Programme of Inquiry

Cedar International School

Grade 3
Who we are
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. Family histories provide an insight into culture, family and the individual. Family ancestry Artifacts, heirlooms or rituals that have meaning in a family Similarities and differences between generations within a family

May 2013
How we organize ourselves
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. Transportation systems are directly related to the needs of a community. Specific purposes of different transportation systems Factors that affect the kinds of systems that can be developed Relationship between transportation systems and the environment

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. Geography, landforms, history and symbols are part of the mosaic of a countrys identity. The relevance of history to a country's identity Significance of national symbols The impact of geography on human activities and national beliefs and values

How we express ourselves

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. People express their beliefs in different ways.

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; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment. Earth and its atmosphere are surrounded by space and are part of a vast and complex universe. The structure of our solar system and beyond Characteristics of the planets in our solar system Objects in space Human responsibilities in space and space travel

Sharing the planet

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. Biodiversity relies on maintaining the interdependent balance of organisms within systems. Interdependence within ecosystems, biomes and environments Animals and plants that become extinct or endangered and why Natural and manmade reasons for ecosystem imbalance and extinction How human interaction with the environment can affect the balance of systems Science, Visual Arts, Computer Technology, Library

Central idea

Lines of inquiry

Key elements and practices of major religions Similarities and differences between religious beliefs and practices How beliefs influence the way we behave The impact of religion and spiritual traditions on society English, Social Studies, Physical Education, Visual Arts, Computer Technology, Spanish, Library Form, Perspective, Reflection

Subject focus

English, Social Studies, Spanish

English, Social Studies, Computer Technology, Spanish

English, Science, Visual Arts, Computer Technology, Music, Library

English, Social Studies, Computer Technology

Key concepts

Change, Reflection

Causation, Connection, Perspective

Form, Function, Responsibility

Function, Connection

Causation, Connection, Responsibility

Who we are
Related concepts

Where we are in place and time

impact, history, communication

How we express ourselves

Diversity, perception

How the world works

How we organize ourselves

Systems, Networks, community needs

Sharing the planet

Chronology; History;Tradition

Structure, initiative

Balance, Biodiversity, Interdependence and Consequences