Waving Across Continents: U.S. and Colombian Elementary Students' Journey with Water
- IVECA Center
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
On November 18, IVECA classrooms in West Covina and Montería buzzed with excitement as children waved eagerly to their partners across the globe. After months of virtual exchange between the United States and Colombia and exploring how water moves through our planet, the long-awaited Live Class finally arrived. What began as simple science lessons blossomed into a shared intercultural adventure between young learners. They were just as fascinated by water's journey as they were by discovering one another’s daily lives, cultures, and perspectives. Their project, “The Journey of Water,” became the heart of their connection and a gateway to new global friendships.
Throughout the semester, the students explored the hydrologic cycle through scientific experiments and observations while communicating in their partner country's language. U.S. elementary students explained the changing states of water in relation to real-world challenges such as unequal access to clean water. They reflected, “Many communities still struggle to ensure accessible drinking water for everyone,” highlighting their growing understanding of global issues. Colombian students studied the same processes through examples from their daily activities--using freezers, observing rivers, and watching clouds over Montería--making the science relevant to their personal lives.
One of the most memorable activities was creating water-character stories. Students transformed science into playful adventures featuring droplets, ice cubes, and water vapour travelling through the water cycle. Colombian students introduced characters like Pepe the Ice Cube, who melted, evaporated, became contaminated, and later was cleaned by a kind scientist, Isaac the Droplet, who rose into a polluted cloud before returning to a clear spring. Bubbly the Water Vapour floated joyfully through the sky until encountering pollution from factories. U.S. students shared stories inspired by places like Santa Monica beach, describing how a droplet rose from ocean waves into the clouds on a hot summer day.
These stories showed how students began to empathize with water as they imagined water’s experiences and the impact of human pollution, naturally leading them to discuss environmental responsibility. U.S. students commented, “We are the guardians of the planet… every individual action contributes to ensuring that clean, vital water flows freely.” Colombian students echoed this message, urging their peers to “keep the Earth clean: throw trash in the bin, recycle, and don’t pollute.” Through their stories and discussions, children understood how human actions affect water’s movement and quality, and they recognized their own role in protecting the environment.
The principals from both schools closed the Live Class, noting the value of the experience. The U.S. principal emphasized how meaningful it was to see students engage with global themes like water protection and environmental stewardship. He praised their growing awareness of global responsibilities and warmly welcomed Colombian students to visit California in the future. The Colombian principal expressed gratitude for the enriching opportunity, saying that the exchange helped students broaden their worldview, strengthen their communication skills, and experience collaboration beyond borders.
This collaboration between the two elementary schools showed how science, creativity, and intercultural dialogue can transform learning. Students strengthened academic skills, deepened their environmental awareness, practiced bilingual communication, and built friendships across continents. Their final messages said it all: this was not a goodbye, but a “see you soon.”
