Programme of Inquiry

Cedar International School

Grade 5
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. Advertising is used to persuade us to buy products and services.

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. Systems of government impact the ways people live their lives.

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. As people move to new places, cultures and societies are impacted.

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 explore language and words to appreciate, understand and make connections to their world. Poetic imagery Forms of poetry Expressive language and reading aloud The importance of silence, space, shape, rhythm and voice English, Social Studies, Computer Technology, Music, Spanish Form, Connection, Reflection similarities, differences, patterns, interpretation

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. Societies have been affected by the development of inventions and technology.

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. Living in a world of finite resources and unlimited demands impacts life on earth. Renewable and nonrenewable resources Factors that impact the use of resources Global consequences of resource use Human responsibility for sustainability English, Social Studies, Science, Visual Arts, Computer Technology, Library Causation, Connection, Responsibility lifestyles, resources, sustainabliity

Central idea

Lines of inquiry

Use of sounds, language, and images to convey messages. Ways advertisers influence people's choices. The proliferation of advertising in the media. English, Social Studies, Visual Arts, Computer Technology, Music, Library Form, Change, Connection

The impact of migration on individuals, societies and cultures The reasons behind human migration Shared histories or experiences of migrants English, Social Studies, Computer Technology, Spanish Causation, Change, Perspective

The reasons for and impact of inventions Types and uses of simple machines How technology and inventions are used in our homes, workplaces and leisure activities. English, Social Studies, Science, Computer Technology Change, Connection, Responsibility

Different forms of government around the world, past and present Ways governments impact peoples lives Rights, responsibilities and feelings of citizens English, Social Studies, Computer Technology, Music, Spanish Function, Perspective, Responsibility Systems, connection, rights, responsibilities

Subject focus Key concepts Related concepts

Perspective, subjectivity and opinion, communication

Population, settlement

communications, systems, ethics