4TH GRADE IB UNITS
#1 Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: An ecosystem is a community of organisms interacting with one
another and the environment.
Key concepts: change, connection, responsibility
Related concepts: systems, geography, data handling
Lines of inquiry
•Components and balance of an ecosystem
•Relationships in an ecosystem
•Water cycle and weather of ecosystems
#2 Location, Location, Location
Central Idea: Cultural and environmental interactions lead to change
Key concepts: causation, change, perspective
Related concepts: chronology, reading and writing, climate
Lines of inquiry
•Development of native cultures in North America
•Causes and effects of early exploration
•The use of the natural environment by humans to meet needs
#3 Exploration Investigation
Central Idea: People have different beliefs and values about natural human
rights
Key concepts: change, causation, perspective
Related concepts: discovery, traditions, numbers
Lines of inquiry
•Colonialism from different perspectives
•How religion affects settlements and governments
•Human rights
#4 To Infinity and Beyond!
Central Idea: The Earth is part of a vast and complex universe.
Key concepts: form, causation, perspective
Related concepts: innovation, regions, shape and space
Lines of inquiry:
•Celestial bodies of our solar system and their cycles of motion
•Role of technology in understanding space
•Earth’s relationship to other celestial bodies
#5 Express Yourself
Central Idea: Communication is a fundamental characteristic of humans that
connects them to the world.
Key concepts: function, connection, perspective
Related concepts: interdependence, opinion, shape and space
Lines of inquiry
•How speakers adapt language to fit a situation (vernacular)
•Effects of using forms of persuasion
•Reasons to persuade
#6 The Easy Way Out
Central Idea: Civic participation promotes the welfare of the common good.
Key concepts: change, perspective, reflection
Related concepts: measurement, citizenship, rights
Lines of inquiry
•Functions of governments
•Democratic principles within a federal system
•The role of citizens and its government within a society
