Term 5 Unit of Inquiry

Unit of Inquiry:  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.

Central Idea: Changes occur in our world that are within and outside of our control.

Lines of Inquiry

 Forces that are constructive and destructive

 Interactions that affect humans and the environment

 Responsibility for our actions

Key Concepts:  Connection, Causation, Responsibility

This term's Unit of Inquiry is:  How the World Works.  Projects will address the Central Idea and students will be discussing the lines of inquiry on a daily basis.  For example, we are currently examining the constructive and destructive forces that shape Earth landforms.  Students have already to begun to identify the cause and effect cycle of these forces.   Additionally, in Social Studies students will reflect on how the changes that took place during WWII, the Cold War, and the Civil Rights movement were within and outside of the control of certain groups of people.  Lastly, as we read Messenger students will examine the book and the previous books in the series (The Giver & Gathering Blue) through the key concepts.