Author: Paris Gu

Where we are in place and time

Year 2

Sept 2015

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.

Many factors influence people’s homes around the world.

Lines of Inquiry
The focus of our inquiry will be led through our lines of inquiry
An inquiry into shelters and their purpose;
An inquiry into the effect of climate on resources.
An inquiry into the impact of environment and location house design.

PYP Attitudes
Appreciation, Empathy,
Tolerance

Teacher Questions
These questions guide the Unit and provoke discussion and deeper thinking in our students

What is a shelter? / Why do we build shelters? / What are the differences in / climates around the world? / How does climate affect the way we live? / What factors influence different shelters throughout the world?

PYP Learner Profiles
Open-Minded: I am open-minded and accept there are other ways of thinking and doing things
Caring: I am caring and consider other peoples feelings and also care for the environment and my resources.
Thinker: I can think about my learning and my actions

Key Concepts: Teachers will be using the concepts to guide thinking and learning about the world and act as a provocation to extend thinking.
Concepts
Form: What is it like?
Causation: Why is it like it is?
Reflection: How do I know?
Related Concepts
resources, climate, consequence,

How does our learning in English Language support our understanding of this unit of inquiry?
Through writing to describe students will learn to read non-fiction texts, and describe different shelters and climates and how they are connected.
Students will learn how to label diagrams, and explain the different features of shelters and locations around the world.

Transdisciplinary Skills: These skills are developed through the unit.
Self-management Skills: Informed Choices: Selecting an appropriate course of action or behavior. Time management: Using time effectively and appropriately.
Social Skills: Accepting responsibility: Taking on a completing tasks in an appropriate manner, being willing to accept a share of the responsibility. Respecting others: Listening sensitively to others; making decisions based on fairness and equality; recognizing that others’ beliefs, viewpoints, religions and ideas may differ from one’s own; stating one’s opinion without hurting others. Group Decision making: Listening to others; discussing ideas; asking questions; working towards and obtaining consensus. Cooperating: Working cooperatively in a group; being courteous to others; sharing materials; taking turns.

How does Arabic, Social Studies & Islamic Studies support our
understanding of this unit?
In Arabic language lessons, students will begin to develop language to help explore the different areas of the Unit of Inquiry.
This may include games, songs, stories and role plays to develop an understanding of our own culture, the culture of our host country and who we are.
In Islamic Studies and Social Studies, students will explore the Transdisciplinary Theme of Who we Are through their study of Islam and an appreciation of the history and culture of the UAE

Parents can help support learning at home in various ways:
Discussing the vocabulary being introduced in the Unit of Inquiry
Discussing home learning investigations
Discussing new learning each week with your child
Help research in your home language
Encourage further inquiry when possible

How does our learning in Social Studies Strands support our understanding of this unit of inquiry?
Human and natural environments
The study of the distinctive features that give a place its identity; how people adapt to and alter their environment; how people experience and represent place; the impact of natural disasters on people and the built environment.
Resources and the environment
The interaction between people and the environment; the study of how humans allocate and manage resources; the positive and negative effects of this management; the impact of scientific and technological developments on the environment.

Suggested Vocabulary

community / shelter / climate	factor / reflect / influence	cause / resource / design	effect / environment / location