The aim of the PYP is to develop internationally minded people who,
recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help
to create a more peaceful world.
IB learners strive to be:
-Inquirers: Their natural curiosity has been nutured. They have acquired
skills necessary to conduct purposeful, constructive research. They actively
enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their
lives.
-Thinkers: They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically
and creatively to make sound decisions and to solve complex problems.
-Communicators: They recieve and express ideas and information confidently
in more than one language, including the language of mathematical symbols.
-Risk-Takers: They approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety and have
the confidence and independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas, and
strategies. They are courageous and articulate in defending those things in
which they believe.
-Knowledgeable: They have spent time in our school exploring themes which
have a global relevance and importance. In doing so, they have acquired a
critical mass of significant knowledge.
-Principled: They have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning.
They have integrity, honesty, and a sense of fairness and justice.
-Caring: They show sensitivity towards the needs and feeling of others.
They have a sense of personal commitment to action and service.
-Open-minded: They respect the views, values and traditions of other
individuals and cultures and are accustomed to seeking and considering a
range of points of view.
-Balanced: They understand the importance of physical and mental
balance and personal well-being.
-Reflective: They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and
analyse their personal strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.
Making It Happen, IBO, 2007
First Grade IB units for the 2011-1012 School Year
Helping Others
Central Idea
Helping those in need helps in understanding our rights and responsibilities
as members of a community.
Key concepts: function, connection, responsibility, reflection
Related concepts: citizenship, relationships, interdependence
Lines of inquiry
• Volunteerism
• How positive actions contribute to a caring community
• How one’s actions affect others
My Country/My World
Central Idea
Understanding cultures helps us to better understand the world.
Key concepts: form, connection, perspective
Related concepts: diversity, measurement, acceptance
Lines of inquiry
• Similarities/differences among countries
• How countries influence each other
• Elements of a culture
Heroes
Central Idea
Individuals, past and present, influence culture.
Key concepts: change, connection, perspective
Related concepts: pattern and function, magnetism, acceptance
Lines of inquiry
• Character traits of American heroes
• Lifestyles of past and present
• Why individual contributions can withstand the test of time.
Weather All Around
Central Idea
Weather affects people’s lives.
Key concepts: form, change, causation
Related concepts: data handling, atmosphere, time
Lines of inquiry
• What is weather
• Instruments that measure weather
• Seasonal differences in weather
Working Together
Central Idea
People in a community cooperate in order to address the needs of daily life.
Key concepts: function, connection, responsibility
Related concepts: communication, cooperation, number sense
Lines of inquiry
• The meaning of division of labor
• The purpose of dividing labor
• Respectful membership in a community
• Comparison of division of labor a home and at school
Animal Survival
Central Idea
Animal groups have characteristics that lead to their survival.
Key concepts: form, function, causation, connection
Related concepts: conservation, habitat, shape and space
Lines of inquiry
• Physical characteristics of animals
• Animal classifications
• How animals adapt to their environment
