International Baccalaureate » 4th Grade Unit of Inquiry

4th Grade Unit of Inquiry

Unit 1: How We Organize Ourselves

CENTRAL IDEA:  The function of system depends on its structure.

LINES OF INQUIRY

  • The parts of various systems (Form)

  • The function of various parts of a system (Function)

  • The interdependence of the system's parts (Connection/ Causation)

Unit 2: How the World Works

CENTRAL IDEA:   Natural phenomena impacts the natural world and geographic regions.

LINES OF INQUIRY

  • An inquiry in to the diversity of different regions and landforms (Form)

  • An inquiry in to why natural phenomena occur. (Causation)

  • An inquiry in to the impact of natural phenomena. (Change)

Unit 3: How We Express Ourselves

CENTRAL IDEA:  Personal expression is influenced by our interaction with people and nature/ environment.

LINES OF INQUIRY

  • Native Americans of California and their cultural expression (Form)

  • Ways people and/or environment influence one's personal expression. (Change)

  • The role and purpose of artistic expressions (Perspective)

Unit 4:  Who We Are

CENTRAL IDEA:   Change and interactions can affect our lives.

LINES OF INQUIRY

  • What is change (Form)

  • How Change transforms humans, communities, and natural environment (Change)

  • One's point of view justifies actions (Perspective)

Unit 5:  Where We Are In Place and Time

CENTRAL IDEA: Movement can impact systems.

LINES OF INQUIRY

  • The causes of movement. (Causation)

  • The impact of movement on the natural world. (Change)

  • One's responsibility with the natural world. (Responsibility)

Unit 6:   Sharing The Planet

CENTRAL IDEA:  The struggle of technological advancements and environmental sustainability.

LINES OF INQUIRY

  • Define and identify possible causes of conflict. (Causation)

  • Ways to engage and/or resolve conflict. (Perspective)

  • Ways to evaluate and select solutions. (Reflection)