PYP (Grades 1-5)
The Program of Inquiry (POI) serves as a framework for the curriculum and illustrates the major concepts that students will be exploring. It consists of six units per grade level in grades 1 through 5. These units help students gain an understanding of themselves and the world around them. Our school collaboratively developed the programme of inquiry to reflect the unique aspects of NOVA’s community. For more details on the units in each grade level, please see below.
Grade 1
- Who we are
- Where we are in time and place
- How we express ourselves
- How the world works
- How we organize ourselves
- Sharing the planet
Who we are
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.
Theme Focus
- Rights and responsibilities in communities.
Central Idea
Individuals in the community are all connected and dependent on each other.
Key Concepts
Connection, responsibility
Related Concepts
Community, relationships, interdependence.
Lines of Inquiry
- Who we are as individuals;
- Our place in the world;
- Being the same and different;
- What are some responsibilities in the community?
Learner Profile
Caring, Balanced
Where we are in time and place
An exploration of our orientation in place and time; our personal histories; homes and journeys; discoveries, explorations, and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
Theme Focus
- An exploration of our orientation in place and time;
- Discoveries.
Central Idea
Inventions have changed people’s lives through time.
Key Concepts
Change, Causation, Function
Related Concepts
Invention, Chronology, History
Lines of Inquiry
- People’s lives in the past compared to people’s lives in the present;
- Timelines of people and inventions;
- Inquiry into what is past and what is present.
Learner Profile
Knowledgeable, Risk-takers, Communicator
How we express ourselves
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express our nature, ideas, feelings, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
Theme Focus
- An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express our ideas;
- Our appreciation of the aesthetic.
Central Idea
Storytelling is an art that can be told in many different forms.
Key Concepts
Form, Connection, Reflection, Perspective
Related Concepts
Imagination, Structure, Language
Lines of Inquiry
- Communication through stories;
- How reflection of story elements facilitates and enhances comprehension;
- Storytelling through art, music, dance, film, and literature.
Learner Profile
Communicator, Thinker
How the world works
An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world and human societies; how humans use their understandings of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on societies and on the environment.
Theme Focus
- An inquiry into the natural world and its laws;
- How humans use their understanding of scientific principles.
Central Idea
People use the scientific method to understand the natural world around them.
Key Concepts
Function, Causation
Related Concepts
Animals, Plants, Adaptation, Habitat
Lines of Inquiry
- Living and non-living things;
- Survival needs of living things;
- Skills that scientists need to use the scientific method.
Learner Profile
Inquirer, Principled
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.
Theme Focus
- An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities;
- The structure and function of organizations.
Central Idea
Transportation systems are directly related to the needs of a community.
Key Concepts
Connection, Change
Related Concepts
Transport, System, Distribution
Lines of Inquiry
- Specific purposes of different transportation systems;
- Relationship between transportation systems and the environment;
-Transport through time.
Learner Profile
Knowledgeable, Communicator
Sharing the planet
An exploration of our rights and responsibilities as we try and share finite resources with other people, with other living things; of communities, and of the relationships within and between them: access to equal opportunities; peace, and conflict resolution.
Theme Focus
- An exploration of our rights and responsibilities.
Central Idea
Humans can find ways to maintain the Earth's resources and materials.
Key Concepts
Responsibility, Perspective, Causation
Related Concepts
Recycling, Biodiversity
Lines of Inquiry
- Materials and their properties;
- Recycling to maintain Earth's resources;
- Upcycling.
Learner Profile
Principled, Open-Minded
Grade 2
- Who we are
- Where we are in time and place
- How the world works
- How we express ourselves
- Sharing the planet
- How we organize ourselves
Who we are
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.
Theme Focus
- An inquiry into the nature of the self; children’s rights and responsibilities;
- Communities and cultures.
Central Idea
People are the same and different in many ways.
Key Concepts
Connection, Perspective
Related Concepts
Communication, diversity, family, identity, networks, responsibility, and traditions.
Lines of Inquiry
- Individuals as essential parts of communities;
- Differences and similarities in people from different places;
- Exploration of different cultures and traditions.
Learner Profile
Open-minded, Principled, Caring
Where we are in time and place
An exploration of our orientation in place and time; of our personal histories; homes and journeys; discoveries, explorations, and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
Theme Focus
- An inquiry into orientation in time;
- An inquiry into orientation in place.
Central Idea
Learning about the past helps us understand how things have changed.
Key Concepts
Causation, Change, Connection
Related Concepts
Migration, Exploration, Settlement, Landscape, Chronology, Artifacts
Lines of Inquiry
- Exploring different settlements in prehistoric times helps us understand how life has changed over time;
- People migrate due to a variety of reasons;
-Artefacts help us learn about the world.
Learner Profile
Inquirers, Reflective, Communicators
How the world works
An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world and human societies; how humans use their understandings of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on societies and on the environment.
Theme Focus
- An inquiry into the natural world and its laws;
- Changes in the natural world.
Central Idea
Laws of science shape our world.
Key Concepts
Form, Function, Connection, Change
Related Concepts
States of matter, natural forces, gravity, technology
Lines of Inquiry
-Natural forces drive the world.
-Using forces in creating simple machines.
-There are different states of matter which are in constant change.
Learner Profile
Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Risk-takers
How we express ourselves
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express our nature, ideas, feelings, beliefs, and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
Theme Focus
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express our ideas, feelings, beliefs, and values;
Central Idea
Creativity can be found and enjoyed in many different ways and places.
Key Concepts
Reflection, Perspective, Form
Related Concepts
Expression, Imagination, Creativity, Artistic development
Lines of Inquiry
- Different forms of expression allow us to develop our creativity.
- Poetry helps us express our thoughts and feelings.
- Beliefs and values in different cultures can be expressed through folklore.
Learner Profile
Communicators, Risk-takers, Open-minded
Sharing the planet
An exploration of our rights and responsibilities as we try and share finite resources with other people, with other living things; of communities, and of the relationships within and between them: access to equal opportunities; peace, and conflict resolution.
Theme Focus
- Sharing resources with other living things;
- The relationships within and between systems and communities.
Central Idea
All living things are connected and depend upon each other to survive.
Key Concepts
Responsibility, Perspective, Change
Related Concepts
Environment, Sustainability, Resources, Scarcity, Interdependence, Survival
Lines of Inquiry
- Our planet has finite and infinite resources.
- People's choices have an impact on the environment.
- Human interaction with the environment leads to an imbalance in the ecosystems.
Learner Profile
Balanced, Caring, Principled
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.
Theme Focus
- Interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities;
- Economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.
Central Idea
Human-made systems are created to solve problems and help us organize ourselves.
Key Concepts
Function, Causation, Connection
Related Concepts
Systems, Cooperation, Roles, Economy, Trading, Banking, Government
Lines of Inquiry
- Systems can be used to meet the needs of people in a community.
- Trading roots lead to modern economy
- Inquiry into ways organizations function and what makes them successful.
Learner Profile
Reflective, Principled, Knowledgeable
Grade 3
- Who we are
- Sharing the planet
- How we express ourselves
- Where we are in time and place
- How the world works
- How we organize ourselves
Who we are
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.
Theme Focus
- An exploration of physical, mental, and spiritual health;
- Beliefs and values in cultures.
Central Idea
Food plays a role in communities, individuals, and cultures.
Key Concepts
Function, Causation, Connection, Diversity, Ethnicity, Beliefs, Values, Wellness, Health, Nutrition, Exercise, Energy, Change
Lines of Inquiry
- The effects on a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle;
- Connection between food and celebrations;
- Food diversity as cultural heritage.
Learner Profile
Balanced, Thinkers, Inquirers
Sharing the planet
An exploration of our rights and responsibilities as we try and share finite resources with other people, with other living things; of communities, and of the relationships within and between them: access to equal opportunities; peace, and conflict resolution.
Theme Focus
- Access to equal opportunities;
- Rights and responsibilities.
Central Idea
Children worldwide face a variety of challenges and risks.
Key Concepts
Causation, Responsibility, Perspective
Related Concepts
Equality, Rights, Cooperation, Organization, Consequences
Lines of Inquiry
- Challenges and risks that children face;
- How children respond to challenges and risks;
- Ways in which individuals, nations and organizations work to protect children from risk.
Learner Profile
Caring, Open-Minded
How we express ourselves
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express our nature, ideas, feelings, beliefs, and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
Theme Focus
- The ways in which we discover and express our ideas and feelings;
- Our appreciation of the aesthetic.
Central Idea
We use our senses to experience and explain the world around us.
Key Concepts
Perspective, Function, Form
Related Concepts
Performance, Creation, Purpose, Interpretation, Individuality
Lines of Inquiry
- Use of Our Senses;
- World without senses
- Arts for different purposes;
Learner Profile
Communicator, Reflective
Where we are in time and place
An exploration of our orientation in place and time; our personal histories; homes and journeys; discoveries, explorations, and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
Theme Focus
- The interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations;
- Local and global perspectives.
Central Idea
People who changed the world and altered perspectives and knowledge.
Key Concepts
Perspective, Change, Connection
Related Concepts
Discovery, Exploring, Progress, Civilization, Economy
Lines of Inquiry
- Galileo’s discoveries vs. people’s beliefs and myths;
- Marco Polo’s explorations changed the understanding of trade;
- Isaac Newton’s gravity and white light composition
- Exploring new lands helps us understand individuals and civilizations.
Learner Profile
Inquirer, Risk-taker, Thinker
How the world works
An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between natural world and human societies; how humans use their understandings of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on societies and on the environment.
Theme Focus
-The natural world and its laws
-Exploring movements in space
Central Idea
Earth and its relationship to the other planets in the solar system.
Key Concepts
Connection, Causation, Function
Related Concepts
System, Organization, Discovery, Magnets, Magnetic Field, Gravity
Lines of Inquiry
-The dynamics of planets, moons, stars, and the movement of planets relative to the sun focusing on the weather and climate;
- Phases of the moon.
- Magnets in space
Learner Profile
Knowledgeable, Thinker, Inquirer
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.
Theme Focus
- The interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities;
- The structure and function of organizations
Central Idea
Communities provide interconnected services designed to meet people’s needs.
Key Concepts
Responsibility, connection, Function
Related Concepts
Cooperation, Education, Structure, Community, Supply, Demand
Lines of Inquiry
- Reasons people live in the local community;
- Services needed to support a community;
- Planning services for a community.
Learner Profile
Principled, Open-minded, Caring
Grade 4
- Who we are
- Sharing the planet
- How we organize ourselves
- How the world works
- How we express ourselves
- Where we are in time and place
Who we are
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.
Theme Focus
- An exploration into the nature of the self;
- Our mental health.
Central Idea
Understanding different ways of learning and presenting what we have learned to help us to plan how we best learn.
Key Concepts
Form, Function, Perspective
Related Concepts
Senses, learning, teaching, nerves
Lines of Inquiry
- The role of the nervous system in the learning process;
- The ways information is received and processed in the brain;
- Changes in the way people learn.
Learner Profile
Inquirers, Balanced
Sharing the planet
An exploration of our rights and responsibilities as we try and share finite resources with other people, with other living things; of communities, and of the relationships within and between them: access to equal opportunities; peace, and conflict resolution.
Theme Focus
- An exploration of our rights and responsibilities as we try and share finite resources.
Central Idea
Global issues can be solved when individuals and societies work together.
Key Concepts
Responsibility, change, function
Related Concepts
Fossil fuels, solar, hydro, nuclear, batteries, renewable, nonrenewable, energy shortages
Lines of Inquiry
- Past and Present Global issues;
- Changing properties of Materials for specific purposes;
- Renewable and sustainable energy;
- Energy transformation and storage.
Learner Profile
Principled, Reflective
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.
Theme Focus
- An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities;
- Economic activities.
Central Idea
Communities have developed ways of organizing themselves to respond to a crisis.
Key Concepts
Connection, causation
Related Concepts
Non-government organizations (NGO), natural disasters
Lines of Inquiry
- Exchange of global goods and services;
- The impact of trade on culture;
- How and in what ways we depend on people in other places.
Learner Profile
Caring, reflective, open minded
How the world works
An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world and human societies; how humans use their understandings of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on societies and on the environment.
Theme Focus
An inquiry into the natural world and its laws;
Central Idea
The world changes through natural events and human influence.
Key Concepts
Change, form
Related Concepts
Hurricanes, tornadoes, landslides, avalanche, blizzard, igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, acid rain
Lines of Inquiry
- Changes in the weather can influence our choices and lifestyle;
- Types of Rocks;
- Causes and effects of Erosion.
Learner Profile
Thinkers, inquirers
How we express ourselves
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express our nature, ideas, feelings, beliefs, and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
Theme Focus
- An inquiry into beliefs and values;
- The ways in which we reflect.
Central Idea
The choice of role models reflects the characteristics that societies and individuals value.
Key Concepts
Perspective, reflection
Related Concepts
Values, identity, creativity,
Lines of Inquiry
- Why we should develop our own gifts, talents, and interests;
- Role Models and why we value them;
- Values and viewpoints of society.
Learner Profile
Communicator, principled, risk-taker
Where we are in time and place
An exploration of our orientation in place and time; our personal histories; homes and journeys; discoveries, explorations, and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
Theme Focus
An exploration of our orientation in place and time.
Central Idea
Evidence of past civilizations can be used to make connections to present-day societies.
Key Concepts
Form, function, change
Related Concepts
Mythology, maps, Ancient civilizations
Lines of Inquiry
- Effects of Greek & Roman civilization on today's society;
- Aspects of past civilizations that have survived;
- Reading maps & globes
- Greek & Roman Mythology.
Learner Profile
Knowledgeable
Grade 5
- Who we are
- Where we are in time and place
- How we express ourselves
- How the world works
- How we organize ourselves
- Sharing the planet
Who we are
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.
Theme Focus
An exploration of our physical health.
Central Idea
Effective interactions between human body systems contribute to health and survival.
Key Concepts
Function, Connection, Causation
Related Concepts
Well-being, Self-image, Challenges, Opportunities, Response
Lines of Inquiry
- Body systems and how they work;
- How body systems are interdependent and interconnecting;
- Impact of lifestyle choices on the body and mind.
Learner Profile
Balanced, Risk-Takers, Open-Minded
Where we are in time and place
An exploration of our orientation in place and time; our personal histories; homes and journeys; discoveries, explorations, and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
Theme Focus
- Exploration of our orientation in place and time;
- Discoveries, explorations, and migrations.
Central Idea
Exploration is a response to human circumstances and challenges.
Key Concepts
Causation, Change, Form
Related Concepts
Migration, Discovery, Exploration
Lines of Inquiry
- Human exploration over time;
- Human circumstances that lead to exploration;
- Consequences of exploration.
Learner Profile
Inquirers, Risk-takers, Thinkers
How we express ourselves
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express our natural ideas, feelings, beliefs, and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend, and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
Theme Focus
An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express our natural ideas, feelings, beliefs, and values.
Central Idea
An author’s background, experience, and cultural perspectives influence their writing.
Key Concepts
Reflection, Perspective, Connection
Related Concepts
Interpretation, Expression, Culture, Influence, Opinion
Lines of Inquiry
- How authors' ethnicities, upbringing, and culture affect their writing.
- Knowing the author's background can help understand their work.
- How experiences from our own lives can influence our writing.
Learner Profile
Open-Minded, Reflective, Caring
How the world works
An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world and human societies; how humans use their understandings of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on societies and on the environment.
Theme Focus
- An inquiry into the natural world and its laws.
- The interaction between the natural world and human societies.
Central Idea
Energy may be converted, transformed, and used to support human progress.
Key Concepts
Function, Change, Causation
Related Concepts
Energy, Transformation, Conservation
Lines of Inquiry
-Different forms of energy sources (renewable and non-renewable) forms
-How energy is used (transformation) causation
-Sustainable energy practice, responsibility
Learner Profile
Caring, Reflective, Balanced
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.
Theme Focus
An exploration of the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities.
Central Idea
The media plays a central role in our perception of the world.
Key Concepts
Causation, Responsibility
Related Concepts
Cooperation, Poverty, Wealth, Supply, Demand, Marketing
Lines of Inquiry
- The purpose of different forms of media;
- How different forms of media reach their intended audiences;
- How different perspectives in media shape and influence how we perceive the world.
Learner Profile
Reflective, Principled, Knowledgeable
Sharing the planet
(Exhibition Unit) An exploration of our rights and responsibilities as we try and share finite resources with other people, with other living things; of communities, and of the relationships within and between them: access to equal opportunities; peace, and conflict resolution.
Theme Focus
An exploration of human interactions with other living things.
Central Idea
Living things depend on each other and the environment in which they live.
Key Concepts
Responsibility, Change, Perspective
Related Concepts
Ecosystems, Cooperation, Consequences
Lines of Inquiry
- The role of biodiversity in the environment;
- Adaptations that help living things survive;
- How human interaction with the environment can affect the balance of systems.
Learner Profile
Reflective, Thinkers. Inquirers
