Berlin Brandenburg International School Programme of Inquiry 2014-2015

Early Childhood EC3 & EC4

August 2014
Who We Are
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.
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.
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.
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.
Title:
1
st
/ Marvelous Me!

Title:
3
rd
/ My Feelings and Ideas
Title:
2
nd
/ Toys
Title:
4
th
/ Mini-beasts
8 weeks
(August, September, October)
8 weeks
(January, February, March)
9 weeks
(November, December, January)
11 weeks
(April, May, June)
Subject Focus:
PSPE
Society self
Subject Focus:
Language/ Drama/ Visual Arts/ Music/
Dance/ PE
Subject Focus:
Science materials & physical science;
technology
Subject Focus:
Science living things; environment

Central Idea:
I am unique and so are you.
Central Idea:
Feelings and ideas can be expressed
through the creative arts.
Central Idea:
Toys are designed in different ways for
a variety of uses.
Central Idea:
We share our world with many different
mini-beasts.
An Inquiry Into:
Who I am

What I like

How I am the same and different from
others

What I can do and what I want to do

How I am growing and changing

An Inquiry Into:
How we use the arts to express
ourselves (music, art, dance, drama)

Identifying and communicating
feelings

Pretending and imagining


Lines of inquiry:

Making toys

Ways that toys work

Uses for toys
Lines of inquiry:

What mini-beasts look like

Where mini-beasts live

What mini-beasts need to live

How mini-beasts change

How mini-beasts can help us
Key Concepts:
form, change, connection

Key Concepts:
connection, perspective
Key concepts:
form, function, causation
Key concepts:
form, change, responsibility
Berlin Brandenburg International School Programme of Inquiry 2014-2015
Early Childhood EC5
August 2014

Who We Are
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.
Where We Are In Time &
Place
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.
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.
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.
How We Organise
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.
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.
B 1
st
/ Communities 5
th
/ Journeys
Celebrations and
Traditions
2
nd
/ Seasons 4
th
/ Shelter 5
th
/ Plants
6 weeks
(August, September,
October)
7 weeks
(May, June)
Yearlong unit 7 weeks
(October, November, December)
7 weeks
(January, February, March)
6 weeks
(March, April, May)
Subject Focus:
Social organization &
culture communities
PSHE
Subject Focus:
Human & natural
environments
Resources & the
environment
Mathematics: space &
shape
Subject Focus:
Continuity & change
Social organization &
cultures
PSHE
Subject Focus:
Science earth & space;
living things
Subject Focus:
Science Materials &
matter
Social organization &
culture
Human & natural
environments
Subject Focus:
Science living things;
forces & energy
Resources & the
environment
Central Idea:
People are members of
communities.

Central Idea:
People and goods make
journeys.
Central Idea:
People recognize
important events through
celebrations and
traditions.
Central Idea:
The seasons change the
world around us.
Central Idea:
People need shelter.
Central Idea:
Plant life is vital for both
people and the
environment.

Lines of Inquiry:
What a community is

What I bring to my
community

My school community
Lines of Inquiry:
The reasons for journeys

How journeys can be
made

What we can experience
Lines of Inquiry:
What traditions are

How and why people
celebrate

Similarities and
Lines of Inquiry:
What seasons are

The effect of seasons on
plants, animals and
people

Lines of Inquiry:
What a shelter is

Why we build shelters

How shelters are built and
which materials are used
Lines of Inquiry:
The diversity of plant life

How plants can be grown

The use of plants

Berlin Brandenburg International School Programme of Inquiry 2014-2015
Early Childhood EC5
August 2014
and learn on journeys

The effect of journeys on
people and places
differences between
various celebrations

Why there are seasons
Different kinds of shelters
The importance of plants
Key Concepts:
form, function,
responsibility
Key Concepts:
function, connection,
causation
Key Concepts:
connection, perspective,
reflection
Key Concepts:
change, causation,
connection
Key Concepts:
form, function, causation
Key Concepts:
form/function, change,
responsibility
Berlin Brandenburg International School Programme of Inquiry 2014-2015
Grade 1
August 2014
Who We Are
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.
Where We Are In Time &
Place
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.
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.
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.
How We Organise
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.
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.
1
st
/ Senses 2
nd


/ Needs and Wants 3
rd
/ Stories 4
th
/ Light and Shadow 5
th
/ Farms
Trees

6+ weeks
(September, October)
6 weeks
(November, December)
6+ weeks
(January, February, March)
6 weeks
(March, April, May)
5 weeks
(May, June)
Yearlong unit

Subject Focus:
Society - Self
PSE/ PE
Science- Living things
Subject Focus:
Society- self
Geography
History
Subject Focus:
Society - Cultures
Language Arts
Performing Arts
Subject Focus:
Science - Earth & Space
Subject Focus:
Social Studies
Society- work Things
Design technology
Subject Focus:
Environment, ecology
Science- Living
Central Idea:
I use my senses to
understand the world
around me.
Central Idea:
Being interconnected
helps people meet needs.
Central Idea:
People and cultures
express themselves
through stories.
Central Idea:
Light creates shadows
and reflections.
Central Idea:
Many of the things we
use everyday come from
a farm.
Central Idea:
Trees are a resource for
us and other living things.
Lines of inquiry:
Exploring the world with our
senses

The different ways that
people learn

How our senses work
together

Our senses and safety

Coping without one or more
sense
Lines of inquiry:
How being in a
community helps us meet
our needs

How the same needs are
met in different
communities

Where things are in our
community

Public and private spaces
Lines of inquiry:
Reasons people tell
stories

Different forms stories
can take

Ways stories can teach us
about cultures



Lines of inquiry:
How light reflects

How shadows are made
and changed

Different sources of light



Lines of inquiry:
Different kinds of farms

Farming as a business

The processes on a farm

The effect of farming on
the Earth

Lines of inquiry:
What trees provide for
people and other living
things

The role of trees in the
environment

Caring for trees
Berlin Brandenburg International School Programme of Inquiry 2014-2015
Grade 1
August 2014

Key Concepts:
function, connection,
reflection
Key Concepts:
function, connection,
responsibility
Key Concepts:
form, function,
perspective
Key Concepts:
function, causation,
change
Key Concepts:
form, function,
connection
Key Concepts:
change, connection,
responsibility


Berlin Brandenburg International School Programme of Inquiry 2014-2015
Grade 2
August 2014
Who We Are
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.
Where We Are In Time &
Place
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.
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.
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.
How We Organise
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.
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.
3
rd
/ Gesundheit!

4
th
/ Long, Long Ago 2
nd
/ Without Saying A
Word

5
th
/ Materials 1
st
/ Transportation 6
th
/ Waste
6 weeks
(December, January)
7 weeks
(February, March)
7 weeks
(October, November )
4+ weeks
(April, May)
5 weeks
(August, September)
6 weeks
(May, June)
Subject Focus:
Society self
Science living things
PSHE/PE/Health
Subject Focus:
History chronology,
periods
Social- Cultures
Geography
Subject Focus:
Music, Dance and Drama
PSHE/ Health, Feelings
Subject Focus:
Science materials &
matter
Subject Focus:
Geography place
PSHE
Mathematics Space
Subject Focus:
Geography the natural
environment
Science earth & space
Central Idea:
Our daily choices affect
our health.
Central Idea:
People in the past lived in
ways that are the same
and different from the
way we live today.
Central Idea:
Ideas and feelings can be
expressed without saying
a word.
Central Idea:
How we use a material
depends on its properties.

Central Idea:
Transportation systems are
related to the needs of a
community.
Central Idea:
The choices we make
about waste affect the
environment.
Lines of Inquiry:
Daily habits and routines
(sleep, hygiene, exercise,
eating)

Balanced choices

Consequences of choices

Mental and physical well-
being
Lines of Inquiry:
Family history

Ways we find out about
the past.

Differences between life
long ago and now

Similarities between life
long ago and now
Lines of Inquiry:
How we can express
ourselves without using
words

The role of music and
movement as forms of
expression

How different groups of
people express
Lines of Inquiry:
The properties of
different materials.

How we use different
materials.

Why we choose certain
materials for certain jobs.


Lines of Inquiry:
Purposes of different
transportation systems

Factors that affect the
kinds of systems that can
be developed

Relationship between
transportation and the
environment
Lines of Inquiry:
The waste that we make
and what happens to it.

The effect waste has on
our environment.

The ways in which waste
can be reduced, reused
and recycled.

Berlin Brandenburg International School Programme of Inquiry 2014-2015
Grade 2
August 2014
themselves through
music and movement
The responsibility we
have in managing waste.
Key Concepts:
function, causation,
reflection, balance
Key Concepts:
connection, change,
perspective
Key Concepts:
function, connection,
reflection
Key Concepts:
form, function,
connection
Key Concepts:
function, connection,
causation
Key Concepts:
causation, responsibility
Berlin Brandenburg International School Programme of Inquiry 2014-2015
Grade 3
August 2014
Who We Are
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.
Where We Are In Time &
Place
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.
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.
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.
How We Organise 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.
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.
2
nd
/ Identity 6
th
/ Migration 3
rd
/ Art 4
th
/ Weather 1
st
/ Office Space 5
th
/ Water
6 weeks
(September, October,
November)
6+ weeks
(May, June)
7+ weeks
(November, December, January)
5 weeks
(February, March)
5 weeks
(August, September)
5 weeks
(March, April)
Subject Focus:
Society self
PSHE Identity
Subject Focus:
History significant
people
Geography - place
Subject Focus:
Society self
History, Geography
Visual Arts
Subject Focus:
Science earth & space
Geography place
Mathematicsdata,
measurement
Subject Focus:
Society
PSHE Interacting with
others
Subject Focus:
Science earth & space
Geography - place
Central Idea:
Many factors play a
significant role in shaping
who we are.

Central Idea:
Human migration is a
response to challenges,
risks and opportunities.
Central Idea:
Artists and their audience
are influenced by many
factors.
Central Idea:
Meteorologists study and
predict the weather,
which affects people
every day.
Central Idea:
The workplace is an
organization where people
share responsibilities to
work toward a common
purpose.
Central Idea:
Water is essential to life,
and is a limited resource
for many people.
Lines of inquiry:
How we define ourselves

The factors that have
affected us

How we see others and
how others see us

Lines of inquiry:
Reasons people migrate

Effects of migration on
communities, cultures
and individuals

Migration throughout
history


Lines of inquiry:
How we express ourselves
through the visual arts
Different types of visual
arts
What influences an artists
work
What influences an
Lines of inquiry:
Why weather varies and
changes

Weather patterns and
how they can be used

How weather and seasons
affect daily life
Lines of inquiry:
Different roles and
responsibilities

Kinds of workplaces

Interdependence between
workers
Lines of inquiry:
Sources of water and how
water is used

What happens to water
after we have used it

Distribution and
availability of usable
water

Responsibilities regarding
Berlin Brandenburg International School Programme of Inquiry 2014-2015
Grade 3
August 2014
audience water
Key Concepts:
causation, perspective
Key Concepts:
causation, change,
perspective
Key Concepts:
form, perspective,
causation
Key Concepts:
function, causation,
connection (pattern)
Key Concepts:
function, reflection,
responsibility
(interdependence)
Key Concepts:
function, causation,
responsibility
Berlin Brandenburg International School Programme of Inquiry 2014-2015
Grade 4
August 2014
Who We Are
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.
Where We Are In Time &
Place
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.
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.
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.
How We Organise
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.
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.
1
st
/ Decisions 6
th
/ The Middle Ages 3
rd
/ Drama 5
th
/ Forces 2
nd
/ Government 4
th
/ Animal Kingdom

4 weeks
(August, September)
7 weeks
(May, June)
6 weeks
(November, December)
6 weeks
(March, April)
7 weeks
(September, October,
November)
8 weeks
(January, February, March)
Subject Focus:
Society self
PSHE
Subject Focus:
History periods
Society
Subject Focus:
Society - cultures
Language
Arts: drama
Subject Focus:
Science forces & energy
Physical science
Subject Focus:
Society
History
Subject Focus:
Science living things
Geography environment
Central Idea:
We can develop
strategies to help us
make good decisions.
Central Idea:
Our lives are shaped by
the time and place in
which we live.
Central Idea:
Drama is an art form that
explores human conflict
and tension.
Central Idea:
Scientists learn about
forces and motion
through systematic
inquiry.
Central Idea:
Humans have developed
different systems of
government in order to
organize society.
Central Idea:
All living things depend
on each other and
resources to survive.
Lines of inquiry:
Defining decisions we
make

Consequences of
personal decisions on
relationships, health and
safety

The factors that influence
our choices
Lines of inquiry:
Factors that affect the
way people live

Life in the Middle Ages

How we can look at our
present society by
learning to study the past
Lines of inquiry:
Tools of drama

How drama skills are
transferable to real-life
situations

The effect on audience
members


Lines of inquiry:
The role of curiosity in
scientific investigation

How scientists use
methods and tools

How forces affect the
motion of objects

What influences the
power of a force
Lines of inquiry:
Why we have
government

How societies make
decisions

Different forms of
government

How government affects
us and how we affect it
Lines of inquiry:
How different types of
animals are connected to
each other and their
habitat

The impact of living
things on each other and
the environment

What we can do to work
for a healthy future
Berlin Brandenburg International School Programme of Inquiry 2014-2015
Grade 4
August 2014
Key Concepts:
causation, responsibility,
reflection
Key Concepts:
causation, change,
perspective
Key Concepts:
connection, responsibility,
perspective
Key Concepts:
function, causation,
perspective
Key Concepts:
function, perspective,
responsibility
Key Concepts:
form, connection, change,
(interdependence)

Berlin Brandenburg International School Programme of Inquiry 2014-2015
Grade 5
August 2014
Who We Are
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.
Where We Are In Time &
Place
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.
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.
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.
How We Organise
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.
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.
6
th
/ Growing Up

1
st
/Significant
Contribution
3
rd
/ Lets Imagine 2
nd
/ Matter 5
th
/ Media 4
th
/ PYP Exhibition
Focus: Diversity/ Childrens
rights
4 weeks
(June)
6 weeks
(Aug-Oct) Aug 21-Oct 10
5+ weeks
(December, January,
February)
6 weeks
(October, November)
5 weeks
(May, June)
9 weeks
(February, March, April)
Subject Focus:
PSHE
Society- self
Science- biology
Subject Focus:
History - significant
people
PSHE - self
Subject Focus:
Music Listening
Oral/written language
Subject Focus:
Science materials &
matter

Subject Focus:
Society - systems
PSHE4
Subject Focus:
Social studies
PSHE
Research
Central Idea:
Growing up brings new
opportunities and new
challenges.
Central Idea:
Individuals contributions
have influenced our
present world.
Central Idea:
We can influence the
thoughts and feelings of
an audience.
Central Idea:
Everything around us is
made up of matter.
Central Idea:
The media has a
significant impact on the
modern world.
Central Idea:
To be developed with the
students, focusing on
diversity and childrens
rights
Lines of inquiry:
Physical, emotional and
social changes that take
place during puberty

Healthy choices we make
as we get older

Human reproduction
Lines of inquiry:
How individuals have
influenced our present
because of their actions

How studying individuals
from the past helps us to
make sense of our
present

The different ways in
Lines of inquiry:
How we communicate
using:
-Music
-Visuals
-Written and
spoken words
-Drama

How we can influence an
audience
Lines of inquiry:
The states and properties
of matter

How matter changes and
interacts

How energy affects
matter

The scientific method
Lines of inquiry:
The role of the media in
society

The role of technology in
the media

How the media affects
our perceptions of the
world

Lines of inquiry:
To be developed with the
students
Berlin Brandenburg International School Programme of Inquiry 2014-2015
Grade 5
August 2014
which people can
contribute to the lives of
others
Our responsibility in
interpreting and relaying
information accurately
and without bias
Key Concepts:
function, change,
responsibility
Key Concepts:
change, connection,
causation
Key Concepts:
function, causation,
reflection
Key Concepts:
form, change, causation,
Key Concepts:
perspective,
responsibility, reflection
Key Concepts:
All concepts