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