4th Grade Programme of Inquiry

Who We Are

8 weeks

Central idea
Relationships and patterns impact our lives

Key concepts
Perspective, Causation, Connection

Related concepts
Causation- change, Relationships, systems
Connection- culture, movement, values, sequences
Perspective- patterns, challenges, migration

Line of inquiry
1. Movement within systems affects everyday life
2. Institutions reflects collective principles
3. Migration infuses cultural norms into new locations

 

Where we are in place and time

5 weeks

Central idea
Natural conditions impact the development of communities

Key concepts
Change, Form, Connection, Causation

Related concepts
Causation- geography
Change- prediction, conservation
Connection- prediction, pattern
Form- Resources

Line of inquiry
1. The role of geography in the lives of a community
2. The influence of geography and climate on regional natural resources
3. Weather may cause change in an ecosystem

How We Express Ourselves

8 weeks

Central idea
Different Values and perspectives influence conflict.

Key concepts
Causation, Change, Perspective

Related concepts
Causation- cooperation, beliefs, leadership, values, progress
Change- relationship, conflict, equality, structure, diversity
Perspective- resources, values, growth, Environment, roles

Line of inquiry
1. Interdependent relations support growth and survival
2. Conflict may cause development and change
3. Roles and experiences define perspective

How the World Works

6 weeks

Central idea
Interdependency sustains survival in the natural world

Key concepts
Form, Function, Responsibility

Related concepts
N/A

Line of inquiry
1. Environments are defined by specific characteristics
2. Systems are composed of interacting and interdependent elements.
3. Action impacts environment

How We Organize Ourselves

6 weeks

Central idea
Living things drive change

Key concepts
Responsibility, Change, Function

Related concepts
Change- government, Survival, transformation
Function- system, organization, interdependence
Responsibility- structure, interaction

Line of inquiry
1. Roles and responsibility of living things influence interdependence
2. Interactions within systems lead to conflict
3. Living things need structure

Sharing the Planet

5 weeks

Central idea
Exploration drives discoveries

Key concepts
Causation, Form, Function

Related concepts
Causation- cooperation, conservation
Form- order, structure
Function- balance, Interactions

Line of inquiry
1. Structures create order
2. Limited resources can lead to conflict
3. Seasonal changes impact settlements