Programme of Inquiry
-
Programme of Inquiry (POI)
The POI at Vernon School runs from grades K-5. At each grade level, students engage in Units of Inquiry across the six Trans-disciplinary Themes. Through explorations framed by these themes, students develop the skills and attitudes necessary for a 21st century learner.
The Six Trans-disciplinary Themes Are:
- Who We Are
- Where We Are In Place And Time
- How We Express Ourselves
- How The World Works
- How We Organize Ourselves
- Sharing The Planet.
Click POI to check out our progression of units in grades K-5!
Vernon Programme of Inquiry
Age
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
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; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
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 inter-connectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
An 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.
An inquiry into the inter-connectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.
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 between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
5–6
K
Central idea
Families express their cultures and values through celebrations.
Key concepts:form, connection,
perspective
Related concepts: family, culture, expression
Lines of inquiry
- Family life and traditions in different cultures
- There are many types of families
- Celebrations bring people together
November-December
Central idea
Humans design transportation to meet specific needs.
Key concepts:causation, form,
connection
Related concepts: movement, survival, organization
Lines of inquiry
- Transportation gets us from here to there
- Transportation has a purpose
- Transportations is different around the world
May-June
Central idea
We express our thoughts and feelings in different ways.
Key concepts: causation, responsibility, reflection
Related concepts: creativity, self-expression
Lines of inquiry
- Emotions and Actions
- Use of color
- Art as expression
September-October
Central idea
The sun impacts life on Earth.
Key concepts: function, causation, form
Related concepts: systems, energy, survival
Lines of inquiry.
- The Earth is a planet
- The Earth sustains life
- The Sun is the center of the solar system
- The Sun gives light and heat
April-May
Central idea
People live and work together in a community.
Key concepts: function, responsibility, connection
Related concepts: resources, structure, geography
Lines of inquiry
- Types of jobs people do
- Community jobs depend on each other
- Geography affects various kinds of work
- The community is organized to provide for basic needs
January-February
Central idea
Our actions impact life in habitats.
Key concepts: causation, connection, function
Related concepts: habitats, systems, discovery
Lines of inquiry
- Planet Earth is covered by oceans
- The ocean has layers where plants and animals live.
- Human actions can impact the ocean in positive and negative ways.
- Plants and animals interact in this unique system
March-April
Age
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
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; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
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.
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
An 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.
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 on humankind and the environment.
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 between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
6–7
1st
Central idea
Resources affect health
Key concepts:change, connection, responsibility
Related concepts: health, lifestyle, nutrition
Lines of inquiry
- Healthy choices
- Health impacts your emotional, mental, and physical well being
- Access to resources
October/November
Central idea
Innovations impact systems
.
Key concepts:
Reflection, connection
Related concepts:
PE: community, growth, development
Arts: imagination, perspective, creativity,
Math: measurement, transformation, organization
Literacy: information, research
Social studies: discovery, orientation, technology
Lines of inquiry
- Inventions
- Problems
- Problem Solvers
May/June
Central idea
Perspectives inspire expression
Key concepts:
form, perspective, responsibility
Related concepts: rights, equity, culture
Lines of inquiry:
- Types of expression
- Cross cultural forms of expression
- The right and responsibility to express ourselves
March/April
Central idea
Adaptations support survival
Key concepts:
Function, connection
Related concepts: adaptations, survival
Lines of inquiry
- Living things use adaptations for survival
- Humans use information from animals to solve problems
January/February
Central idea
Relationships influence culture
Key concepts: causation,
perspective,form
Related concepts: interdependence, organization
Lines of inquiry
- Structures and systems
- The impact of a relationship
- self identity
December
Central idea
Cooperation solves conflict
Key concepts: causation,perspective,
responsibility
Related Concepts: relationships, conflict, behaviors
Related concepts:
Lines of inquiry
- causes of conflict
- problem solving and self management skill
- living and working together peacefully
September
Age
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into the nature of self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
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 inter-connectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
An 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.
An inquiry into the inter-connectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.
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 between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
7–8
2nd
Central idea
Choices can create or solve problems.
Key concepts: form, responsibility, reflection
Related concepts: health, well-being, choice
Lines of inquiry
- Choices and consequences of them
- Ways to solve problems in a healthy way
- Healthful and harmful stress
September/October
Central idea
Change happens at different paces.
Key concepts: causation, change, connection
Related concepts: transformation, erosion, processes
Lines of inquiry:
- Causes of land formations
- Change over time
- How land formation connects to water
March/April
Central idea
Our actions and words express what we value and believe.
Key concepts:
Causation, perspective
Related concepts: heritage, belief, culture, performance
Lines of inquiry:
- How what we say and do shows our beliefs and values
- How we express ourselves through actions (drama/play)
January/February
Central idea
The world is composed of interconnected parts.
Key concepts:
Change, form,causation
Related concepts: properties, structure, self,
Communication, expression
Lines of inquiry
- The properties of objects
- Changes that happen to objects
- Cause of objects changing
Nov/December
Central idea
Neighborhoods are made of people who come together for a common cause.
Key concepts:
Connection, responsibility,
change
Related concepts: community, orientation,
progress
Lines of inquiry
- The ways people connect
- Responsibilities of a neighbor
- Neighborhoods change over time
May
Central idea
All living things have unique needs
Key concepts:
Connection, function, responsibility
Related concepts: sustainability,balance
Lines of inquiry
- Purpose of a habitat
- Habitats have an ecosystem
- Ways that we can help protect habitats
June
Age
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
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; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
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.
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
An 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.
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 on humankind and the environment.
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 between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
8–9
3rd
Central idea
Communities develop and function when citizens exercise their rights and responsibilities.
Key concepts: function,connection,responsibility
Related Concepts: governments, legislation, citizenship
Lines of inquiry
- parts of a community
- rights and responsibilities of a citizen
- development of a community
September/October
Central idea
Sharing personal histories can help us to connect with other people.
Key concepts: connection, function, perspective
Related concepts: history,family,diversity
Lines of inquiry
- Understanding personal histories
- Celebrating cultures and traditions
- Similarities and differences between family units
October/December
Central idea
Different styles of art elicit different emotional responses.
Key concepts:
causation,connection,perspective
Related concepts: influence,tone,inspiration
Lines of inquiry
- How different forms of art makes us feel
- Cultural expression in music and dance
- Traditional and historical songs
- Ways to describe emotions that art causes
May/June
Central idea
Cycles promote development
Key concepts: causation, reflection, change
Related concepts: cycles,ecosystems,growth
Lines of inquiry
- Life cycles of plants and animals
- Factors that sustain cycles
- Different types of cycles
February/March
Central idea
People use engineering design to organize themselves and address problems.
Key concepts:form,function,
connection
Related concept: population,movement,
organization
Lines of inquiry
- Ways cities develop & solve transportation problems
- Different structures of bridges
- The relationship between tension and compression
January/February
Central idea
People share ideas to become aware of and preserve limited resources and manage waste.
Key concepts: responsibility, change,connection
Related concepts: balance,conservation,
sustainability
Lines of inquiry
- items that cause a lot of waste
- the amount of garbage we use
- limited resources in different areas
April/May
Age
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
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; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
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.
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
An 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.
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 on humankind and the environment.
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 between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
8–9
3rd
Central idea
Communities develop and function when citizens exercise their rights and responsibilities.
Key concepts: function,connection,responsibility
Related Concepts: governments, legislation, citizenship
Lines of inquiry
- parts of a community
- rights and responsibilities of a citizen
- development of a community
September/October
Central idea
Sharing personal histories can help us to connect with other people.
Key concepts: connection, function, perspective
Related concepts: history,family,diversity
Lines of inquiry
- Understanding personal histories
- Celebrating cultures and traditions
- Similarities and differences between family units
October/December
Central idea
Different styles of art elicit different emotional responses.
Key concepts:
causation,connection,perspective
Related concepts: influence,tone,inspiration
Lines of inquiry
- How different forms of art makes us feel
- Cultural expression in music and dance
- Traditional and historical songs
- Ways to describe emotions that art causes
May/June
Central idea
Cycles promote development
Key concepts: causation, reflection, change
Related concepts: cycles,ecosystems,growth
Lines of inquiry
- Life cycles of plants and animals
- Factors that sustain cycles
- Different types of cycles
February/March
Central idea
People use engineering design to organize themselves and address problems.
Key concepts:form,function,
connection
Related concept: population,movement,
organization
Lines of inquiry
- Ways cities develop & solve transportation problems
- Different structures of bridges
- The relationship between tension and compression
January/February
Central idea
People share ideas to become aware of and preserve limited resources and manage waste.
Key concepts: responsibility, change,connection
Related concepts: balance,conservation,
sustainability
Lines of inquiry
- items that cause a lot of waste
- the amount of garbage we use
- limited resources in different areas
April/May
Age
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
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; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
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.
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
An 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.
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 on humankind and the environment.
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 between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
9–10
4th
Central idea
Relationships enrich our lives and require nurturing to develop.
Key concepts: perspective, reflective, responsibility
Related concepts: community,identity,well-being
Lines of inquiry
- why relationships are needed
- how relationships help us understand ourselves
- how to form/maintain relationships
September/October
Central idea
Human migration leads to change and requires responsible action.
Key concepts: causation, responsibility,change
Related concepts: settlement,history,geography
Lines of inquiry
- Challenges of exploration
- Opportunities
- Economics of migration
- Geography
April-May
Central idea
People use different forms of art to express their uniqueness.
Key concepts: perspective, reflection,connection
Related concepts: creativity,audience, meaning
Lines of inquiry
- How everyone can express their uniqueness through the arts
- Different forms of expression
- Why we use art to express ourselves
November-January
Central idea
Humans have a responsibility to understand and respond to the natural world in order to advance society.
Key concepts: responsibility, change, form, connection
Related concepts: Energy, sustainability, ownership, consequences, influence, transformation
Lines of inquiry
- The natural world follows certain laws
- Human actions and the natural world impact each other
- Responsibility of humans to respond sustainably to the world’s changing needs
October-November
Central idea
Groups of people are influenced by their environment.
Key concepts:Function, Causation, Connection
Related concepts: Cooperation,Citizenship, Supply & Demand
Lines of inquiry
- History of Native Americans
- Environments influence ways of living
- The impact of Native Americans in the Northwest
February-March
Central idea
People use design to reduce the impact of weather hazards.
Key concepts: Function, Causation, Responsibility
Related concepts:
invention,survival, resources
Lines of inquiry
- Impact of natural hazards on humans
- Use of engineering to protect against natural hazards
- Preparing and responding responsibly to natural hazards
May-June
Age
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
An inquiry into:
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; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
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.
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
An 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.
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 on humankind and the environment.
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 between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.
10–11
5th
Central idea
Inquiry leads to self-discovery and action in the community.
Key concepts: perspective,connection,responsibility
Related concepts: community, connection,interdependence
Lines of inquiry
- The Inquiry Cycle and Action Cycle (what it means to be human)
- Learner Profile traits (beliefs and values)
- Social-Emotional Learning and the brain (mental, social, spiritual health)
- Individual and community rights and responsibilities (rights and responsibilities)
September/May
Central idea
Regions are defined by patterns and perspectives.
Key concepts:
connection, change, perspective
Related concepts: diversity,patterns,place
Lines of inquiry
- Human activity is connected to the physical environment
- Reasons for movement and how it can change a region
- Perspectives change over time
December
Exhibition
Central idea
People creatively express ideas and values about issues to impact the world.
Key concepts: form,function,causation,
Change,Connection,
Perspective,Responsibility,
Reflection
Related concepts: creativity,peace,organization
Lines of inquiry
Exhibition groups will choose three lines of inquiry to research, based on their chosen key concepts
February
Central idea
Discovery and understanding of natural laws allows humans to innovate.
Key concepts:
form, function, causation
Related concepts: invention,discovery, cooperation
Lines of inquiry
- Understanding natural laws and scientific phenomena
- Humans harnessing natural forces and phenomena to innovate
June
Central idea
Human wants and needs influence the structures and function of organizations.
Key concepts: function,connection,responsibility
Related concepts: Cooperation,Citizenship, Supply & Demand
Lines of inquiry
- Economic systems and how they work
- Interconnectedness between supply and demand, needs and wants
- Individual and organizational roles in society
October
Central idea
Biodiversity relies on the complex interactions of interdependent systems.
Key concepts: connection, responsibility
Related concepts: systems,balance,ecosystems
Lines of inquiry
- Interdependence within ecosystems, biomes, and environments
- Ways organisms are interconnected in nature
- How human interactions with the environment can affect the balance of systems
March