Units of Inquiry in the PYP
Our units of inquiry, written by OIS teachers using the Finnish National and Oulu City Curriculum as a basis are as follows:
| Who we are | Where we are in place and time | How we express ourselves | How the world works | How we organise ourselves | Sharing the planet | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | As people, we have similarities and differences. | We all have our own personal histories. | People tell stories in a variety of ways. | We can prevent dangerous situations and take action in them. | The needs of the community are met by different people. | People and animals need each other. |
| Grade 2 | Our senses can help us to understand the world around us. | Homes around the world have changed over time. | Through drama people can express themselves and tell a story. | The energy we use comes from different places and can be used safely and efficiently. | Food needs to be transported and/or processed before it reaches our tables. | We can help protect our environment by reducing, reusing and recycling. |
| Grade 3 | A balance between nutrition, exercise and rest contributes to human health. | People use the land on which they live - Finland, a local study. | Important personal and cultural events are recognised through celebrations and traditions. | We use the forces of levers, springs, wheels and magnets to solve our technical problems. | People use time to organise themselves. | Water is essential for living. |
| Grade 4 | We have rights and responsibilities in the creation of a peaceful environment. | The Exhibition Central idea(s) will address local issues or problems. Central idea(s) will be written in collaboration with teachers, students and parents. | The power of advertising influences our choices. | The natural phenomena of the weather can be observed and measured. | The Nordic Region is a network of countries. | An ecosystem is a community of organisms interacting with one another in their environment. |
The concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudes and action which our students in the PYP will engage with will primarily come from the units of inquiry. Units of inquiry are organised under the following six themes provided for us by the IB.
Who we are
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.
Where we are in place and time
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.
How we express ourselves
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.
How the world works
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.
How we organize ourselves
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.
Sharing the planet
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.