1. 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. Title: What’s Happening to Me? Central Idea: Developmental changes occur throughout our lives. Lines of inquiry: Physical, emotional, and social changes How our decisions affect the human body What it means to have a balanced lifestyle Title: The Melting Pot Central Idea: Humans impact the land and people of a nation and its neighboring countries. Lines of inquiry: Why people migrate How technology influences change Settlement patterns A case study of European Settlers Title: Through the Artists’ Eye Central Idea: People express themselves through the arts. Lines of inquiry: How we express ideas through poetry Various artistic mediums The elements of art Title: Law and Order Central Idea: Forces affect everyday life. Lines of inquiry: Laws of motion Similarities between simple and compound machines The relationship between forces and machines Title: War and Peace Central Idea: Human conflict influences change. Lines of inquiry: Causes/effects of conflict Conflict and conflict management How societal organizations are created and maintained A case study of the American Revolution Title: Croc-Files Central Idea: Living and non-living things coexist interdependently. Lines of inquiry: Functions and organisms within ecosystems and biomes Impact of humans and ecosystems and biomes Changing ecosystems and biomes Interdependence of plants and animals Title: What Makes Us Tick? Central Idea: Making wise choices helps us maintain a healthy lifestyle. Lines of inquiry: How to maintain healthy systems Factors that influence choices we make Consequences and actions Title: On the Road Again Central Idea: People on the move effect the world around them. Lines of inquiry: Causes for movement The influence of ethnic and cultural groups A Case Study of North Carolina history Title: Creative Expression Central Idea: Writing stories helps us share our thoughts creatively. Lines of inquiry: The writing process Qualities of effective writing Responses to literature Title: May the Force Be With You Central Idea: Magnets and electricity have predictable behaviors that lead to innovations. Lines of inquiry: How magnets attract and repel The workings of an electrical circuit Conductors and nonconductors of electricity Inventions that were created as a result of electricity Title: Let’s Get Down to Business Central Idea: Resources affect and shape our economy. Lines of inquiry: Unlimited wants and limited resources Economic decision- making Different types of resources Significance of economic relationships Title: Looks Like We’ve Made It! Central Idea: Living things struggle and adapt to survive. Lines of inquiry: Understanding animals helps us learn more about ourselves How the mind/spirit/body work together to affect survival The importance of adaptation Revised May 1, 2008 (Red indicates 1st planner to be taught.) (Blue indicates 2nd planner.) (Green indicates 3rd.) (Brown indicates 4 th ) (Black indicates 5 th ) (Purple indicates 6 th.) Fifth Grade Fourth Grade

2. 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. Title: Let’s Get Together Central Idea: Healthy, personal choices affect the human body. Lines of inquiry: Caring for a healthy body Qualities and benefits of healthy relationships Behaviors that promote and hinder friendships The skeletal and muscular systems Title: Honor to Us All Central Idea: Heroes create change within communities. Lines of inquiry: Fictional heroes in literature Honoring heroes of the past Contributions and impacts of today’s heroes Landmarks created to honor heroes Title: A Whole New World Central Idea: Traditions and values of a culture are expressed in a variety of ways. Lines of inquiry: Geographic terminology The diversity of cultures The globalization of cultures around the world Storytelling as a means of expressing traditions Title: When You Wish Upon a Star Central Idea: Sequences and cycles occur to organize the world around us. Lines of inquiry: The “changing shape” of the moon The movement of the planets around the sun Patterns of stars in various constellations The exploration of space Title: Whistle While You Work Central Idea: Economic relationships impact a society. Lines of inquiry: Ways people earn and use money The history and uses of money Making an economic choice Supply and demand of goods Title: Part of Your World Central Idea: Environmental conditions affect growth and survival. Lines of inquiry: The importance of soil How living things grow and adapt How environmental conditions determine survival Title: A New Beginning Central Idea: Immigration contributes to diversity. Lines of inquiry: Reasons/effects of immigration How individuals, families, communities are alike and different Changes in communities over time Title: It’s a Small World Central Idea: Geographical location determines how we live. Lines of inquiry: Geographic terms Physical features of communities and regions How geography affects people’s cultures Natural resources (our dependency on and caring for natural resources Title: What Did You Say? Central Idea: Creativity and feelings are expressed through sound. Lines of inquiry: How sound is made Cultural expressions of sound Various forms of personal expression Title: What’s the Matter? Central Idea: Changes in matter affect the environment. Lines of inquiry: Property and uses of matter and energy sources Ways matter changes How changing matter affects the environment Title: We the People Central Idea: Relationships are established between people and their government. Lines of inquiry: Governmental bodies and their officials A case study of the elective process Responsible citizens participate in society Title: The Circle of Life Central Idea: Animals grow and change through predictable life cycles. Lines of inquiry: How animals grow and change A Case Study of ladybugs, frogs, and butterflies How humans impact animals’ lives Revised May 2008 (Red indicates 1st planner to be taught.) (Blue indicates 2nd planner.) (Green indicates 3rd.) (Brown indicates 4 th ) (Black indicates 5 th ) (Purple indicates 6 th.) Third Grade Second Grade

3. 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. Title: Rules, Rules, and More Rules Central Idea: Developing citizenship traits enhances our leadership. Lines of inquiry: The rules needed for different settings Consequences that may result from responsible or irresponsible actions Rules of leaders around the world Citizenship traits in social environments Title: It’s a Different World Central Idea: People and special events help shape our world. Lines of inquiry: Things that define a culture Reasons for observing celebrated individuals Events associated with holidays Title: Express Yourself Central Idea: People use stories, poetry and creative arts to communicate. Lines of inquiry: How fairy tales communicate themes across cultures How fairy tales have evolved over time Ways we express ourselves as authors, actors, and poets Title: On the Move Central Idea: People conduct observations to understand how things move. Lines of inquiry: Tools that help objects move Variables that effect how objects move Ways movement is affected by pushing or pulling Ways movement can be measured Title: It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Central Idea: Communities are organized to help people meet their basic needs. Lines of inquiry: Changes within a community Choices you make to satisfy wants and needs Producing and consuming goods and services Title: Animal Planet Central Idea: Animal needs determine their survival. Lines of inquiry: What animals need to survive Different animal habitats How humans and environmental changes impact animal habitats What we can do to preserve habitats Title: Lean on Me Central Idea: People form relationships. Lines of inquiry: How people develop and maintain relationships Different groups people belong to Similarities and differences between families and various groups Title: Back to the Future Central Idea: The past affects the path for the future. Lines of inquiry: The impact of individual contributions How new discoveries help our lives The impact of developments in technology Title: American Express Central Idea: People express themselves in various ways. Lines of inquiry: Expressions from various cultures Thoughts and feelings expressed through visual arts Movement, dance, and music Title: Wishy Washy Weather Central Idea: Weather shapes our world. Lines of inquiry: Different weather features Effects of weather on human activities Various forms of weather Title: Education Station Central Idea: Schools are organized to help us learn and live together. Lines of inquiry: How school days are organized Who works in the school The students’ responsibilities Title: Under the Sea Central Idea: Human behaviors affect ocean life. Lines of inquiry: Various types of ocean animals What ocean animals need to survive How humans affect animal life How animals interact with their surroundings Revised May 2008 (Red indicates 1st planner to be taught.) (Blue indicates 2nd planner.) (Green indicates 3rd.) (Brown indicates 4 th ) (Black indicates 5 th ) (Purple indicates 6 th.) First Grade Kindergarten