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Academics Program

Teaching & Learning at BPCS

BPCS believes that students learn best when they create a deep understanding of

content and skills through real-world experiences.

We provide opportunities that support

them in making meaningful connections between academic content and human

experience.

We do this through child-centered learning that encourages them to critically think

about the world around them.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Also called Inquiry

What is IB?The International Baccalaureate (IB)

Program is a pre-K to 12 program with a curriculum framework that prepares students to be well-rounded global

citizens.

IB program focus is on:★ Knowledge★ Concepts ★ Skills

★ Attitudes ★ Action

★ Learner Profiles

Why IB?The IB program supports our philosophy

of how children learn best.

We believe curriculum should be:★ Engaging★ Relevant

★ Challenging★ Significant

★ Interdisciplinary

Program of Inquiry at BPCS

★ Four Inquiry Units per Grade ○ One per term except Term 2 has two units

★ Either Social Studies or Science standards based

★ Integrates reading, writing, and math instruction

★ Units coordinate with four of the six IB Transdisciplinary Themes

Transdisciplinary Themes

Who We AreAn 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; rightsand responsibilities; what it means to

be human

Where We Are in Place and Time

An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and

journeys; thediscoveries, 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, beliefsand values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our

creativity; our appreciation ofthe aesthetic.

How the World WorksAn 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 Organize Ourselves

An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and

communities; the structureand function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities

and their impact onhumankind and the environment.

Sharing the PlanetAn 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 betweenthem; access to equal opportunities;

peace and conflict resolution.

The IB evaluated the subjects learned in school and determined six areas that are common human experiences across cultures that could drive the learning of knowledge, skills and concepts.

Themes are selected based on:- Which social studies/science topic fits best- Which theme the grade level has not covered

in their current year

K Unit 1 - CommunityTheme: Who We Are

Central Idea: Communities are enriched by their members and the different perspectives they bring.

Lines of Inquiry:● What a community is● People within a community● The personal stories of

community members.

Key Concepts: change, form, perspectiveRelated Concepts: continuity, diversity

Unit 2 - Wants and NeedsTheme: Sharing the Planet

Central idea: The choices we make impact ourselves and others.

Lines of inquiry: - Differences between needs and wants of living things- How needs and wants provide for us - The impact of people’s choices on themselves, others & the environment

Key concepts: form, function, responsibility Related concepts: role, initiative, interdependence, consequences

Unit 3 - TransportationTheme: How We Organize OurselvesCentral Idea: Transportation systems are directly related to the needs of a community.

Lines of Inquiry:● Specific purposes of different

transportation.● Specific purposes of different

transportation systems● Factors that affect the kinds of

transportation systems in a community

Key Concepts: form, function, connectionRelated Concepts: similarities/ differences, systems, interdependence

Unit 4 - GrowthTheme: How the World WorksCentral Idea: All living things go through a process of change.

Lines of Inquiry:● Patterns of growth● How living things change over

their lifetime● Factors that can influence life

cycles

Key Concepts: causation, change, connectionRelated Concepts: cycles, transformation, similarities and differences

1st Unit 1 - FamiliesTheme: Where We Are in Place and Time

Central idea: Families are the same yet different within and across cultures

Lines of inquiry• Families and communities can be defined similarly and differently• Families define cultural identities• Personal histories express our values

Key concepts: Form, Perspective, ChangeRelated concepts: Culture, Identity

Unit 2 - HomesTheme: Who We Are

Central idea: Homes reflect cultural influences and local conditions.

Lines of Inquiry:● What defines a home● How homes reflect family

values and local culture● Factors that determine where

people live.

Key concepts: form, connection, perspectiveRelated concepts: culture, needs, ownership, locality

Unit 3 - Maps and GeographyTheme: How the World Works

Central idea: Humans use tools to understand their place in the worldLines of Inquiry

● Tools used to understand the world

● How tools are used to navigate our world

● The distinctive geographical features of a place

Key concepts: form, function, causationRelated concepts: geography, regions, landscape

Unit 4 - Celebrations Theme: How We Express Ourselves

Central idea: Celebrations and traditions are expressions of shared beliefs and values.

Lines of Inquiry:● Symbols of celebrations and

traditions● Traditions found across

celebrations● The meaning behind why

people celebrate

Key concepts: form, connection perspectiveRelated concepts: beliefs, values, belonging, culture

2nd Unit 1 - Rights, Rules and ResponsibilitiesTheme: Who We Are

Central idea: Choices of leaders can reflect the beliefs and values of individuals and societies.Lines of Inquiry:

● What determines our beliefs and values

● How and why leaders are chosen

● Our choices and leaders actions are connected

Key concepts: causation, perspective, reflectionRelated concepts: identity, peer pressure, opinion

Unit 2 - CommunicationTheme: How We Express Ourselves

Central idea: A variety of signs and symbols facilitates local and global communication.Lines of Inquiry:

● Identifying and defining signs and symbols

● How signs and symbols are connected to communication

● Purpose for developing signs and symbols

Key concepts: form, connection, perspectiveRelated concepts: culture, identity, pattern, access

Unit 3 - ImmigrationTheme: Where We Are in Place and Time

Central idea: People immigrate to change their lives.Lines of Inquiry:

● Reasons people immigrate● The migration of people impacts

the culture of a community and country

● The evolution of the immigration process over time

Concepts: form, perspective, changeRelated Concepts: migration, patterns, impact, time

Unit 4 - BridgesTheme: How the World Works

Central idea: There is a relationship between the geography of the Earth and the progression of people’s lives.Lines of Inquiry:

● The geography of the land ● The relationship between

location and settlement● Impact of human interaction

on the physical environment

Key concepts: form, causation, connectionRelated concepts: geography, settlement, modification

3rd Unit 1 - Children’s RightsTheme: Who We Are

Central idea: Children are a unique part of society who have specific rights.Lines of inquiry:

● Universal rights of children● Violation of children’s rights● Ways children’s rights are

protected

Key concepts: Form, perspective, responsibilityRelated concepts: rights, justice, (education, labor laws)

Unit 2 - Country InvestigationTheme: Where We Are in Place and TimeCentral idea: Systems and ideas of past civilizations are linked to societies today.Lines of Inquiry:

● Physical characteristics of civilizations and societies

● Culture, beliefs, and ideas of past civilizations

● Connections between past and present

Key concepts: Form, reflection, connectionRelated concepts: culture, continuity, structure

Unit 3 - Global TradeTheme: Where We Are in Place and Time

Central idea: The challenge of economic decision making is different worldwide.Lines of Inquiry:

● Various elements influence economy

● Producers and consumers play an important role in personal and global economics

● Needs and wants differ worldwide

Key concepts: Causation, change, reflectionRelated concepts: goods and services, scarcity

Unit 4 - Global CitizenshipTheme: Sharing the Planet

Central idea: Our planet has limited resources which are unevenly distributed.Lines of Inquiry:

● Finite and infinite resources● Distribution and availability of

resources● The effects of not having

access to resources● How human activity has

affected the availability of resources

Key concepts: Form, causation, responsibilityRelated concepts: sustainability, equality

How can you be involved?

★ Encourage student-initiated action

★ Be a resource!Job

ExpertiseHobby

Community organization

More information coming soon about how you can share this information with the

school.

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; rightsand responsibilities; what it means to

be human

Where We Are in Place and Time

An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes

and journeys; thediscoveries, 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, beliefsand values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our

creativity; our appreciation ofthe aesthetic.

How the World Works

An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the

natural world (physicaland 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 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 onhumankind 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 betweenthem; access to equal opportunities;

peace and conflict resolution.

K Unit 1 - CommunityTheme: Who We Are

Central Idea: Communities are enriched by their members and the different perspectives they bring.

Lines of Inquiry:● What a community is● People within a community● The personal stories of

community members.

Key Concepts: change, form, perspectiveRelated Concepts: continuity, diversity

Unit 2 - Wants and NeedsTheme: Sharing the Planet

Central idea: The choices we make impact ourselves and others.

Lines of inquiry: - Differences between needs and wants of living things- How needs and wants provide for us - The impact of people’s choices on themselves, others & the environment

Key concepts: form, function, responsibility Related concepts: role, initiative, interdependence, consequences

Unit 3 - TransportationTheme: How We Organize OurselvesCentral Idea: Transportation systems are directly related to the needs of a community.

Lines of Inquiry:● Specific purposes of different

transportation.● Specific purposes of different

transportation systems● Factors that affect the kinds of

transportation systems in a community

Key Concepts: form, function, connectionRelated Concepts: similarities/ differences, systems, interdependence

Unit 4 - GrowthTheme: How the World WorksCentral Idea: All living things go through a process of change.

Lines of Inquiry:● Patterns of growth● How living things change over

their lifetime● Factors that can influence life

cycles

Key Concepts: causation, change, connectionRelated Concepts: cycles, transformation, similarities and differences

1st Unit 1 - FamiliesTheme: Where We Are in Place and Time

Central idea: Families are the same yet different within and across cultures

Lines of inquiry• Families and communities can be defined similarly and differently• Families define cultural identities• Personal histories express our values

Key concepts: Form, Perspective, ChangeRelated concepts: Culture, Identity

Unit 2 - HomesTheme: Who We Are

Central idea: Homes reflect cultural influences and local conditions.

Lines of Inquiry:● What defines a home● How homes reflect family

values and local culture● Factors that determine where

people live.

Key concepts: form, connection, perspectiveRelated concepts: culture, needs, ownership, locality

Unit 3 - Maps and GeographyTheme: How the World Works

Central idea: Humans use tools to understand their place in the worldLines of Inquiry

● Tools used to understand the world

● How tools are used to navigate our world

● The distinctive geographical features of a place

Key concepts: form, function, causationRelated concepts: geography, regions, landscape

Unit 4 - Celebrations Theme: How We Express Ourselves

Central idea: Celebrations and traditions are expressions of shared beliefs and values.

Lines of Inquiry:● Symbols of celebrations and

traditions● Traditions found across

celebrations● The meaning behind why

people celebrate

Key concepts: form, connection perspectiveRelated concepts: beliefs, values, belonging, culture

2nd Unit 1 - Rights, Rules and ResponsibilitiesTheme: Who We Are

Central idea: Choices of leaders can reflect the beliefs and values of individuals and societies.Lines of Inquiry:

● What determines our beliefs and values

● How and why leaders are chosen

● Our choices and leaders actions are connected

Key concepts: causation, perspective, reflectionRelated concepts: identity, peer pressure, opinion

Unit 2 - CommunicationTheme: How We Express Ourselves

Central idea: A variety of signs and symbols facilitates local and global communication.Lines of Inquiry:

● Identifying and defining signs and symbols

● How signs and symbols are connected to communication

● Purpose for developing signs and symbols

Key concepts: form, connection, perspectiveRelated concepts: culture, identity, pattern, access

Unit 3 - ImmigrationTheme: Where We Are in Place and Time

Central idea: People immigrate to change their lives.Lines of Inquiry:

● Reasons people immigrate● The migration of people impacts

the culture of a community and country

● The evolution of the immigration process over time

Concepts: form, perspective, changeRelated Concepts: migration, patterns, impact, time

Unit 4 - BridgesTheme: How the World Works

Central idea: There is a relationship between the geography of the Earth and the progression of people’s lives.Lines of Inquiry:

● The geography of the land ● The relationship between

location and settlement● Impact of human interaction

on the physical environment

Key concepts: form, causation, connectionRelated concepts: geography, settlement, modification

3rd Unit 1 - Children’s RightsTheme: Who We Are

Central idea: Children are a unique part of society who have specific rights.Lines of inquiry:

● Universal rights of children● Violation of children’s rights● Ways children’s rights are

protected

Key concepts: Form, perspective, responsibilityRelated concepts: rights, justice, (education, labor laws)

Unit 2 - Country InvestigationTheme: Where We Are in Place and TimeCentral idea: Systems and ideas of past civilizations are linked to societies today.Lines of Inquiry:

● Physical characteristics of civilizations and societies

● Culture, beliefs, and ideas of past civilizations

● Connections between past and present

Key concepts: Form, reflection, connectionRelated concepts: culture, continuity, structure

Unit 3 - Global TradeTheme: Where We Are in Place and Time

Central idea: The challenge of economic decision making is different worldwide.Lines of Inquiry:

● Various elements influence economy

● Producers and consumers play an important role in personal and global economics

● Needs and wants differ worldwide

Key concepts: Causation, change, reflectionRelated concepts: goods and services, scarcity

Unit 4 - Global CitizenshipTheme: Sharing the Planet

Central idea: Our planet has limited resources which are unevenly distributed.Lines of Inquiry:

● Finite and infinite resources● Distribution and availability of

resources● The effects of not having

access to resources● How human activity has

affected the availability of resources

Key concepts: Form, causation, responsibilityRelated concepts: sustainability, equality

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; rightsand responsibilities; what it means to

be human

Where We Are in Place and Time

An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes

and journeys; thediscoveries, 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, beliefsand values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our

creativity; our appreciation ofthe aesthetic.

How the World Works

An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the

natural world (physicaland 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 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 onhumankind 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 betweenthem; access to equal opportunities;

peace and conflict resolution.