App(le)” project epitomizes an innovative, holistic approach to promoting interactive, interdisciplinary learning. By unraveling the diverse facets of apples – from science and art to foreign languages and mathematics – the project kindles critical thinking and creativity in students, making learning both captivating and educational.
About the author
Iuliana Rădulescu is a Scientix Ambassador and a Grade II Educator at “Abeceluș” Primary School and Kindergarten.
Tags: 21st century skills, creativity, digital competences, Digital Literacy, hands-on science education, interactive action potential, interdisciplinary education, Sharing Knowledge, STEAM education, storytelling
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