Where we are in place & time

Year 4 - Term 3/4, 2024

Transdisciplinary Theme

'Where we are in place & time'

Central Idea

Exploration leads to discoveries, opportunities and new understandings

As an International Baccalaureate world school, authorised to teach the Primary Year’s Programme, we explore six transdisciplinary themes each year.

This unit of inquiry provides the opportunity for Year Four students to investigate various forms of exploration and the benefits or consequences this may bring. We aim to develop students’ sense of curiosity about the past and investigate inspirations that influence people to engage in exploration. Students will recognise different perspectives of the people who are impacted by exploration.

We will encourage students to connect with migration stories of their families and other individuals and extend these connections between modern experiences and those of the past.

Students will research information as directed, ensuring they write their research notes in their own words in order to show respect for the ownership and intellectual rights of the authors/websites they access.

Concepts

causation - Understanding why exploration happens. Students will explore the reasons and motivations behind various explorations. They will ask questions such as: What prompts people to embark on exploratory journeys? What needs or desires drive these quests for discovery?
change - Exploring how exploration leads to transformation. Students will investigate how discoveries from exploration can alter people’s lives, societies, and our understanding of the world. They will reflect on both the immediate and long-term changes that exploration can bring about.

Lines of Inquiry

Reasons for exploration
Discoveries and explorations of our world
The consequences of exploration

Action

We continue to encourage our children’s independent action inspired by our Units of Inquiry. Action in the PYP is initiated independently by the student as a result of the learning process. Action may be bringing a book or artefact related to the inquiry to school, or student-initiated drawings/posters/research. We celebrate our students’ ACTION every day in our classrooms. If you see your child/ren taking independent action at home, please encourage them to share their action with their class.

Approaches to Learning

Communication Skills:

Communication skills - Students will practice articulating their ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing. They will engage in discussions, share findings, and present their research effectively.
Thinking skills - Critical thinking and problem-solving are central to this unit. Students will analyse historical and modern explorations, make connections, and evaluate their impacts.
Self-management skills - Developing organisational skills and personal responsibility will be emphasised. Students will manage their research projects, track their progress, and meet deadlines.
Research skills - Students will gather, evaluate, and synthesise information from various sources. They will learn to take notes in their own words to respect intellectual property.