Fifth Grade Changemakers: From Classroom Research to the State Capitol

Fifth Grade Changemakers: From Classroom Research to the State Capitol

Our fifth-grade students recently swapped their desks for the halls of power, embarking on a pivotal field trip to the State Legislative Office Building and the State Capitol. This visit served as a bridge between their classroom research and real-world advocacy, marking a significant milestone in their IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition journey.

Connecting Inquiry to Action

For the past several weeks, students have been deep-diving into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whether they are tackling Climate Action, Reduced Inequalities, or Clean Water and Sanitation, the goal of the Exhibition is not just to learn, but to take action.

The trip provided a unique platform for our young researchers to:

• Consult the Experts: Students met directly with legislators and policy advisors to discuss how global goals are being addressed through local laws.

• Advocate for Change: Armed with data from their Exhibition inquiries, many students took the opportunity to ask "the tough questions" about current bills and state initiatives.

• Understand the System: Walking the floor of the Capitol helped students visualize the path a bill takes—from an idea sparked by a community need to a law that impacts millions.

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Insights from the Floor

The energy was palpable as students moved between committee rooms and the historic chambers. Meeting with legislators allowed them to see that the leaders shaping our future are approachable and eager to hear from the next generation. Students had the opportunity to meet Representative Kadeem Roberts, Representative Kevin Brown, Representative Laurie Sweet, and  Majority Leader Jason Rojas. We also had the opportunity to have a meet and greet, Q&A session with lobbyist, Monika Nugent, a CREC Academy of international Studies Elementary School parent. 

"I had a lot of fun and we asked good questions. I learned a bill doesn't just become a law, but that it has to go through a variety of stages to become a law. It is our job to spark the ideas to make change." — Naisha Varma

The Road to the Exhibition

This experience was more than just a tour; it was a primary research opportunity. The interviews conducted and the notes taken during the visit will be integrated into the students' final Exhibition presentations.

By engaging with the democratic process, our students are proving that they aren't just learning about the world—they are preparing to lead it. We look forward to seeing how this "action" informs their final projects later this term!