Le Jardin Academy PYP Program of Inquiry 2010-2011 Grade Level 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 the 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 Sharing the Planet: An inquiry into the rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution. PK ME, MYSELF, AND I have characteristics that are the same and different. function, reflection Related concepts: similarities, differences, attitudes, feelings, family How we look How we show our feelings Who is in our family Ways to respect our uniqueness RHYME, RHYTHM, AND REPETITION Learners can use rhyme, rhythm and repetition to discover and understand how language works. causation, perspective pattern, structure, enjoyment, communication Pattern & structure of language Experimenting with language Language for enjoyment and information SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL learn to play alone and with others using different places and different things. Related concepts: action/reaction, cooperation, attitudes, role play, design Learning through play Ways to use space and materials to construct and create Dramatic play Ways to cooperate and respect others OUR HOME, THE EARTH Our earth provides a living home for all peoples, animals and plants. properties, landscape, values Air, land and water on our planet Seeing and sharing home as the Earth Caring for and respecting our environment
JK MAKES SENSE Senses provide a means to understand the world. form, connection interdependence, impact, attitudes (empathy, appreciation) Identification and purpose of the senses How people use their senses to experience the world Memories can be connected through different senses LITERACY FUN can learn to draw, speak, write, and read to communicate ideas, gain information, and for enjoyment. function, reflection structure, genre, communication, expressive language Signs and symbols around us and in the world Literary structures and conventions Types and purposes of different genres Expressing ourselves to others in many ways DISAPPEARANCE Change in the natural world causes things to appear and disappear. change, perspective impact, light, sustainability, preservation Effects of light on objects Reasons things remain or vanish Ways to protect the natural world DON T BUG US! and bugs are interconnected in helpful and/or harmful ways. similarities, differences, interdependence Types and purposes of different bugs Ways people interact with bugs Responsibility of people to preserve and conserve natural habitat K CHOICES AND CONSEQUENCES learn to make choices every day to live a balanced lifestyle. reflection, responsibility consequences, behavior, choices, balance Daily habits and routines (hygiene, sleep, play, eating) Making informed choices Consequences of choices The action cycle, learner profile, and attitudes LET S PLAY Games and toys throughout history relate to events, people, inventions, and discoveries of other times and places. properties, locality, culture, respect, Reasons people have toys and play games Games and toys around the world How games and toys have changed or remained unchanged over time Discoveries and inventions that enable new games and toys to be developed SING ME A STORY tell stories and perform songs to explore feelings, explain the world, and entertain. causation, perspective Reasons characters behave the way they do Affect songs and stories have on our emotions Learning from songs and stories Different ways to perform stories and songs EXPLORATION AND EXPERIMENTATION explore and experiment to discover and understand how materials in our world change. properties, transformation, measurement The scientific method Using the senses to investigate materials The transformation of matter PEOPLE MOVERS choose different types of transportation to get from one place to another. function, connection What a vehicle is and the many types What a map is and its purpose Signs and symbols we use to travel safely ARE YOU MY MOTHER? In order to survive, living things change and reproduce in a cyclical way. function, change Patterns and cycles of living things Different classes and characteristics of animals The needs of living things Ways to observe and record growth
1 COMMUNITY AND ME Communities are organized to provide services for the people who live there. Related concepts: goods, services, spatial awareness Physical layout of a community Services provided in a community People and their roles in a community HOME SWEET HOME Historically, people around the world designed and built different shelters given their natural causation, connection Different shelters around the world Various climates and available natural The influence the natural environment has historically had on types of shelters built ONCE UPON A TIME Fictional stories foster our imaginations and help us develop creativity. structure, interpretation, diversity The basic elements of a story Types and purposes of fiction Connections between text and/or personal experiences AS THE WORLD TURNS Patterns and cycles help structure the world around us. change properties, sequence, repetition Different kinds of cycles Ways cycles impact our lives Patterns and sequencing THE SECRET LIFE OF FOOD Land and oceans provide food for processing and distribution into our society. systems, interdependence, sustainability, production, consumption Food origin Processing of food Distribution of food UNDER CONSTRUCTION 2 CULTURE CONNECTION Relationships are enhanced by understanding other perspectives and communicating our own. connection, perspective similarities, differences The meaning of culture The customs of a culture The similarities and differences between cultures A JOURNEY OF EXPLORATION explore our world, which leads to discovery and develops new understandings. change, reflection Why people explore How people explore The impact exploration has had on the world FROM CAVES TO CANVAS record and express their feelings, beliefs, and values through visual arts. function, perspective The diverse ways in which artists express themselves Inspiration for the creation of art The purpose of art Presentation and preservation of art COMMOTION IN THE OCEAN Preserving the ocean s ecosystem is essential to the balance of life. causation, connection The physical characteristics of the ocean The world s largest and most diverse ecosystem The impact of human beings and technology on the ocean MATH vs. CHAOS Math is a system that organizes our world by providing structure. connection, change How systems organize Math as a system How math systems have changed over time The role math systems plays in daily life DIRT MADE MY LUNCH Conservation and maintenance of our earth s materials can improve and sustain life. Physical properties of earth materials Healthy soil conditions for plant growth The connection between healthy soil and sustaining life Responsibility of humans to our natural
3 HEALTH AND WELL- BEING By managing health effectively, people achieve well-being. Key Concepts: connection, reflection, perspective Interconnectedness of personal, physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs Perspectives on and approaches to health differ by culture Choices individuals make have an impact on a healthy lifestyle ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS: OUR CONNECTION WITH THE PAST Ancient civilizations have shaped the world we live in today. connection, change What is a civilization What aspects of civilization we see today How these aspects changed/evolved over time ORAL COMMUNICATION use different ways of orally communicating to express ideas and feelings. The purpose of oral communication The types and styles of oral communication Elements of effective oral communication INNOVATIONS Over time, societies create innovations to make work easier. What work is The role different types of machines play in making work easier The impact technological advances have on work ECONOMIC SYSTEMS When are scarce, economic decisions have to be made. The different types of economic systems The goods and services needed to sustain a community How people spend their money WATER MANAGEMENT Responsible stewardship of water is essential to the survival of all living things. The uses and properties of water The distribution and availability of water The impact of human activity on water Our responsibility towards water 4 THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS Folklore provides a window into the belief systems and values of cultures. connection, perspective What is folklore How folklore symbolizes beliefs and values How folklore connects cultures around the world FAMILY TREASURES Throughout history, people have been on the move, with wideranging effects. Human journeys and migrations Effects of migration on communities, cultures, and individuals Personal histories impact future generations I WANT THAT! Media has the power to influence and manipulate our perceptions. Different aspects of the media and their influence on society Devices that are used to manipulate perceptions Our response to media influences SHAKE IT UP The natural features of the Earth have been formed over time and are still changing. The different rocks and minerals that make up the planet Earth How and why the Earth changes and continues to change How the various changes in the Earth affect humans and their environment YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE Energy systems have an impact on people and the Forms of energy Global access to energy Energy-created systems connect to local and global communities WHO CARES ABOUT PLANTS? The protection of native plants influences the balance and uniqueness of a community. The dispersal and adaptation of native plants Awareness of human impact on native plant species The responsibility to protect and cultivate our native plant communities
5 RITES OF PASSAGE Distinct changes and stages mark adolescence. The physiological changes in the body The social and cultural expectations of adolescence How relationships change during puberty THIS LAND WAS YOUR LAND BUT NOW IT S MY LAND Throughout history, groups of people have colonized others in order to expand their economic, religious, and political influence. The reasons for colonizing others The impact colonization has on the built and natural environments Outcomes affecting the native people groups WAR: WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? HUH! In times surrounding war, people express and promote their points of view in many ways. perspective, responsibility What is war The writing, songs, art, monuments, and protests of war The various perspectives during war How these expressions impact the course of war OH DEAR, WHAT CAN THE MATTER BE? All matter consists of one or more of Earth s elements with distinct properties. function, change The structure and properties of matter How materials combine to form mixtures and solutions The reactions that can occur when materials are combined WHO S GOT THE POWER? Societies are impacted by the formation and change of governments. function, responsibility The various forms of governments How governments work The responsibilities of citizens of a country FINITE RESOURCES (The Exhibition) Finite require people to share, conserve and prioritize limited supplies. Key Concepts: connection, reflection, responsibility How finite affect environments and communities Our responsibility to examine the use of finite How resource usage affects the environment and community members Edited: 8/12/10