1. January 21 - March 8
How We Organize Ourselves
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.
Central Idea
Public spaces provide people with opportunities to make
connections and establish a sense of community.
An Inquiry Into:
Purposes of public spaces
Characteristics of different public spaces
How people use public spaces
Key Concepts Transdisciplinary Skills
Form Self-Management
What are the characteristics of public spaces? Organization: Planning and carrying out learning
engagements effectively
Time management: Using time effectively
Connection
How are people connected through public
spaces? What are the opportunities for
Thinking
Analysis: Finding unique characteristics about public
people to connect in public spaces? places, identifying the opportunities available for
people to connect and determining whether people
Responsibility use the opportunities available
Synthesis: Developing ideas about how public spaces
What is our responsibility when using public can be improved to build a better sense of
space and interacting with others? community
Research
Formulating Questions, Observing, Planning,
Collecting Data, Recording Data, Organizing Data,
Interpreting Data, Presenting Research Findings

2. What can you do with your child at home?
Talk About the Learner Profile
Attitudes Attributes
Inquirers: Demonstrating curiosity in how Independence: Conducting individual
public spaces are used and how they provide inquiries that will require visiting public
opportunities to develop connections within spaces in Hong Kong.
communities.
Enthusiasm: Possessing a love of learning
Thinkers: Thinking critically and creatively and being engaged in the use of the inquiry
by evaluating how public spaces are used cycle to investigate public space in both
and how they can be improved to facilitate Hong Kong and the broader world.
connections within communities.
Vocabulary Resources
public Hong Kong Government: Recreation and Sports
private Hong Kong Government: Country Parks
Characteristics of great public spaces
community Great public spaces
physical What makes a successful public place?
virtual Eleven principles for creating great community spaces
inter-connectedness Resources for Writing to Describe (Reports)
society
economic activities
organizations
accessible
Please take note that throughout this unit students will need to research public spaces in
Hong Kong. To ensure the validity of the data they collect, they may need to attend public
spaces at various times throughout the week. Please refer to the email sent to parents
regarding individualized field trips that can happen throughout the school day. Please
note as well that the Chinese New Year holiday is a good opportunity for students to
observe and collect data about public spaces.