Programme of Inquiry

Who We Are

An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.

Where we are in Place and Time

An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations, and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

How we Express Ourselves

An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs, and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

How the World Works

An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.

How we Organize Ourselves

An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.

Sharing the Planet

An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

Programme of Inquiry for Kindergarten

Who We Are	Where we are in Place and Time	How we Express Ourselves	How the World Works	How we Organize Ourselves	Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: Our identity is shaped by cultural interactions. Lines of Inquiry: People have similarities and differences Celebrations help us share our culture We are influenced when learning about others Key Concepts: Perspective, Connection, Change Related Concepts: Celebrations, Customs, Influences, Traditions Families ATL Skills: Self-Management, Research Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Balanced Knowledgeable Inquirer Subject Focus: Social Studies, Art, Music, PE		Central Idea: We find creative ways to tell others about ourselves. Lines of Inquiry: Expressions through music Feelings motivate the creation of art Feelings have meanings Key Concepts: Function, Connection, Perspective Related Concepts: Emotions, Creativity, Goods/Services, Consumer, Producers ATL Skills: Communication Skills, Social Skills, Research Skills Learner Profile: Open-minded Reflective Communicator Subject Focus: RELA, Math, Social Studies, Art, Music	Central Idea: Living things are impacted by their environment. Lines of Inquiry: Our environment provides us with needs People have responsibilities Changes happen around us Key Concepts: Causation, Responsibility, Change Related Concepts: Citizenship, Rights, Roles, ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Self-Management, Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Principled, Thinker, Risk-Taker Subject Focus: Social Studies Science Reading	Central Idea: Our experiences help us make decisions. Lines of Inquiry: Problem solving in daily life Events and experiences in life Making decisions Key Concepts: Causation, Change, Perspective Related Concepts: Diversity, Prediction, Tradition, Decision Making ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Self-Management Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Balanced Knowledgeable Inquirer Subject Focus: Health, Science, RELA, Math

Programme of Inquiry for First Grade

Who We Are	Where we are in Place and Time	How we Express Ourselves	How the World Works	How we Organize Ourselves	Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: People are responsible for their choices and their outcomes. Lines of Inquiry: The telling of stories Planning when problem solving Choices and interactions Key Concepts: Perspective Responsibility Reflection Related Concepts: Story telling, Decision making, Natural resources, Sound Problem Solving ATL Skills: Thinking Skills Communication Skills Learner Profile: Open-minded, Thinker, Knowledgeable Subject Focus: Science, Social Studies, Health, RELA, Math	Central Idea: Discoveries and ways of life help us understand the relationship between the past and present. Lines of Inquiry: The past Cultural History Timelines Key Concepts: Perspective Connection Causation Related Concepts: Sound Vibrations, Time, Timelines, Sequence, Diversity, Chronology ATL Skills: Research Skills, Thinking Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Thinker, Open-minded, Inquirer Subject Focus: Science, Social Studies	Central Idea: Sounds express feelings and allow us to creatively communicate. Lines of Inquiry: Sounds and vibrations Feelings and Emotions Sounds and Feelings Key Concepts: Causation, Form, Function Related Concepts: Emotions, Expressions, Energy, Sound waves ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Self-Management Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Inquirer, Knowledgeable, Communicator Subject Focus: Science, Health, Music	Central Idea: Exploring interactions on Earth helps us understand the world around us. Lines of Inquiry: Rules and responsibilities Light and Shadow Communities have citizens Key Concepts: Connection, Causation, Function Related Concepts: Citizenship, Roles, Interdependency, Cycle, Translucency ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Self-Management Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Inquirer, Communicator, Thinker Subject Focus: Science, Social Studies, RELA, Art	Central Idea: For a community to function, it must have organization. Lines of Inquiry: Organization at home and school Organizations in communities Technology’s role in communities Key Concepts: Perspective, Causation, Function Related Concepts: Needs/wants, Consumer, Producer, Scarcity Resource, Organization, System, Technology ATL Skills: Self-Management Skills, Thinking Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Reflective, Balanced, Caring Subject Focus: Social Studies, Health, RELA, Math	Central Idea: Actions have a direct effect on Earth’s resources. Lines of Inquiry: Where are resources and where do we find them How we use resources The effects of actions on resources Key Concepts: Function, Form, Responsibility Related Concepts: Patterns, Traits, Sorting, Money, Data, Preservation ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Research Skills Learner Profile: principled inquirer communicator Subject Focus: Science, Social Studies, RELA, Math

Programme of Inquiry for Second Grade

Who We Are	Where we are in Place and Time	How we Express Ourselves	How the World Works	How we Organize Ourselves	Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: Functions in communities support the needs of its members. Lines of Inquiry: School and community rituals and routines Citizens have common rights that that are protected and guaranteed Systems interconnect to sustain life Key Concepts: Form, Function, Connection Related Concepts: Patterns, Rules, Community, Systems, Sustainability, Laws, ATL Skills: Self Management and Communication Skills Learner Profile: Thinker, Communicator, Principled Subject Focus: Social Studies, Reading	Central Idea: Geography impacts living things. Lines of Inquiry: Maps: the information they provide The use of data to learn about habitats Habitats of living things Key Concepts: Form, Causation, Connection Related Concepts: Geography, Graphing, Data Analysis, Life Cycle, Maps ATL Skills: Research Skills, Social Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Knowledgeable, Communicator, Inquirer Subject Focus: Social Studies, Science, RELA, Math	Central Idea: Our lifestyle and culture impact the decisions we make. Lines of Inquiry: Culture, food, and Traditions Problem Solving A balanced diet Key Concepts: Form , Causation, Perspective Related Concepts: Calorie, Nutrition, Culture, Traditions, Customs, Problem Solving ATL Skills: Communication Skills, Research Skills Self-Management Skills Learner Profile: Balanced, Principled, Inquirer Subject Focus: Social Studies, Health, Math	Central Idea: Learning about changes helps us make connections. Lines of Inquiry: Past and Present Changes on Earth Making Comparisons Key Concepts: Connection, Change, Form Related Concepts: Technology, Matter, Numbers ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Research Skills Learner Profile: Caring, Knowledgeable, Thinker Subject Focus: Science, Social Studies, Math	Central Idea: People provide goods and services based on community wants and needs and available resources. Lines of Inquiry: Human needs and wants Plant needs and wants Making responsible choices Key Concepts: Perspective, Causation, Responsibility Related Concepts: Trade, Resource, Service, Barter, Consumer, Producer ATL Skills: Communication Skills, Thinking Skills Learner Profile: Thinker, Reflective, Balanced Subject Focus: Math, Social Studies, Science	Central Idea: Our connection to natural resources and living things brings a responsibility to protect the planet. Lines of Inquiry: Water on Earth; Landforms in my neighborhood Use of earth’s resources Key Concepts: Responsibility, Function, Connection Related Concepts: Conservation, Resources, Cycle ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Research Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Principled, Caring, Communicator Subject Focus: Science, Social Studies

Programme of Inquiry for Third Grade

Who We Are	Where we are in Place and Time	How we Express Ourselves	How the World Works	How we Organize Ourselves	Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: Humans have a responsibility to support a functioning world. Lines of Inquiry: Ways that actions affect the world Making the right choices Our contributions make a difference Key Concepts: Responsibility, Connection, Causation Related Concepts: Consumer, Producer, Goods, Services, Community, Decision-making, Survival ATL Skills: Social Skills, Self-Management Skills, Thinking Skills Learner Profile: Thinker, Reflective, Communicator Subject Focus: Social Studies, Science, Health, RELA, Math	Central Idea: Our daily life is based on change and circumstances. Lines of Inquiry: Patterns in daily life Changes occur over time Life is influenced by our communities Key Concepts: Causation, Change, Perspective Related Concepts: Patterns, Culture, Sequence, Activism ATL Skills: Research Skills, Thinking Skills, Self-Management Skills Learner Profile: Thinker, Open-minded, Knowledgeable Subject Focus: Science, Social Studies, Math, Reading	Central Idea: The use of languages and the arts can help us express ourselves. Lines of Inquiry: A picture can say a thousand words There is power in words The use of words to solve conflicts Key Concepts: Perspective, Responsibility, Reflective Related Concepts: Geography, Force, Magnetism, Gravity, Adaptations, Resources, Language, Power ATL Skills: Communication Skills, Research Skills, Thinking Skills Learner Profile: Communicator, Thinker, Inquirer Subject Focus: Social Studies, Science, Health, RELA	Central Idea: The world functions based on interdependence. Lines of Inquiry: There are interdependent structures and systems Changes in patterns My perspective is based on my understanding Key Concepts: Function, Connection, Change, Perspective Related Concepts: Communities, Government, Patterns Place, Value, System, Weather, Laws, Rules ATL Skills: Self Management Skills, Communication Skills, Research Skills Learner Profile: Balanced, Communicator, Thinker Subject Focus: Social Studies, Science, RELA	Central Idea: We can learn by analyzing interactions and patterns in daily life. Lines of Inquiry: Past and Present Interactions among living things Patterns Key Concepts: Causation, Function, Connection Related Concepts: Time, Force, Community, History, Motion, Patterns, Chronology, Sequence ATL Skills: Communication Skills, Research Skills, Thinking Skills Learner Profile: Balanced, Reflective, Knowledgeable Subject Focus: Social Studies, Science, RELA, Math	Central Idea: Our planet has limited resources that need conserving Lines of Inquiry: Human roles in conservation of resources The effects of scarcity How our interpretation of data affects our actions Key Concepts: Responsibility, Causation, Reflection Related Concepts: Bartering, Interdependence, Recycling, Environment, Counting, Scarcity ATL Skills: Social Skills, Research Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Communicator, Thinker, Inquirer Subject Focus: Social Studies, Science, RELA

Programme of Inquiry for Fourth Grade

Who We Are	Where we are in Place and Time	How we Express Ourselves	How the World Works	How we Organize Ourselves	Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: Interactions among people balances adaptation of identity and culture. Lines of Inquiry: Effects of changes within Earth’s surface Government and its connection to culture. RELA Our own personal histories, backgrounds, & traditions Key Concepts: Change, Connection, Perspective Related Concepts: Culture, Interaction, Diversity, Empathy ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Social Skills, Self Management Skills Learner Profile: Open-minded, Caring, Balanced Subject Focus: Social Studies, RELA	Central Idea: Human migration affects communities, cultures, and individuals. Lines of Inquiry: Migration occurs for many reasons. How migration results in change. Perspective related to migration Key Concepts: Causation, Change, Perspective Related Concepts: Rights, Migration/Movement, Conflict ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Social Skills, Researching Skills Learner Profile: Thinker, Open-Minded, Risk Taker Subject Focus: Social Studies, RELA, Visual Art	Central Idea: People who find their voice and use it positively empower themselves and influence others. Lines of Inquiry: Our voice is part of the community & system. Famous individuals’ use of voice steers transformation How your unique voice enhances your writing Key Concepts: Connection, Responsibility, Perspective Related Concepts: Voice, Transformation, Mindset ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Social Skills, Communication Skills , Research Skills Learner Profile: Principled, Open-Minded, Communicator Subject Focus: Social Studies, RELA, Math, Science, Music	Central Idea: Earth’s surface changes over time as a result of natural processes & human activity. Lines of Inquiry: Characteristics of Earth’s surface Factors that change Earth’s surface Impact of earth’s changes Key Concepts: Form, Change, Causation Related Concepts: Time, Pressure, Geology ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Research Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Inquirer, Thinker, Communicator Subject Focus: Science, Mathematics	Central Idea: Entrepreneurs consider purpose and forces when creating products and services. Lines of Inquiry: How entrepreneurs consider purpose and needs and wants The forces that influence decision making The process an entrepreneur follows Key Concepts: Form, Causation, Connection Related Concepts: System, Economics, Social Responsibility ATL Skills: Researching Skills, Self Management Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Principled, Risk Taker, Inquirer Subject Focus: Mathematics, Social Studies	Central Idea: When interacting with natural habitats, humans make choices that have an impact on other living things. Lines of Inquiry: Balance between rights and responsibilities when interacting with natural habitats Human impact on natural habitats How living things respond to changing environmental conditions. Key Concepts: Causation, Change, Responsibility Related Concepts: Ecosystems, Habitat, Conservation, Human Impact, and Consequences System of Survival ATL Skills: Researching Skills, Thinking Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Caring, Principled, Knowledgeable Subject Focus: Science, RELA, Social Studies

Programme of Inquiry for Fifth Grade

Who We Are	Where we are in Place and Time	How we Express Ourselves	How the World Works	How we Organize Ourselves	Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: Opposing perspectives can lead to conflict. Lines of Inquiry: Interdependency is based on a system’s components Actions to meet needs can lead to conflict Living things adapt to grow and prosper Key Concepts: Perspective, Responsibility, Reflection Related Concepts: Conflict, Systems, Energy/Power, Growth, Compromise, Interdependency ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Research Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Principled, Open-minded, Inquirer Subject Focus: Social Studies, Science, Health	Central Idea: The effects of systemic changes leave lasting impacts. Lines of Inquiry: Changes in Earth’s systems over time Interconnectedness between systems (connection) Different factors influence experiences Key Concepts: Change, Connection, Perspective Related Concepts: Systems, Cycle, Conflict, Movement, Culture ATL Skills: Research Skills, Social Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Open-Minded, Inquirers, Risk-Takers Subject Focus: Social Studies, Science, Math, RELA	Central Idea: Media influences decision-making Lines of Inquiry: Communication can be expressed in various ways. Analysis and evaluation of facts, opinions, and misinformation Different experiences lead to different interpretations Key Concepts: Form, Reflection, Perspective Related Concepts: Choice, Propaganda, Bias, Misinformation, Communication ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Social Skills, Communication Skills Learner Profile: Open-Minded Subject Focus: Social Studies, Science, RELA	EXHIBITION UNIT!!!!	Central Idea: The distribution and operation of power depends on specific attributes. Lines of Inquiry: Global impact of progressive ideas Differences in socio-economic status affect decision-making External systems change existing states Key Concepts: Connection, Causation, Function Related Concepts: Economics, Structure, Order, Growth, Power, Cycle ATL Skills: Thinking Skills, Research Skills, Social Skills Learner Profile: Thinker, Open-Minded, Risk-Taker Subject Focus: Math, RELA, Science, Social Studies	Central Idea: Scarcity challenges the survival and interdependence of systems. Lines of Inquiry: Interaction of different earth and space systems Limited resources lead to interdependence among living things Survival needs to address the rights and responsibilities of all humans Key Concepts: Form, Perspective, Causation Related Concepts: Scarcity, Interdependence, System, Challenge, Survival ATL Skills: Self-Management Skills, Thinking Skills, Social Skills Learner Profile: Communicator, Thinker, Principled Subject Focus: Social Studies, RELA, Math, Science