American International School Dhaka Program of Inquiry 2014 2015
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 time and place
An inquiry into our 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, cultural 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 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. How we organise 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. Sharing the planet
An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution. P r e
K
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All About Me Central Idea: Sharing our similarities and differences in a variety of ways helps us learn about ourselves.
Key concepts: change, reflection
Related concepts: similarities, differences, growth
Lines of inquiry: Ways we are independent Exploring our physical and mental growth Recognizing how we change
Feelings Central idea: Play can be used to express our feelings and ideas.
Key concepts: connection, perspective
Related concepts: beliefs, representation
Lines of inquiry Communicating through play Imaginative use of everyday materials Making good choices through play
Young Scientists (YEAR LONG) Central idea: Through exploring, observing and communicating we learn to make sense of the things around us.
Key concepts: function, causation,
Related concepts: investigation, safety in science, behavior, pattern
Lines of inquiry Investigating the way objects work Natural and manmade phenomena Simple cause and effect Ways to represent the physical world around us
Creatures around us Central Idea: Living things have certain requirements in order to grow and stay healthy.
Key concepts: form, connection, responsibility
Related concepts: classification, interdependence
Lines of inquiry: Characteristics of living things Our needs and the needs of other living things Our responsibility for the well being of other living things
P r e
K
4
Friends Central idea: Nurturing friendships can lead to new possibilities and understandings.
Key concepts: function, reflection
Related concepts: conflict, cooperation, interdependence
Lines of inquiry: How friendships are made and kept Why people need friends Learning about ourselves through our friends.
Where We Are in Time & Place Central Idea: Through exploring our connections we can learn about places we are from and where we live now.
Key concepts: connection, reflection
Related concepts: communication, cooperation, diversity,
Lines of inquiry: Our connections to the host country Finding commonalities with where we are from Appreciating our diversity
We Love Stories (YEAR LONG) Central Idea: Stories inform and provoke us and give us pleasure.
Lines of inquiry: What a story is What stories convey How stories are created and shared Feelings and emotions that stories evoke
Day & Night Central idea: The cycle of day and night affects all living things and their activities.
Key concepts: function, connection, change
Related concepts: light, reflection, sequencing, time cycles
Lines of inquiry: The cycle of night and day (light & dark) How day and night affects our activities How light and dark affects the appearance of objects Why light and dark effects the movement of other living things
K i n d e r g a r t e n
Senses Central Idea: Sensory information can help us explore our world and develop new understandings about ourselves.
Key concepts: function, reflection
Related concepts: interpretation, safety, self- awareness
Lines of inquiry: How we use our senses Sensory perceptions What my senses can do Why we need senses
Personal Histories Central Idea: Reflecting on our personal histories can help us better understand the past and present.
Key concepts: change, reflection, function
Related concepts: history, identity, family, growth, diversity
Lines of inquiry: Documenting our personal histories Exploring the ways we change Reflecting on past experience Connections between our past and present Creativity Central idea: Creativity can be an expression of peoples ideas and emotions.
Key concepts: connection, perspective,
Related concepts: imagination, expression, creativity, performance
Lines of inquiry: The role of imagination in creative endeavours How people express their creativity Transforming ideas into creative products Learning to appreciate creativity
Materials Central Idea: Exploring and classifying diverse matter can help people become knowledgeable about science.
Key concepts: form, causation, change
Related concepts: behavior, properties, prediction, transformation, observation
Lines of inquiry: The diversity of matter Predicting how matter behaves and transforms Recording and communicating scientific findings
Organization Central Idea: Organization can help a community thrive.
Key concepts: connection, responsibility
Related concepts: interdependence, organization,
Lines of inquiry Indentifying communities we are part of Why organization is important in communities How peoples roles can help a community function
Plants Central Idea: Plants and other living things have an interdependent relationship.
Key concepts: form, connection
Related concepts: interdependence, properties, interactions, nurture
Lines of inquiry: The properties of plants What plants provide for us and for other living things The relationship between plants and other living things G r a d e
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Well-being Central idea: People can make choices that affect their wellbeing.
Key concepts: causation, reflection
Related concepts: balance, consequences, well being, nutrition, choices
Lines of inquiry: Components of wellbeing How our choices affect our wellbeing How we achieve balance in our lives Homes Around the World Central Idea: Homes are designed to fulfil many purposes.
Key concepts: function, form,
Related concepts: home, family, tradition, needs & wants
Lines of inquiry: Structure and function of homes Why homes around the world differ How homes are designed Comparing homes around the world
A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words Central idea: People communicate ideas and information through visual language
Key concepts: form, perspective
Related concepts: communication, symbols, gestures, colour
Lines of inquiry: Purposes and role of visual language Techniques used in visual language Interpreting visual language Representing our experiences through visual mediums Cycles Central Idea: Cycles are a natural part of life.
Key concepts: change, connection,
Related concepts: cycles, seasons, patterns, time, transformation Subject focus:Key concepts: change, connection Lines of inquiry: Earths natural cycles How earths cycles affect living things Life cycles Investigating patterns within cycles
Our Communities Central Idea: By choosing to share their talents and skills people can serve their community.
Related concepts: citizenship, community, service, role
Lines of inquiry: Service within communities Roles and responsibilities within a community Identifying how we can contribute to a community Ecosystems Central Idea: Ecosystems require balance for survival.
Key concepts: causation, form
Related concepts: habitats, balance, ecosystems, conservation, classification, biomes
Lines of inquiry: How ecosystems work Interdependence of living things How humans can affect ecosystems
Published June 2014
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 time and place
An inquiry into our 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, cultural 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 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. How we organise 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. Sharing the planet
An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution. G r a d e
2
Connecting Cultures Central idea: Throughout their lives, people can be enriched by the cultures they connect with.
Key concepts: reflection, perspective
Related concepts: identity, diversity, family, culture
Lines of inquiry: What culture is How experiences can influence our perspective Learning to respect other peoples identities and beliefs Changing Cities Central Idea: Cities are unique and evolve over time due to the changing demands of life.
Key concepts: form, causation, change
Related concepts: growth, systems, structure, needs/wants
Lines of inquiry: The characteristics of cities around the world How cities change over time Why people influence change within cities
Authors & Illustrators Central idea: Authors and illustrators express their ideas and feelings in a variety of creative ways.
Key concepts: connection, reflection
Related concepts: structure, pattern, sequence, communication, creativity
Lines of inquiry: The work of authors and illustrators The inspiration behind authors and illustrators creativity Strategies to enhance creativity Choosing mediums to express ideas and feelings
Simple Machines Central Idea: By manipulating the world around us machines can enrich our lives.
Key concepts: form, function, connection
Related concepts: structure, forces, systems, role
Lines of inquiry: The features of simple machines The principles that make simple machines work Applications of simple machines How simple machines enhance our lifestyles
From Field to Table Central Idea: Food production is a complex process that affects people and the planet.
Key concepts: function, change, connection
Related concepts: roles, systems, cooperation transformation, relationships
Lines of inquiry: Where our food comes from The way that foods are grown and processed People and technology used to process foods Pros and cons of food production Sustainable environments Central Idea: Our actions can affect the state of the earths natural resources.
Key concepts: causation, responsibility
Related concepts: waste, natural resources, Sustainability, action
Lines of inquiry: The limited nature of the earths resources Human actions that impact the environment Personal choices that help sustain the environment Reusing and recycling different materials
G r a d e
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The Human Body Central Idea: We can make healthy choices by understanding the interdependence of our bodies systems.
Key concepts: function, connection, reflection
Related concepts: systems, interdependence
Lines of inquiry: The systems of the body How the systems work together Striving to become balanced
Exploration Central idea: Interpretation of exploration shapes the way we see the world.
Key concepts: causation, change, perspective
Related concepts: opinions, transformation, consequences
Lines of inquiry: Past, present and future exploration Impact of exploration Points of view in historical accounts
Looking into the Mirror Central idea: People use many different forms to express themselves.
Key concepts: perspective, reflection
Related concepts: identity, expression, strength, fame
Lines of inquiry: The diverse ways in which we express ourselves How everyone can express their uniqueness through creative forms Extending our personal creativity through reflection Organisms and Their Environments Central Idea: The interaction between organisms and their environment creates challenges and diversity for life on planet earth.
Key concepts: change, function, causation
Related concepts: adaptation, survival,
Lines of inquiry The biological needs of living things The relationship between big and small living things Survival and extinction Our role in sustaining life on earth
People Helping People Central Idea: Collaboration can help us find meaningful solutions.
Related concepts: poverty, sustainability, decision-making
Lines of Inquiry: Why people collaborate Working together to find sustainable solutions for people Making effective decisions and evaluating meaningful solutions
Water Central idea: The geographical distribution and access to useable water can impact living things.
Key concepts: form, connection, reflection,
Related concepts: resources, interdependence, sustainability, geography, fairness
Lines of inquiry: Evaluating and analysing water usage Access to useable water Sustainable water usage G r a d e
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Online Communities Central Idea: Online communities create new demands and possibilities that can help us discover who we are.
Key Concepts: connection, responsibility
Related concepts: networks, citizenship
Lines of Inquiry: Becoming a digital citizen Finding commonalities through online communities Making informed choices
People on the move Central Idea: Human migration is a response to challenge and opportunity.
Key concepts: causation, perspective, reflection
Related concepts: history, population, conflict
Lines of inquiry: The geography of migration Causes of migration How people maintain their culture in a new country
Belief Systems Central idea: Rituals, traditions and artifacts can help people sustain and express their cultural beliefs and values.
Key concepts: Reflection / perspective
Related concepts: traditions, values, identity, artefacts
Lines of inquiry: Origins and meanings of different cultural rituals, traditions and artefacts Connections between beliefs and values How we maintain cultural and personal well- being
Materials Central idea: Materials can undergo permanent or temporary changes, which can affect society and the environment.
Key concepts: form, causation, change
Related concepts: behaviour, transformation, application
Lines of inquiry: The nature of chemical and physical changes States of matter and their properties Variables that can affect matter How materials can affect the environment
Governance Central idea: Governmental systems can promote or deny the rights of people.
Key concepts: function, form,
Related concepts: agents of change, citizenship, equality
Lines of inquiry: Types of governance Responsibilities of governments Rights and responsibilities of citizens How governments make decisions Natural Disasters Central idea: Anticipating the patterns and consequences of natural disasters empowers people to take action.
Key concepts: form, connection, causation
Related concepts: patterns, weather, preparedness, consequences
Lines of inquiry: Causes and effects of natural disasters How humans anticipate patterns and prepare for natural disasters Actions people take in response to natural disasters G r a d e
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The Circle of Life Central Idea: Responsible decision-making can helps us navigate changes we experience through the life cycle.
Key concepts: function, change, responsibility
Related concepts: cycles, growth, maturation
Lines of inquiry: Stages of development Physical, social and emotional changes Responsible decision-making Making healthy choices
PYP Exhibition Central Idea: TO BE DECIDED
Media & Technology Central Idea: Media and technology empowers people to create, extend and challenge our perception of the world.
Key concepts: perspective, change, function
Related concepts: communication, bias audience, creativity
Lines of inquiry: Creativity through media and technology Why the media influences people Reporting on and shaping our world
Energy Central idea: Energy exists in different forms and can be used and conserved in many ways.
Key concepts: change, connection
Related concepts: renewable & non-renewable, conservation
Lines of inquiry: Comparing forms and sources of energy Energy transformation Energy conservation How we use energy
Supply and Demand Central idea: Businesses are organized to provide consumers with choices of goods and services, which can impact communities.
Key concepts: function, causation, responsibility
Related concepts: supply & demand, production, business conflict, globalization
Lines of inquiry: How businesses are organized Goods and services Local and global trade Ethics of the marketplace
Cause for conflict Central Idea: The limited nature of resources can create conflicts that require fair and peaceful mediation.
Key concepts: form, causation, reflection
Related concepts - justice, distribution, conflict
Lines of inquiry: The distribution of resources and our dependency upon them Why natural resources cause conflict Conflict resolution Living and working together peacefully