Programme of Inquiry

International School of Dsseldorf e.V.

Grade 4

August 2016

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

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.

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 civilisations,
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

There's more here than

meets the eye.

Technology can be
transformative.

Every pattern tells a story.

Energy is the ability to do

work.

Collaboration influences
outcomes.

Access to natural resources

impacts living things in
different ways.

Lines of
inquiry

The assumptions people

make
How assumptions
influence thinking and action
The importance of seeing
things from different points
of view.

The ways 'digital

technologies' are used in
learning
The degree to which
'digital technologies' can
enhance learning and the
sharing of learning
Different perspectives on
'digital technologies'
Lines of inquiry are from
2015-16; unit is under review
with a new CI - all other
components to be reviewed
2016-17 The ways apps
have transformed the
choices we make???
(change, connection,
perspective)
2016-17 Different
perspectives on the
transformative nature of
apps??? (change,
perspective)

Recognizing, describing,
analysing and creating
patterns in math and the arts
The ways artists use
patterns to tell a 'story'
The ways that
understanding patterns can
help the audience appreciate
an artist's work

The forms of energy

(types)
The ways energy can be
transformed to do work
The ways we have
manipulated energy to shape
our world.

Collaborative working
groups in our classes.
Individual and collective
responsibility of group
members.
Overcoming differences
to find solutions.

The availability and

distribution of usable water
around the world
The ways access to
usable water affects human
lives
The ability of individuals,
families and communities to
improve their lives

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

Subject
focus

English, Physical Education

Mathematics, Social Studies

Mathematics, Visual Arts,

Dance, Drama, Music

Science

Physical Education, Drama

Social Studies, Science

Key
concepts

Perspective, Responsibility

Change, Connection,
Perspective

Form, Function, Reflection

Form, Function, Change

Function, Responsibility

Causation, Connection

Kinetic Energy, Potential

Energy

collaboration,
communication, conflict

interdependence,
consumption, sustainability,
wealth, poverty

Related
concepts

interdependence,
dependence, consumption,
sustainability, wealth,
poverty
Learning
experiences

Learner Profile Items:

Thinkers, Open-minded,
Balanced
Attitudes: Curiosity,
Independence
Self-management Skills:
Informed Choices
Thinking Skills: Acquisition
of Knowledge,
Comprehension, Application,
Analysis, Evaluation,
Dialectical Thought
Communication Skills:
Reading, Writing, Nonverbal, Viewing

Learner Profile Items:

Inquirers, Thinkers
Attitudes: Curiosity,
Independence
Research Skills: Collecting
Data, Interpreting Data,
Presenting Research
Thinking Skills: Analysis,
Evaluation
Communication Skills:
Viewing, Presenting

Learner Profile Items:

Thinkers, Reflective
Attitudes: Creativity,
Enthusiasm, Tolerance
Research Skills: Observing,
Planning
Thinking Skills:
Comprehension, Application,
Analysis, Synthesis,
Evaluation
Communication Skills:
Viewing, Presenting

Learner Profile Items:

Knowledgeable, Thinkers,
Risk-takers (Courageous)
Attitudes: Confidence,
Curiosity
Research Skills:
Formulating Questions,
Observing, Planning,
Collecting Data, Recording
Data, Organizing Data,
Interpreting Data, Presenting
Research
Thinking Skills: Acquisition
of Knowledge,
Comprehension, Application,
Analysis, Synthesis,
Evaluation, Metacognition

Learner Profile Items:

Communicators, Principled
Attitudes: Appreciation,
Cooperation, Commitment,
Respect
Self-management Skills:
Organization, Time
Management, Codes of
Behaviour
Social Skills: Accepting
Responsibility, Respecting
Others, Cooperating,
Resolving Conflict, Group
Decision Making, Adopting a
Variety of Group Roles
Communication Skills:
Listening, Speaking,
Presenting

Learner Profile Items:

Knowledgeable, Thinkers,
Communicators, Caring
Attitudes: Empathy,
Integrity, Curiosity
Research Skills:
Formulating Questions,
Planning, Collecting Data,
Recording Data, Organizing
Data, Interpreting Data,
Presenting Research
Self-management Skills:
Gross Motor, Fine Motor,
Spatial Awareness, Safety,
Healthy Lifestyles
Thinking Skills: Acquisition
of Knowledge,
Comprehension, Application,
Analysis, Synthesis,
Evaluation
Communication Skills:
Speaking, Presenting