Kindergarten

Who We Are

Where We Are In Place and Time

How We Express Ourselves

How The World Works

How We Organize Ourselves

Sharing the Planet

Order during year

Oct/Nov

Nov/Dec

Feb/March

April/May

Transdisciplinary Descriptor

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Central Idea

The world is diverse.

Personal history relies on time, location and relationships.

Humans have specific needs and responsibilities which can impact the physical environment. 

Living and nonliving things are affected by individual decisions.

Lines of Inquiry

& 

Key Concepts

Cultures have specific customs and traditions (perspective)

There are different languages around the world (connection)

Nations are represented by specific symbols and practices.(function)

Personal history can be shared through stories and pictures. 

Models and maps represent real places.

The moon, sun and stars can be observed at different times.

Daily and seasonal weather can change.

change

Humans depend on and impact the physical environment. 

Humans need food, clothing and shelter.

Individuals are unique but have common characteristics.

Goods and services can satisfy an individual's wants.

Causation, Form

Living and nonliving things have specific characteristics.

Living things have physical traits and behaviors which affect their survival.

Individual decisions based on wants can impact others.

Responsibility, Function

Related Concepts

Identity, diversity, interactions, numbers

Order, change,growth 

Contribution

Economy

commonalities

Sustainability

Adaptations

Learner Profile & Attitudes Focus

Inquiry 

Open-minded

Communicator

Risk-taker, Knowledgeable

Thinker, Balanced, Reflective

Principled, Caring

Grade 1

Who We Are

Where We Are In Place and Time

How We Express Ourselves

How The World Works

How We Organize Ourselves

Sharing the Planet

Order during year

1 - September/Oct

4 - End of January

3 - End of Nov/Dec

5 - March

2 - October/Nov

6 - End of April

Transdisciplinary Descriptor

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Central Idea

Rules and rights impact school, family and community

Place and time affect human needs. 

Geographical regions and culture contribute to celebrations and traditions.

The way matter behaves can determine how it is used. 

Decisions can affect the physical needs of living things.

Choices affect the sustainability of Earth’s resources.

Lines of Inquiry

Key Concepts

Reasons for rules and consequences within the home, school and community.

Actions individuals can take  to achieve common goals in homes, schools and communities 

Explore the rights and opinions of others around the world.

Responsibility, Form, Perspective

How time can be measured.

Exploration of months and seasons

Various sources can be used to learn about the past. 

Maps can be used to locate and identify places

Reflection, Connection,

Causation. 

Places are distinctive because of their physical and human characteristics.

Families interact with the physical environment differently in different times and places.

Diverse cultural practices address basic human needs in various ways and may change over time.

Perspective, Connection

Properties of objects and materials can change.

Objects can be moved in a variety of ways.

There are different states of matter.

Form, Function

Living things have needs which can be met by obtaining materials from the physical environment.

Living things survive only in environments that meet their needs. 

Availability of resources can be limited. 

Causation, Responsibility

The sun is the principal source of energy

Water on Earth is present in many forms.

Wants are unlimited and resources are limited.

Currency and goods can be used as a form of economic exchange.

Form, Change, Responsibility

Related Concepts

Collaboration

Conflict

Cooperation

Geography

Environment

Patterns, cycles

Diversity

Celebrations

Cultures, Origin

Change

Interaction

Motion

Interdependence

Adaptation

migration

Responsibility

Cycles, Scarcity

Economics

Learner Profile & Attitudes Focus

Principled, Communicator

Open-minded, Knowledgeable, Thinker

Open-minded, 

Reflective

Inquirers, Knowledgeable

Caring, Risk-taker

Balanced, Caring

Grade 2

Who We Are

Where We Are In Place and Time

How We Express Ourselves

How The World Works

How We Organize Ourselves

Sharing the Planet

Order during year

October

November

February

April

September

May

Transdisciplinary Descriptor

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Central Idea

Differences within cultures can impact actions of individuals and groups

Places around the world change over time. 

Knowledge of force and individual values can help to make the way of living easier.

Weather influences the environment and career opportunities.

Rules and laws within jobs may influence different behaviors.  

Interactions within an ecosystem can affect the environment.

Lines of Inquiry

& 

Key Concepts

Respecting and understanding the differences within cultures leads to sharing ways of life.

Individuals and groups are accountable for choices they make and actions they take (responsibility)

Cultures develop in unique ways, in part through the influence of the physical environment (change)

Maps and their symbols can be used to answer questions about location of places (form)

Time can be shown graphically on calendars and timelines (connection)

Change over time can be shown with artifacts, maps and photographs (function)

Science, technology and people have changed daily life

Forces can change the motion of an object.

Biographies can show how people’s actions have shaped the world.

Perspective, Function

Information displayed on bar graphs can be used to compare (form)

Long and short term weather changes occur due to changes in energy (causation) 

The work that people do is impacted by the distinctive human and physical characteristics in the place where they live (connection)

There are different rules and laws that govern behavior in different settings (Function)

People can work in jobs which produce goods and services (Connection)

Resources can be used in various ways (Perspective)

Living things can cause changes on Earth (change)

The environment impacts living things (connection)

Interactions between living and nonliving things impact the ecosystem (responsibility)

Related Concepts

Adaptation, behavior, values

Initiative, role, system, impact

Technology

Change

Choice

Adaptation

Environment

Scarcity, money, survival, choice

Citizenship

Community

conflict

Interdependence, citizenship

Learner Profile & Attitudes Focus

Open-minded, Principled, Caring

Communicator

Inquirer

Thinker, Risk-taker

Knowledgeable

Inquirer

Communicator

Principled, Balanced

Caring, Knowledgeable, Reflective

Grade 3

Who We Are

Where We Are In Place and Time

How We Express Ourselves

How The World Works

How We Organize Ourselves

Sharing the Planet

Order during year

May - 6

Jan/Feb - 4

September -1 

April - 5

December - 3

Oct/Nov-2

Transdisciplinary Descriptor

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Central Idea

Structures of governments and communities differ.

People and events can change an area over time.

The beliefs and values of a society provide a framework for social behavior.

The traits and life cycles of plants and animals can affect an organism's survival.

Resources can affect daily life, choices and behavior.

Humans decisions impact  availability of resources.

Lines of Inquiry

& 

Key Concepts

Governments can have authority to make and enforce laws.

The structure of governments differ.

Evidence of human modification can be observed in different systems(communication and transportation).

Communities may include diverse groups.

-Events in history can be shown on timelines organized by years, decades and centuries (connection).

-Line graphs and primary and secondary sources can be used to show change over time 

-Exploration can create change in communities and lead to opportunities (change)

-Consumers’ wants and needs affects markets and producers’ goods and services (form)

Members of communities have rights and responsibilities (Responsibility)

Governments may have authority to make and enforce laws (function)

Beliefs and values influence behavior. (perspective)

Individuals can take action to promote the common good 

Plants and animals have life cycles that are part of their adaptations for survival in their natural environments (function).

Inherited traits can affect how organisms look, survive and reproduce (causation).

Offspring resemble their  parents and each other (connection).

Maps have distinctive characteristics and purposes.

Daily life is influenced by resources. 

Incentives can affect individual choices and behaviors.

Budgets can make people more financially responsible.

The Earth has physical resources that can be used for energy.

Resources have specific properties.

Matter and energy exists in different forms.

Scarcity of resources affects decisions.

Key Concepts

Responsibility, perspective, 

Connection, form, change

Responsibility, function and perspective

Connection, function, causation

Responsibility, causation

Form, Change

Related Concepts

Diversity

Laws

Discoveries

Continuity

Rights/Responsibilities

Communities

Supply/demand

Life cycle

adaptations

Consequences

Economy

Budgets

Conservation

transformation

Learner Profile & Attitudes Focus

Open- minded 

principled

Thinkers and Communicators

Caring, reflective, open-minded

Knowledgeable, Inquirer

Balanced, principled, risk-takers

Risk takers, knowledgeable

Grade 4

Who We Are

Where We Are In Place and Time

How We Express Ourselves

How The World Works

How We Organize Ourselves

Sharing the Planet

Order during year

4 Feb/March

1 Sept/Oct

3 Dec/Jan

5 March/April

6 April/May

2 Oct/Nov

Transdisciplinary Descriptor

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Central Idea

People and government can work together to influence daily life. 

Interaction may lead to opportunity for independence and new understandings.

Culture, beliefs and values can have an affect on daily life.

Knowledge of electrical currents, circuits and thermal energy can help design solutions for global problems.

Economic activities may have an impact on people and the environment.

Changes in the Earth can affect the relationships of living things.

Lines of Inquiry

& 

Key Concepts

Civic duty can lead to informed and reasoned decisions.

Major responsibilities of government.

Government can influence social justice.

Connection, Responsibility, Causation 

Ways that conflict, compromise and cooperation between various groups affect history.

Exploring primary and secondary sources through historical narratives.

Exploration of democratic ideals.

Perspective, Causation, Responsibility

Conflict may modify our environment.

Diverse transportation may affect people and goods through growth and change.

Government affects modernization of land. 

Perspective, change, function

Energy can move from place to place.

There are different forms of energy.

Electrical currents can transfer energy.

Responsibility, Change 

Individuals can earn economic success

People can impact the environment.

Citizens can play a role in shaping the goals of their government. 

Responsibility, connection, form

Changes in the environment can affect people in the world.

Fossils can show the history of human life. 

Earth’s surface can change over time.

Change, Causation, Form

Related Concepts

Migration

Culture

rights and responsibilities

Conflict

compromise

Growth

Diversity

Cycles

Discovery

Transformation

Value

Production/Consumption

Responsibility

Community

Adaptation

Weather

interdependence

Learner Profile & Attitudes Focus

Principled, Balanced

Open-minded, Inquirers

Risk-taker, Reflective

Thinker, Communicator

Caring, Risk taker

Knowledgeable, Balanced

Grade 5

Who We Are

Where We Are In Place and Time

How We Express Ourselves

How The World Works

How We Organize Ourselves

Sharing the Planet

Order during year

5 - March

4 - Feb

3 - Jan

1 - Sept/Oct

6 - April

2  - Nov/Dec

Transdisciplinary Descriptor

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Central Idea

Awareness of government issues may allow people to take action and affect change

The relationship between human beings, cultures and the natural world.

Energy can be changed and understanding energy can help people experience the world around them.

The relationship of motion and objects in our solar system. 

Personal and societal decision making is often driven by economics.

Humans may have an impact on the world around them.

Lines of Inquiry

& 

Key Concepts

Types of government differ in purpose and organization

Technology affects productivity and economic growth potential

The extent of government power on public issues varies

perspectives, responsibility, change

Civilizations have influenced present day infrastructures (causation)

Geography influences culture and civilization (connection)

Cultures influence traditions (form)

There are different types of energy.

Energy can be transformed from one form to another.

Light and sound can be vehicles for artistic expression.

Form, Change, Connection

Movement can be measured by speed and a change requires force.

Relationship of force and the celestial bodies.

Comparison of characteristics and cycles

Perspective and Connection

The availability of resources and the division of labor can have a positive or negative impact on productive capacity.

Information from maps, latitude and longitude and climate can be used to determine changes and effect of technology and growth

Economics drives decision making.

Responsibility, function, change

Organisms, which require energy, perform a variety of roles in an ecosystem.

The choices made by individuals and governments have both present and future consequences.

Information can be organized to visually show relationships and results of interactions in ecosystems (i.e. circle graph)

Responsibility, Connection, Change

Related Concepts

Equality

Government

Technology

Progress

Continuity

Technology

Conservation

Transformation

Variables

Force/Motion

Cause/effect

Beliefs

Diversity

Networks

Classify

Communications

Cycle

Growth

Learner Profile & Attitudes Focus

Principled, Knowledgeable, Balanced 

Communicator, Reflective

Inquirer, Thinker, Open-minded

Thinkers, Inquirers

Risk-taker

Thinkers, Open-minded, Caring

Inquiry, Caring