Newsletter

Grade Level
: Grade 4
Schoolyear
School
year : 2012-2013
Period
: September 24 October 26, 2012
TD Theme : Where we are in Place and Time
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.
An Inquiry on Explorations and Discoveries

Central Idea:
Explorations leads to discoveries,
opportunities and new understandings.

Contents
Tuning In
Finding Out
Sorting Out
To Sum Up The Unit
Discipline Integration

Tuning In

We began our unit by dissecting the central idea. We

wrote down important concepts and ideas related to the
unit then came up with an idea that our group can relate
with.
After dissecting the central idea we read about different
articles related to exploration. We read articles on land,
sea and air explorations as well as explorations in
medicine, science and technology and space
explorations.

Tuning In

We also visited the Mind Museum at Fort Bonifacio in

order for us to raise more questions about our unit and
also to see how explorations have taken place in the
fields of science and technology.
At the Mind Museum we saw that technology can be
used to explain how different parts of the world works. It
gave us the opportunity to investigate on space and
medical explorations and discoveries.

Finding Out

We grouped ourselves into three topics: Space,

Medicine, and Technology groups. These groups were
based on our interests.
We read different articles about our expert topics in
order for us to come up with questions that we would like
to inquire on.

Finding Out

Together with Teacher Gina and Teacher Alfonso, we

inquired on about explorations that happened in land.
We learned the reasons why people explored during the
Age of Exploration and how they explored. The three
reasons for exploration during those times were the 3Gs
(God, Gold, and Glory).
We discovered that early explorers believed that the
world was flat but through explorations they were able to
prove that it was round.
These explorations led to the discovery of new countries
and continents, information and wealth.

Finding Out

We had the opportunity to visit three places in Manila:

Fort Santiago and the Rizal Shrine, San Agustin Church
and the Bahay Tsinoy. In this field trip we saw the
consequences and contributions of the Spaniards in
Filipino culture and how it helped shape our Filipino
identity.

Finding Out

In those three places we learned how the Spaniards

were able to establish the city of Manila. How they
contributed to religion and architecture.
At the Bahay Tsinoy, we learned how the early Chinese
settlers and explorers gave us important resources and
also allowed us to trade with them, which they would
trade in other places and countries.

Sorting Out

Based on our notes and the information that we had

gathered, we created a story or comic strip that would
show our understanding of why and how people
explored.

Sorting Out
Our second sorting out activity was to create a
timeline that would show our understanding of
how explorations have taken place over time.
We would compare how people explored
during the Age of Exploration and how people
explore at the present.
Our focus could be on the modes of
exploration.

Sorting Out
Our last sorting out activity was to
create a powerpoint presentation that
would illustrate the advantages and
disadvantages of explorations.
It also focused on the consequences of
explorations and how it has impacted
the development in the following areas:
Space, Medicine, and Technology.

To Sum Up The Unit

For our summative assessment we took on the role of a

historian/explorer. We were tasked to create and write a
report on all of our learning and understanding on
explorations and discoveries.
We were able to show their understanding through the
application of what they have learned and integrating it
with their previous knowledge.
We were also able to share how exploration has its own
advantages and disadvantages that have helped
explorers but developed or hindered the people whom
theyve met.

Discipline Integration

English

For this unit we learned about Myths, Legends and

Fables.
We learned about the different characteristics of myths,
legends and fables.
We read stories about myths, especially coming from
Greek Mythology and related it to the Percy Jackson
Series. The series made use of different elements that
were also found in myths.
Using these stories we made a story mountain that
would show how the stories progressed from the
beginning, climax and the resolution.
For this unit, we also practiced our penmanship and
spelling by writing words.

Discipline Integration Math

We continued our unit on Numbers by learning about

Fractions, specifically how to multiply and divide
fractions.
In multiplying and dividing fractions we learned how to
convert improper and mixed fractions.
We also investigated on how to read maps.
We used our maps to know the concepts on longitude
and latitude, prime meridian and the equator.
Using what we had learned we located different
countries using the longitude and latitude lines.

Discipline Integration Filipino

In Filipino, we familiarize ourselves with the structure and
parts of an Information Report. We were able to present
reports in different ways (concept maps and text forms). As
a group, we created a simple information report and
presented it with audience.
Sa Filipino, pinagaralan namin ang istraktura at mga bahagi
na bumubuo sa Tekstong Impormatibo. Nakapagpakita kami
ng mga impormasyon sa ibat ibang paraan, tulad ng
konspetong mapa at sa paraan ng isang teksto. Ang bawat
grupo ay gumawa ng isang simpleng tekstong impormatibo
at iniulat ito sa harap ng mga panauhin.

Discipline Integration Library

We explored and learned about the importance of using

an atlas in learning about Explorations.
We learned about map reading to develop our searching
skills.
We did Library exploration by learning how to search for
books in the library using the computer through the
Online Public Access Catalog.
We did the reading log wherein the students need to
write down the books that they have read, rate it, and
write the things that they have learned from the book.

Discipline Integration Music & Movement

We explored how to make a class song arrangement

and to make it more interesting by using dynamics (loud,
soft), texture (solo, duet, group). We also learned about
pitch: so, mi, la in hand sign and notation.

Discipline Integration Physical Education

In PE, we explored how volleyball developed through the

years. Also, we learned the proper techniques doing a
serve, pass/bump and set. We had different drills for us
to practice these skills.

Discipline Integration Arts

The class expressed their UOI ideas by drawing their

assigned topics. Space, Medicine, Technology groups
showed ideas about their explorations.
The class inquired about the basics of painting. The
class looked into what ideas painters express. Also a
topic of inquiry was how perspective can be used to
express ideas.

Discipline Integration Information

Technology

We explored and familiarize in creating our own glogster,

We learned how to create interactive posters that are
loaded with text graphics, music and videos.

www.dis-edu.org