Programme of Inquiry

Cedar International School

Grade 4
Who we are
Transdisciplinary Theme 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. understanding how our body works empowers us to take responsibility for our health.

May 2013
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. Understanding indigenous community structure and culture helps others to appreciate a different perspective and make connections to our own lives. Aspects of indigenous culture The social and political structures within indigenous communities Perspectives and opinions of historical treatment of native cultures

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. Exploration leads to knowledge, discovery, and change.

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. People use many different forms of artistic expression to convey their uniqueness as individuals.

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. Weather is a powerful force that affects all living things.

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. Plants play a role in creating and maintaining our environment and those things connected to it.

Central idea

Lines of inquiry

Interdependence of Body Systems Body Systems Positive and Negative impacts on Health

The impacts of discoveries on societies through different lenses Changes that have occurred as a result of exploration Contributions made by individual explorers

The diverse forms of creative expression Case Studies of how authors, poets, artist, composers, convey meaning through art forms Interpretations of art forms Reasons people express themselves in different ways English, Social Studies, Visual Arts, Computer Technology, Music, Spanish Form, Perspective, Reflection

The natural elements that cause weather The impact of weather and climate on living things The ways in which advances in technology and science have enabled humans to make predictions about the weather

Plant life cycles The structure and function of plants The role plants play in our environment The responsibility humans have to protect plants

Subject focus

Science, Physical Education, Computer Technology

English, Social Studies, Computer Technology, Spanish

English, Science, Computer Technology

English, Social Studies, Visual Arts, Computer Technology, Library Function, Connection, Perspective

Science, Visual Arts, Computer Technology

Key concepts

Function, Connection, Responsibility

Causation, Change, Perspective

Function, Causation, Change

Function, Connection, Responsibility

Who we are
Related concepts

Where we are in place and time

Initiative, Discovery, Exploration and progress

How we express ourselves

Creativity, originality, emotion, communication

How the world works

How we organize ourselves

evidence, fact and opinion, rights and responsibilities,

Sharing the planet

Causation, Form, Systems

Cycles and patterns

interdependence, systems