The document outlines the Programme of Inquiry for Briargrove Elementary School. It is organized by grade level and covers six transdisciplinary themes: who we are, where we are in place and time, how we express ourselves, how the world works, how we organize ourselves, and sharing the planet. For each theme, it lists a central idea and areas of inquiry that will be explored. It also identifies related key concepts and lines of inquiry that will be investigated for many of the central ideas. The Programme of Inquiry is meant to guide interdisciplinary teaching and learning at the school.

1. Briargrove Elementary
Programme of Inquiry
Who we are
Where we are in place
and time
How we express
ourselves
An exploration of the nature of
the self, of our beliefs and
values; of personal, physical,
mental, social and spiritual
health; of our families, friends,
communities and cultures; of
our rights and responsibilities;
of what it means to be human.
An exploration of our
orientation in place and time;
of our personal histories; of
history and geography from
local and global perspectives;
of our homes and journeys; of
the discoveries, explorations
and migrations of humankind;
of the contributions of
individuals and civilizations.
An exploration of the ways in
which we discover and express
our nature, ideas, feelings,
beliefs and values through
language and the arts.
10-11
Central Idea: Human migration
produces economic, social, political,
and cultural change in the country of
origin and the receiving country.
Inquiry into:
Grade 5
Central Idea: People’s beliefs and
values impact societies.
How the world works
An exploration of the physical
and material world; of natural
and human-made phenomena;
of the world of science and
technology.
How we organize
ourselves
Sharing the planet
An exploration of human
systems and communities; of
the world of work, its nature
and its value; of employment
and unemployment and their
impact.
An exploration of our rights
and responsibilities as we try
to share finite resources with
other people, with other living
things; of communities and of
the relationships within and
between them.
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Inquiry into:
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Aspects of belief systems
Individual rights and
responsibilities within a
society
How to govern values and
beliefs
Key Concepts: Causation,
Function, Perspective
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How migration can be
represented geographically
The motivation behind why
people explored and
migrated
The point of view of the
immigrants and established
communities
Key Concepts: Perspective,
Causation, Form
Related Concepts: Migration,
Exploration, Geographical impact,
Borders
9-10
Central Idea
Grade 4
Identity is cultivated by changes,
choices, and values.
Central Idea: Progress is
determined by decisions, resources,
and roles.
Inquiry into:
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Inquiry into:
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Identity can be
The diversity of economy
depends on supply,
demand, and available
resources
• Briargrove Elementary School • 6145 San Felipe Street • Houston, Texas • 2013-2014 • Update: 8/25/2013

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interpreted by multiple
points of view
Voluntary change vs.
forced change
Values define order or
chaos of a system.
Key Concepts: Perspective,
Change, Function
8-9
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Challenges have impacted
the growth of Texas
A community is defined by
the strength of its people
Key Concepts: Causation, Change,
Connection
Related Concepts: Challenges,
Decisions, Independence, Diversity
WORK IN PROGRESS
Grade 3
Central Idea:
Symbols and actions communicate
cultural identity.
Inquiry into:
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Importance of expression
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Culture as a community
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Relationship between
personal and cultural
identity
Key Concepts: Causation,
Reflection, Connection
7-8
Grade 2
Central Idea:
Choices of citizens lead to change.
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Central Idea: Systems in our
universe mold the environment.
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Inquiry into:
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Orderly changes to the
Earth’s surface
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Differentiate the
operations of a system
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Orderly changes impact
society
Key Concepts: Change, Function,
Connection
Related Concepts: Geography,
Settlements, Ecosystems,
Dependence
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Inquiry into:
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Roles and responsibilities of
citizens
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Identify characteristics of
citizenship
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Recognition and influence
of contributions made by
historical citizens
Central Idea: Leaders and citizens’
decisions establish and maintain
order in the community.
WORK IN PROGRESS
Inquiry into:
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Key Concepts: Responsibility,
Causation, Change
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Characteristics and roles
of leaders in our
government
Structure of communities
Organization and
structure of government
positions
Impact of government
decisions on
governed society
Key Concepts: Form, Function,
Causation
Related Concepts: Government,
Legislation, Production
6-7
Grade 1
Central Idea:
Group membership impacts who we
become.
Inquiry into:
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Groups we belong to
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Characteristics of the
groups
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How groups influence who
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Central Idea: Changes in our
environment are interrelated and
can be measured.
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Inquiry into:
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Reasons for change
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Cause and Effect of
environmental change
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Natural and physical
• Briargrove Elementary School • 6145 San Felipe Street • Houston, Texas • 2013-2014 • Update: 8/25/2013
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3. we are
changes in our
environment
Key Concepts:Responsibility,
Causation, Connection
Key Concepts: Causation,
Connection, Change
Related Concepts: Cause/effect,
Physical Changes, Matter,
Interdependence, Climate
5-6
Grade K
Central Idea:
Others influence our understanding
of ourselves.
Inquiry into:
●
Who we are, your beliefs,
your values
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How communities work
together
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Responsibility within your
roles and others
Key Concepts: Reflection,
Responsibility, Perspective
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Central Idea: Patterns in the
environment influence the world.
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Inquiry into:
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Patterns and cycles in the
world
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Visible changes when
cycles occur
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Effect patterns have on
the world we live in
Key Concepts: Form, Change,
Connection
Related Concepts: Adaptation,
Plants, Seasons, Systems (solar
cycle/weather), Interdependence,
Climate
• Briargrove Elementary School • 6145 San Felipe Street • Houston, Texas • 2013-2014 • Update: 8/25/2013
WORK IN PROGRESS