Program of Inquiry - Year 3

Units of Inquiry
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 nature 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.
How we organize ourselves
 
An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made-systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; social decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.
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.
Year 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
Central Idea
Through communicating our own perspectives and understanding others we can improve our relationships.
People’s lives change over time and influence life today.
People use creative expression to entertain and communicate feelings
 
The Sun can determine the way life exists on Earth.
Systems are directly related to the needs of a community.
 
Access to cleanwater is essential for life 
 
Lines of inquiry
Ø Social interaction
Ø Acknowledging others perspectives
Ø Managing and resolving conflict
 
 
Ø Family histories
Ø Different ways the past is recorded and remembered.
Ø How people in the present learn from people in the past
Ø The way people identify and convey different feelings and emotions
Ø The role of masks in society
Ø How we interpret creative expression
 
Ø The structure of the universe
Ø What holds the system together
Ø The relationship between a star and it’s planets
 
Ø What is a system
Ø Systems used in a community
Ø Relationships between  
Ø systems and communities
 
Ø Sources of water
Ø Distribution and availability of useable water
Ø Our responsibility to conserve water
 
Key Concepts
 Perspective
 Reflection
Change
Connection
Form
Function
Perspective
Form
Connection
Function
Connection
Function
Connection
Responsibility
Related concepts
Cooperation
Communication
Chronology
Family
history
Self expression
inspiration
Interconnected
Systems
 
interconnectedness, systems, networks
 
Conservation
Learner Profile Focus
Open minded
Caring
Reflective
Open minded
Open minded
communicator
Thinkers
Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Principled
Principled
Reflective
 Knowledgeable
 
Attitudes Focus
Empathy
Commitment
Appreciation
respect
Appreciation
Creativity
Enthusiasm
curiosity
Independence
commitment
Appreciation Commitment, empathy