Exploring Johannesburg: A Skyline through Young Eyes

During our Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) lesson, the Grade 2 students explored My City as part of the Big Question, "Where do I belong in the world?" We began by identifying and discussing key landmarks and components of Johannesburg, deepening our understanding of the city.

This led us to explore the concept of a skyline, where we discussed its meaning and significance. To enhance their learning, we took a trip to Higher Ground, where students had the opportunity to observe Johannesburg’s skyline firsthand. This real-life experience sparked curiosity and excitement as they analysed the shapes and structures that define the city’s skyline. With their whiteboards in hand, the students eagerly drew their own interpretations of what they saw, each representation uniquely reflecting their perspective. It was fascinating to see the variations in their drawings and how they captured different details of the cityscape. The walk to and from Higher Ground was just as enriching, as students engaged in meaningful discussions, sharing observations and insights about the skyline and their city.

Back in the classroom, we extended the activity by imagining how the skyline would look at different times of the day—dawn, midday, sunset, and night. The students expressed their interpretations through creative drawings, considering changes in light, shadows and colours. Their enthusiasm and imagination were evident as they visualised how the city transforms throughout the day.

To further integrate their learning, students used Scratch Junior to animate themselves in the city. They designed digital scenes inspired by Johannesburg’s skyline, incorporating movement and creativity to bring their observations to life. This cross-curricular link between technology and inquiry-based learning allowed them to apply coding skills in an engaging, meaningful way while reinforcing their understanding of urban landscapes.

This lesson provided a perfect blend of observation, creativity and technology, allowing students to connect their learning to the real world. It was a truly engaging and meaningful experience that deepened their appreciation of Johannesburg and their sense of belonging within it.