IB Programme of Inquiry 2022-2023
The Programme of Inquiry is the structure that articulates what, when, and how learners explore the transdisciplinary themes from 3-12 years.
Each school collaboratively develops a programme of inquiry to reflect the unique aspects of that school’s community. The programme of inquiry is organized and framed by six transdisciplinary themes.
The Programme of Inquiry is reviewed and revised annually to reflect growth, change, and actions as students progress through the grades.
Kindergarten
- Who We Are
- Where We Are In Place and Time
- How We Express Ourselves
- How the World Works
- How We Organize Ourselves
- Sharing the Planet
Who We Are
K - WWA:
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.
Central idea:
Awareness of our characteristics, abilities, and interests informs our learning and development
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
• Physical, social and emotional characteristics (Form)
• Similarities and differences between ourselves and others (Connection)
• Personal abilities and interests (Responsibility)
Related Concepts:
Characteristics, cause and effect
IB Learner Profiles:
risk-taker, thinker, open-minded
Main Standards Addressed:
K.2. Geography
1. Recognize that geographic tools represent places and spaces.
K 1. History
2. The sequence of events is important when describing the past.
Where We Are In Place and Time
K - WWPT
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.
Central idea:
Homes reflect where we live and what we value.
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- Characteristics of homes in different places and times (form)
- The influence of weather on home building (causation)
- How homes reflect family values (connection)
- How location may influence needs and wants (perspective)
Related Concepts:
Location, resources, choice, values, wants and needs.
IB Learner Profiles:
inquirer, reflective, thinker
Main Standards Addressed:
K 1. History
1. Ask questions and discuss ideas about the past.
2. The sequence of events is important when describing the past.
K.2. Geography
2. People live in different places around the world.
K.3. Economics
1. Individuals make choices based on wants.
2. Describe choices people make about how to use the money they earn (PFL).
How We Express Ourselves
K - HWEO
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:
Our imagination allows us to think, create and express ourselves in new ways.
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- The diverse ways in which people express themselves (causation)
- The role of art in culture and society (function)
- Representing our personal version of beauty (perspective)
Related Concepts:
process, uniqueness, imagination, perception, self-expression
IB Learner Profiles:
Communicators, Open-minded, Caring
Main Standards Addressed:
k.1. Oral Expression and Listening
1. Communicate using verbal and nonverbal language.
2. Develop oral communication skills through a language-rich environment.
K.2. Reading for All Purposes
1. Develop and apply the concepts of print and comprehension of literary texts.
How the World Works
K- HWW
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
Kindergarten does not teach this unit
How We Organize Ourselves
K- HWOO
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.
Central Idea:
The school community is enhanced by the contribution of its members.
Lines Of Inquiry:
- The purpose of rules and routines (function)
- Reaching and following agreements and decisions (causation)
- Making contributions to the classroom community (change)
Related Concepts:
process, system, voting, rules, community
Main Standards Addressed:
Civics:
4.1 Understand that civic participation takes place in multiple groups and in various forms.
4.2 Participate in making fair and reasoned decisions using democratic traditions.
Sharing the Planet
K - STP:
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
Central idea:
Plants are a life sustaining resource
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- Parts of plants and the changes that occur through growth (function)
- Taking responsibility to care for plants as they grow. (responsibility)
- How plants contribute to our lives (connection)
Related Concepts:
patterns, systems, cycles, change
IB Learner Profiles:
Caring, Knowledgeable, Thinker
Main Standards Addressed:
K 1. Physical Science
1.2. Sunlight affects the Earth's surface.
K2. Life Science
2.1. To live and grow, animals obtain food they need from plants or other animals, and plants need water and light.
K 3. Earth and Space Science
3.1. Patterns are observed when measuring the local weather, including how humans and other organisms impact their environment2. 3.2 Plants and animals meet their needs in their habitats and impact one another; people can prepare for severe weather.
1st Grade
- Who We Are
- Where We Are In Place and Time
- How We Express Ourselves
- How The World Works
- How We Organize Ourselves
- Sharing The Planet
Who We Are
1st - WWA
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.
Central idea:
Relationships connect us with others and contribute to our wellbeing.
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- How we develop relationships (function)
- How relationships affect us (causation)
- Roles within relationships (responsibility)
Related Concepts:
relationships, well being, cohort
IB Learner Profiles:
Thinker, Principled, Caring
Main Standards Addressed:
1.1. History
1. Ask questions and discuss ideas about patterns and chronological order of events from the past.
1.2. Geography
2. Describe the characteristics of a community and how they are influenced by the environment.
Where We Are In Place and Time
1st - WWPT
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.
Central idea:
Traditions and customs as part of personal histories, connect us to previous generations.
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- Exploring traditions and customs at homes and school (connection)
- Traditions and customs that have changed over time (change)
- Comparing traditions from multiple cultures (perspective)
Related Concepts:
culture, generation, history
IB Learner Profiles:
Inquirers, Open-Minded, Communicators
Main Standards Addressed:
1.1. History
1. Ask questions and discuss ideas about patterns and chronological order of events from the past.
2. The diverse perspectives and traditions of families from many cultures have shaped the United States.
1.2. Geography
2. Describe the characteristics of a community and how they are influenced by the environment.
How We Express Ourselves
1st - HWEO
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:
Signs and symbols are used for expression and communication.
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- Symbolism as a form of expression (causation)
- Purposes for signs and symbols (function)
- People and places as symbols (perspective)
Related Concepts:
systems, organization, expectation
IB Learner Profiles:
Communicator, Knowledgeable, Thinker
Main Standards Addressed:
1.1. History
2. The diverse perspectives and traditions of families from many cultures have shaped the United States.
1.4. Civics
2. Notable people, places, holidays, and civic symbols.
How The World Works
1st - HWW
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:
Light and sound waves can be used to transfer energy and information.
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- The sources and properties of light and sound (form)
- Factors that affect light and sound (causation)
- How light and sound can be used to communicate (function)
Related Concepts:
properties, cause & effect, transfer
IB Learner Profiles:
Principled, Inquirer, Thinker
Main Standards Addressed:
1.1. Physical Science
1. Sound can make matter vibrate and vibrating matter can make sound.
1.3. Earth and Space Science
1. Patterns of movement of the sun, moon and stars as seen from Earth can be observed, described and predicted.
How We Organize Ourselves
1ST- HWOO
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.
Central idea:
People can work together to provide services that are needed by the community
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
Environmental factors that shape a community (change)
Services needed to support a community (connection)
Roles of community members (responsibility)
Related Concepts:
role, specialization, expectation, interdependence, relationships, interaction
IB Learner Profile:
Thinker, Communicator, Open-minded
Main Standards Addressed:
1.2. Geography
1.2.1 Locate places and spaces using geographic tools.
1.2.2. Describe the characteristics of a community and how they are influenced by the environment.
1.3. Economics
1.3.1 Individuals work in different types of jobs to earn an income.
1.3.2 Plan how to spend, share, and save money (PFL).
1.4. Civics
1.4.1. Effective groups have responsible leaders and team members.
Sharing The Planet
1st STP
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
Central idea:
Understanding the characteristics and needs of living things allows us to coexist together.
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- Animals resemble other organisms of the same kind (perspective)
- Animals have parts for specific functions (connection)
- How humans mimic the natural world for design and innovation (connection)
Related Concepts:
adapt, role, habitat, characteristics, mimic, survival
IB Learner Profiles:
Inquirer, Knowledgeable, Communicator
Main Standards Addressed:
1.2. Life Science
1. All organisms have external parts that they use to perform daily functions
2. Young organisms are very much, but not exactly, like their parents, and also resemble other organisms of the same kind.
1.3. Earth and Space Science
1. Patterns of movement of the sun, moon and stars as seen from Earth can be observed, described and predicted.
2nd Grade
- Who We Are
- Where We Are In Place and Time
- How We Express Ourselves
- How The World Works
- How We Organize Ourselves
- Sharing The Planet
Who We Are
2nd - WWA
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.
Central idea:
The values and beliefs of citizens shape a community
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- Different values and beliefs (form)
- Opportunities and challenges within a community (perspective)
- Student generated (responsibility)
Related Concepts:
relationships, well being, cohort
IB Learner Profiles:
properties, beliefs, citizenship
Main Standards Addressed:
Civics:
4.1 Advocate for ideas to improve communities.
4.2 Identify and compare multiple ways that people understand and resolve conflicts and differences.
Where We Are In Place and Time
2nd - WWPT
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.
Central idea:
Understanding our place in the world, in relation to others, can develop global awareness.
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- How we represent place and time (function)
- How representation of place and time changes (change)
- Ways we are connected to people in other places and times (connection)
Related Concepts:
Impact, cause and effect, chain reaction
IB Learner Profiles:
Balanced, Reflective Open-Minded
Main Standards Addressed:
History
2. 1.1 Ask questions and discuss ideas taken from primary and secondary sources.
2.1.2 People of various cultures influence neighborhoods and communities over time
Geography
2. 2.1 Use geographic terms and tools to describe places and spaces.
How We Express Ourselves
How The World Works
How We Organize Ourselves
Sharing The Planet
3rd Grade
- Who We Are
- Where We Are In Place and Time
- How We Express Ourselves
- How The World Works
- How We Organize Ourselves
- Sharing The Planet
Who We Are
3rd - WWA
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.
Central idea:
The actions of individuals and groups impact the well-being of a community.
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- Civil discourse promotes well-being (perspective)
- Relationship between rights and responsibilities (responsibilities)
- How people determine the form of action they will take (connection)
Related Concepts:
Values/Beliefs, Community, Compromise
IB Learner Profiles:
Communicator, Principled, Thinker
Main Standards Addressed:
Civics
3.4.1 Respect the views and rights of others.
3.4.2 The origins, structures, and functions of local government.
Where We Are In Place and Time
3rd - WWPT
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.
Central idea:
Characteristics of a region influence its settlement and development.
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- Factors that make a region unique. (form)
- The relationship between location and settlement. (perspective)
- Similarities and differences of local and global regions. (causation)
Related Concepts:
Impact, cause-and-effect, chain reaction
IB Learner Profiles:
Balanced, reflective, Open-Minded
Main Standards Addressed:
Geography
2.1 Use geographic tools to develop spatial thinking.
2.2 The concept of region is developed through an examination of similarities and differences in places and communities.
How We Express Ourselves
How The World Works
How We Organize Ourselves
Sharing The Planet
4th Grade
- Who We Are
- Where We Are In Place and Time
- How We Express Ourselves
- How The World Works
- How We Organize Ourselves
- Sharing The Planet
Who We Are
4th - WWA
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.
Central idea:
different perspectives exist surrounding the value and use of resources
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- Human exploration, settlement and the discovery of resources (function)
- How boom and bust cycles affect the development of a region (Causation)
- The impact of technologies (Change)
Related Concepts:
Historical figures, eras, incentive, influence, identity
IB Learner Profiles:
thinker, reflective, risk-taker
Main Standards Addressed:
History
4. 1.1 Analyze primary and secondary sources from multiple points of view to develop an understanding of the history of Colorado.
4. 1.2 The historical eras, individuals, groups, ideas, and themes in Colorado history and their relationship to key events in the United States within the same historical period.
Geography
4. 2.1 Use geographic tools to research and answer questions about Colorado geography.
4. 2.2 Connections are developed within and across human and physical systems.
Physics
4. 1.7 Patterns can encode, send, receive and decode information.
Where We Are In Place and Time
4th - WWPT
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.
Central idea:
Understanding the continually changing nature of the Earth.
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- How the different components of the Earth are interrelated (connection)
- Why the Earth has changed and is continuing to change (change)
- Response of living organisms to the Earth’s changes (causation)
Related Concepts:
organisms, cycles, formation, pressure, impact, hydrosphere, geosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, fossils, fossil fuels
IB Learner Profiles:
Inquirer, Knowledgeable, Open-minded
Main Standards Addressed:
Earth and Science
4.3.1 Earth has changed over time.
4.3.2 Four major earth systems interact.
4.3.3 Earth's physical features occur in patterns.
Life Science
4. 2.1 Organisms have both internal and external structures that serve various functions.
How We Express Ourselves
How The World Works
How We Organize Ourselves
Sharing The Planet
5th Grade
- Who We Are
- Where We Are In Place and Time
- How We Express Ourselves
- How The World Works
- How We Organize Ourselves
- Sharing The Planet
Who We Are
5th - WWA
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.
Central idea:
Changes people experience at different stages of their lives affect their evolving sense of self..
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
- The physical, social, emotional, and intellectual changes that occur throughout life (change)
- Factors that contribute to well-being during adolescence (causation)
- How relationships contribute to our self-concept (connection)
Related Concepts:
maturation, mental health, puberty, adolescence
IB Learner Profiles:
caring, reflective, balanced, Principled
Main Standards Addressed:
Economics:
5. 3.2 Examine how individuals use financial institutions to manage personal finances (PFL).
Where We Are In Place and Time
5th - WWPT
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.
Central idea:
Student generated
Lines Of Inquiry/Key Concepts:
Student generated
Related Concepts:
Student generated
IB Learner Profiles:
Student generated
Main Standards Addressed:
Earth and Space Science:
- 3.1 Stars range greatly in size and distance from Earth, and this can explain their relative brightness.
- 3.2 Earth’s orbit and rotation and the orbit of the moon around earth cause observable patterns.
- 3.3 Earth’s major systems interact in multiple ways to affect Earth’s surface materials and processes.
- 3.4 Most of Earth’s water is in the ocean and much of Earth’s freshwater in glaciers or underground. 3.5 Societal activities have had major effects on land, ocean, atmosphere and even outer space
Physical Science:
- 1.3 The gravitational force of Earth acting on an object near Earth's surface pulls that object toward the planet’s center.