Program of Inquiry: Where We Are in Place and Time
Overview: An exploration of our orientation in place and time; of our personal histories and geographies; 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.
Ages 18 months-3 years
Central Idea: I am growing and changing as time goes by.
Key Concepts: Change, Causation
Lines of Inquiry:
- I was a baby, now I am a child
- What did I like when I was a baby, what do I like now
- What could I do as a baby, what can I do now
Ages 4-5 years
Central Idea: Understanding the way technology is used at home, school, and in the community.
Key Concepts: Function, perspective
Lines of Inquiry:
- Types of media
- Types of communication
- Types of uses of technology
Ages 6-8 years
Central Idea: Members of communities are affected by past and present changes around the world.
Key Concepts: Change, causation
Lines of Inquiry:
- Analyze past and present changes in local communities
- Analyze past and present changes in communities around the world
- Explore ways members of a community are affected by change
Central Idea: Various factors contribute to change within communities over time.
Key Concepts: Change, causation, connection
Lines of Inquiry:
- Changes in communities both past and present
- How actions impact the future of a community
- Effects on communities over time
Central Idea: Humans adapt and/or migrate due to the physical environment.
Key Concepts: Change, perspective
Lines of Inquiry:
- People adapt to and modify their communities’ environment in different ways.
- People modify the environment by using land to farm and mine.
- People add human features to the environment such as homes, dams, and roads.
Ages 9-11 years
Central Idea: In response to needs and wants, humankind explores the world and beyond.
Key Concepts: Causation, reflection, change
Lines of Inquiry:
- Reasons for exploration
- Effects of exploration on the word and beyond
- Changes reflect the challenges that were endured during exploration
Central Idea: Regional perspectives on a situation can cause conflict.
Key Concepts: Causation, responsibility, perspective
Lines of Inquiry:
- Causes of conflict
- Conflict resolution
- Living and working together peacefully