The Foundation students at Australian International School Malaysia (AISM) celebrated an exciting milestone — 100 Days of Learning — with a memorable zoo adventure in Kuala Lumpur. What began with tiny seeds in the classroom grew into an engaging Project-Based Learning journey exploring plants, animals, habitats, research, writing and design, before culminating in a real-world learning experience at the zoo.
From Tiny Seeds to Big Ideas: Exploring Plants and Living Things
Term 2 was filled with curiosity and discovery as our Foundation students explored the living world through hands-on learning.
Their journey began with something very small: chia seeds and green beans planted in takeaway containers. As the children observed their seeds sprout and grow, they investigated what plant life needs to survive, including water, sunlight and suitable growing conditions. Through these firsthand observations, students developed a deeper understanding of plants, living things and the living world around them.
But while the seeds were sprouting, an even bigger project was beginning — the children wanted to convince Ms Chaplin to let them visit the zoo!
How Project-Based Learning at AISM Brings the Zoo into the Classroom
To build their case, each student was assigned an animal to research. Our young learners investigated where their animal lives, what it eats, its natural habitat, and the unique characteristics that help it survive. From tropical rainforests to open savannahs, students explored how different animals depend on their habitats for food, shelter and safety. They then transformed their discoveries into information reports, developing their early literacy, research and communication skills along the way.
From tropical rainforests to open savannahs, students transformed their discoveries into information reports, developing their early literacy, research and communication skills along the way.
The learning then moved from research to design. Using grid paper, students carefully planned customised animal habitats based on what they had discovered. A monkey enclosure, for example, needed plenty of trees and opportunities for climbing.
Next came the construction phase. The Foundation classroom was gradually transformed into a miniature zoo, bringing together science, literacy, creativity, design and collaboration in one meaningful learning experience.
This type of inquiry and Project-Based Learning at AISM encourages children to ask questions, investigate ideas and apply their knowledge in practical ways — an important part of developing confident and independent learners.
Convincing Ms Chaplin: The Big Presentation
With their research completed and habitats ready, the students invited Ms Chaplin into their classroom.
They presented their proposals, guided her through their miniature zoo and confidently explained what they had discovered about their animals.
Their hard work paid off.
The verdict: We are going to the zoo!
It was the perfect way to celebrate reaching 100 Days of Learning in Foundation.
100 Days of Learning Celebrated at the Zoo
Armed with plenty of enthusiasm and curiosity, our Foundation adventurers covered an impressive 14,301 steps — approximately 5.5 kilometres — in just 3.5 hours.
More importantly, the excursion gave students an opportunity to connect everything they had researched in the classroom with the animals they could now observe in real life.
The day was filled with memorable discoveries. Belle declared the capybara “the cutest thing ever”, while Lawrence was fascinated by the siamang’s climbing and jumping abilities. Shunsei marvelled at the height of the giraffe, while Jack loved watching a hippo make a huge splash as it entered the water.
Kar Him was delighted when he finally spotted the zebra, Junqi and An Yi enjoyed watching the seals perform, and Lucas was captivated by the many different types of snakes. Kar Eu even turned teacher for the day, proudly teaching Mrs Hill how to say “panda” in Chinese!
How AISM Brings Project-Based Learning Beyond the Classroom
At the Australian International School Malaysia, learning extends beyond textbooks and classroom walls. Experiences like this Foundation project give young children opportunities to investigate, create, communicate and make meaningful connections with the world around them.
By combining classroom inquiry with authentic experiences, our students build curiosity, confidence and a genuine enthusiasm for learning from their earliest years at AISM.
Thank you to our Foundation teachers, families and everyone who helped make this 100 Days of Learning celebration such a memorable experience. At the Australian International School Malaysia, experiences like these help our youngest learners build curiosity, confidence and a genuine love of learning.
Discover our Foundation programme to learn more about how AISM brings learning to life, or book a personalised school tour to experience our learning environment and community firsthand.
