4th Grade Unit 1 IB PYP Unit of Inquiry

Transdisciplinary Theme: (Interconnected, applicable to all subjects and applied to real life)

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; and the
impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment

Central Idea: (What we what students to understand)

• Patterns and cycles occur throughout the natural world.

What lines of inquiry will define the scope of the inquiry into the central idea?
An inquiry into…
 How patterns impact outcomes (form)
 How cycles work (function)
 How the natural world interacts (connection)
Key Concepts: (What we what students to understand)
form, connection, function
Related Concepts:
patterns, systems, natural resources

Approaches to Learning: (What we want the students to be able to do….)

Thinking: Students use thinking skills to make predictions based on their knowledge of

patterns.
 Social: SW collaborate to investigate
 Communication: SW share findings with each other.
 Self -Management: SW manage time to complete given tasks.
 Research: SW apply what they learn as well as use research skills to complete the
choice board activities.
Learner Profile: (We strive to be….)
Thinkers: Students will inquire into how patterns affect outcomes in light, sound and
weather.
 Knowledgeable: Students will apply what they learned about patterns to the real
world
 Reflective: Students will use their inferencing skills to reflect on outcomes
Attitudes: (We want students to feel, value and demonstrate…..)
 Curiosity: SW wonder how patterns affect science concepts.
 Appreciation: SW show appreciation with how light affects shadows in still-life
drawings (art).
 Confidence: Students will show confidence in predictions in weather based on
patterns.
 Commitment: SW commit to their learning.