American International School of Bucharest

Grade 3 Program of Inquiry

Who we are

Sharing the planet

How we organize
ourselves

How the world

works

Where we are in place

and time

How we express
ourselves

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Central Idea:

Central Idea:

Central Idea:

Central Idea:

Central Idea:

Central Idea:

We can learn to develop

ourselves based on
influential people.

Access to water affects

living things and their
environment

There is a need for balance

in a market economy.

Understanding how simple

machines work helps us to
be more efficient.

Human migration is a
response to challenges, risks
and opportunities.

Expression through digital

media involves
responsibility.

Subject Area Focus: PSPE,

Social Studies, Literacy

Subject Area Focus:

Science, Math, Literacy

Subject Area Focus:

Science, Math

Subject Area Focus: Social

Studies, Literacy, Math

Subject Area Focus:

PSPE, Literacy

Key Concepts: causation,

perspective, reflection

Key Concepts: function,

connection, responsibility

Key Concepts: form,

reflection, function

Key Concepts: change,

causation

Key Concepts: form,

responsibility, perspective

Related Concepts:
identity, values

Related Concepts:
cycles, resources,
conservation

Related Concepts:
efficiency, evidence,
mechanics

Related Concepts:
migration, history, conflict

Related Concepts: digital

citizenship, creativity, digital
footprint

Lines of Inquiry:

Lines of Inquiry:

role models
values and beliefs
negative and positive
influences role
models have on
individuals and
society
developing our own
interests and talents

properties of water
and the water cycle
how water supports
life
importance and
accessibility of clean
water
responsible use of water

Subject Area Focus: Social

Studies, Math
Key Concepts: function,
connection, responsibility
Related Concepts:
economics, system
Lines of Inquiry:

the role of money in

the marketplace
the connection
between production
and consumption
our responsibility as
consumers

Lines of Inquiry:

Lines of Inquiry:

Lines of Inquiry:
reasons why people
migrate
migration throughout
history
effects of migration on
communities, cultures and
individuals

what work is
types of simple
machines
how machines make
work easier

different forms of
media
interpreting different
media
How we use digital
media