Who We Are
An inquiry into what it means
to be human.
Grade 5
Unit
Overview
SeptemberOctober
2015
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A system is
developed to
fulfill a
specific
function.
(Central Idea)
What it
means to be
a globally
competent
human being.
Lines of Inquiry
What is the focus of our inquiry?
What do we want the learners to
remember for a lifetime?
Enduring Understandings
 How systems
work
 Human beliefs
and values that
influence
systems
 Responsibilities
within a system
Teacher Questions
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Why do we have systems?
Why are systems important?
Where do we see systems?
What systems are universal?
What does a functional
government need to have for
success?
 What criteria forms opinions?
 What are the responsibilities
of citizens?
What Key Concepts will drive the inquiry?
Function
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Identifying the attributes of universal systems
Perspective
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Understanding the ways that human perspectives influence systems
Responsibility
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Understanding the role responsibility plays in the success of systems
Vocabulary
Source
Learners will focus on
subject-specific
terminology, which can
be reinforced at home
through conversation.
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Systems
Executive
Legislative
Judiciary
Bill of Rights
Amendment
Constitution
Axis
Rotation
Revolution
Climate
Weather
Moon Phases
Biography
What PYP Attitudes do we want to foster?
Curiosity: After inquiring into how their own beliefs and values influence the systems in
which they live, learners will develop curiosity about systems around the globe.
Tolerance: Learners will learn to appreciate different perspectives of global systems.
What LP Attributes do we want to encourage?
Knowledgeable: Learners will be provided an opportunity to inquire into systems of the
world. Using this information, they will understand the commonalities and differences
among different communities around the world.
Open-Minded: Learners will have opportunities that challenge their thinking by viewing
different perspectives that influence the organization of systems.
Subject-specific Connections
The following topics will be taught in the context of the inquiryHow is Mathematics connected to the unit?
Systems in place value in order to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
of whole numbers and decimals; creating a Fantasy Football league: analyze players’
statistics through graphs, charts, and equations; financial literacy
How is Social Studies connected with the unit?
Current events that connect with our rights as citizens; understanding the powers
of the three branches of government and the checks and balances in place;
comparing and contrasting our system of government with other global powers
worldwide
How is Science connected with the unit?
What related concepts
do we want to
understand?
Systems within our Solar System including: revolution and rotation,
characteristics of Earth, moon and sun, and the phases of the moon;
understanding the systems through seasons; weather and climate
Beliefs
Rights
How is Literacy connected with the unit?
Values
Justice
Read Aloud biographies on influential founders of our country; steps in writing a
biography; understanding how to site and use sources; note-taking strategies
Government
Skills
What approaches to
learning skill will
learners develop?
Research Skills
Formulating questions,
organizing data, recording
data, collecting data,
interpreting, present,
planning
Thinking Skills
Action: Learners need to reflect on their new learning and as a
result take independent action
Acquisition of knowledge,
dialectical thought,
comprehension, synthesis,
evaluation
Self-Management
How can parents help
at home?
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Family discussion:
Identify systems used
as a family, in parent
occupations, etc.
What might be
systems used at
home that were
influenced by family
heritage?
Compare systems
from the US to global
systems.
Have your child share
his/her learning:
o Our rights as
citizens
o The Three
Branches of
Government
o Influential
founders to the
Constitution
o Moon Phases
o Weather and
Climate
Success Criteria
What we expect from the learners by
the end of the unit:
Learners will be able to identify…
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Universal systems and how
they function.
How US systems compare to
systems around the globe.
Learners will be able to apply…
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Demonstrate how systems are
influenced by human beliefs
and values
Develop open-mindedness and
acceptability of others as being
right in their own ways
Explain our responsibility to our
global systems
Learners will be able to act by…
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Articulating an awareness of
their own values and those of
others.
Demonstrating empathy and
understanding in their
interactions.
Learners will work on their
organizational skills and time
management through
research projects
Social Skills
Respecting others/ Group
decision making