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5th Grade Units of Inquiry

A chalkboard with %225th Grade%22 written in cursive, a red apple with %22Teacher%22 written on it, and a piece of chalk are in the foreground, set against a dark background.

An inquiry into systems, structures, and  networks through:

▪ inspiration, imagination, creativity ▪ personal, social, and cultural notes and practices of communication ▪ intentions, perceptions,  interpretations, and responses

Central Idea: Natural patterns may influence culture

Lines of Inquiry: 

  1. Natural patterns
  2. Culture
  3. The influence of patterns on culture

Specified Concepts: connection, perspective, causation

 

 

 

An inquiry into the interdependence of  human and natural worlds through:

▪ rights, responsibilities, and dignity of all ▪ pathways to just, peaceful, and reimagined futures ▪ nature, complexity, coexistence, and wisdom

Central Idea: Perceived social injustices lead to action

Lines of Inquiry:

  1. Social injustices 
  2. Taking action
  3. The results of actions taken 

Specified Concepts: perspective, connection, responsibility

 

An inquiry into histories and orientation in  place, space, and time through: 

▪ periods, events, and artifacts ▪ communities, heritage, culture, and environment ▪ natural and human drivers of movement, adaptation, and  transformation

Central Idea:  Exploration may lead to taking action

Lines of Inquiry: 

  1. Taking Action
  2. The impact of action on communities
  3. Exploration of global issues

 Specified Concepts: connection, perspective, change 

 

 

An inquiry into identity as individuals and as  part of a collective through:

▪ physical, emotional, social and spiritual health and well-being ▪ relationships and   belonging ▪ learning and growing

Central Idea: Beliefs and values influence societies

Lines of Inquiry:

  1. Beliefs and values 
  2. How societies form 
  3. Earth systems

Specified Concepts: perspective, causation, connection

 

 

 

An inquiry into systems, structures, and  networks through: 

▪ interactions with and between social and ecological systems ▪ approaches to livelihoods and trade practices: intended and unintended  consequences ▪ representation, collaboration, and decision-making

Central Idea: Organized society consists of structure and cooperation. 

Lines of Inquiry:

  1. Structure of government 
  2. Roles of cooperation 
  3. Past experiences shape change 

Specified Concepts: form, function, change

An inquiry into the understandings of the  world and phenomena through:

▪ patterns, cycles, systems ▪ diverse practices, methods, and tools▪ discovery, design, innovation, possibilities, and impacts

Central Idea: Organisms impact earth systems

Lines of Inquiry: 

  1. The flow of energy
  2. Interdependent relationships within ecosystems 
  3. Human impact on earth systems 

Specified Concepts: connection, responsibility, function