Unit of Inquiry

Unit of Inquiry

Shape of a Leader Where We Are in Place and Time An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories, home and journeys, the discoveries, explorations and migrations of mankind, the relationships between and the interconnectedness of the individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives. Central Idea: People have played a leading role in society which has resulted in change Concepts: Change, Perspective, Responsibility Lines of Inquiry 1) The attributes of a leader 2) How leaders affect change 3) Responsibility of leaders Learner Profile: Thinker, Caring, Balanced Attitudes: Cooperation, Independence, Commitment. Art Mirrors Life   How We Express Ourselves An inquiry into the ways 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 aesthetics. Central Idea: Gr. 4: Artistic expression is influenced by the society in which it exists. Concepts: Function, Connection, Perspective Lines of Inquiry 1) The ways artists express themselves 2) The interrelationship between society and the arts 2) Personal connections to the arts Learner Profile: Risk taker, Communicator Attitudes: Appreciation, Creativity, Enthusiasm.

Energy 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. Central Idea: Energy exists in different forms and works in many ways. Concepts: Form, Function, Causation Lines of Inquiry: 1) Different forms of energy 2) The ways we use energy 3) The impact of energy on our world. Learner Profile: Principled, Knowledgeable. Attitudes: Integrity, Curiosity.

Peace and Conflict Sharing the Planet An inquiry into the 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. Central Idea: The actions and attitudes of individuals and communities create peace or conflict. Concepts: Perspective, Causation, Responsibility Lines of Inquiry: 1) The causes and impact of conflict 2) Different perspectives lead to different understandings. 3) Creating a culture of peace within a community. Learner Profile: Inquirer, Open-minded. Attitudes: Respect, Tolerance.

Marketplace    How We Organize Ourselves An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human–made systems and communities; the structure and the function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and on the environment Central Idea: Markets exist in order to fulfill the needs and wants of a community. Concepts: Form, Function, Reflection Lines of inquiry: 1) The development and marketing of a product or service 2) How a marketplace functions 3) Decision making in an economic system Learner Profile: Reflective, Communicator, Inquirer. Attitudes: Enthusiasm, Confidence, Co-operation. Belief Systems 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, communicates, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human. Central Idea: Our actions and attitudes reflect the beliefs we hold. Concepts: Form, Connection, Perspective Lines of Inquiry: 1) People express their beliefs in different ways 2) Similarities and differences in belief systems 3) Being tolerant of other people’s perspectives Learner Profile: Open-minded, Reflective. Attitudes: Empathy, Appreciation, Tolerance.