AGIS Conference 2026 Potsdam

Working Together To Support Learning

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9:45am CEST

Science Fair : Reimagining MYP Science from Assessment to Authentic Action

Saturday September 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CEST

This session will explore how a grade 8 science fair can be intentionally designed as an IB MYP checkpoint that builds collaboration, fosters independent thinking and supports students' engagement in open-ended experimental inquiry. Participants will examine how open-ended experiments encourage students to formulate their own research questions, make methodological decisions, collaborate meaningfully, and reflect critically on their findings. Aligned with the MYP sciences objectives and assessment criteria (B and C), the science fair is presented not as a standalone event, but as a structured learning process that develops students’ readiness for higher-level scientific investigation. The session highlights how Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills—particularly collaboration, research, critical thinking, and self-management—are explicitly taught, practiced, and assessed throughout the science fair process.

Outcomes of this session:
1. Promote independent thinking and student ownership.
2. Implement practical strategies aligned with IB-MYP criteria.
3. To foster inter-school collaboration, we will establish a shared 'Science Fair Portal'—a digital repository where students from IB schools in Germany upload two-minute video pitches. This platform facilitates student engagement and enables teachers to work collaboratively on academic exchanges .

Speakers

Lloyd Mallender

Secondary Science Teacher, International School Hannover Region

To be added

Soniya Jadhav

Secondary Science teacher, International School Hannover Region

A dedicated IB Science educator and recipient of the 2025 Earth Prize Educator of the Year Award. My teaching philosophy rooted on fostering a dynamic, engaging environment where students are encouraged to question, explore concepts in depth, and connect theory and real-world app... Read More →

Saturday September 19, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CEST
0.237 Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam

One-Hour Workshop

Audience Secondary / Middle learners aged 11-16
Subject Science

5:15pm CEST

Empowering Students Through Inquiry-Based Learning and Peer Teaching in DP Sciences

Saturday September 19, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm CEST

0.22

This session is designed for DP sciences, with a specific focus on integrating inquiry-based activities that allow students to take control of their learning while mastering key content, particularly in science. While many parts of the curriculum require teacher-led instruction, there are certain topics in subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology where we can step back and let students drive the lesson through exploration and discovery. The challenge lies in balancing this inquiry approach with the need to cover all necessary content, particularly within the time constraints of the IB curriculum. In this workshop, teachers will learn how to create inquiry-driven lessons that promote self-learning, while still ensuring that practice test questions and required content are effectively integrated. We’ll explore ways to manage time efficiently, allowing students to engage deeply with the material without sacrificing essential learning objectives. By shifting to a facilitator role in certain units, teachers can encourage active student participation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The focus will be on creating a dynamic classroom environment where students take ownership of their learning, preparing them for success in assessments while fostering a deeper understanding of the subject.

Speakers