Transdisciplinary Theme

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.

Central Idea

My identity is a combination of unique characteristics

Lines of Inquiry

• The purpose of government.
• The responsibilities of citizens within a community.
• The perspective of characters.

Attributes of the Learner Profile

• Reflective
• Open-minded

Parent Support

• Have your child read for 20 minutes each night. 
• After reading ask them about a character’s identity and characteristics.

Single Subject Connections

Third grade students will be exploring the idea of identity in a self-portrait through an array of artists work. They will brainstorm ideas connected to their own identity and incorporate symbols and details into their self-portrait.  Students will communicate with peers and reflect on the art making process.

Transdisciplinary Theme

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.

Central Idea

Our choices help us to communicate

Lines of Inquiry

• Geographic features on maps
• Characteristics of expression

Attributes of the Learner Profile

• Reflective
• Communicator
• Risk-Taker

Parent Support

• Are you from another country? Would you  like to share with third grade about your  country? Please reach out to your student’s teacher if you are interested! 
• Students will be reading poetry in front of their class. Please practice reading aloud with a loud voice at home.

Transdisciplinary Theme 

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.

Central Idea

Roles impact systems

Lines of Inquiry

• Purpose of goods and services
• Interdependence within systems
• The impact of water
• Choices authors make

Attributes of the Learner Profile

• Inquirer
• Principled
• Knowledgeable

Single Subject Connections

Art: Third Graders will explore the artwork and organic forms of Henri Matisse.  They will experiment with two dimensional paper cutting techniques that connect to Matisse-like forms and the theme of Winter.  Third graders will inquire about various ways to represent characteristics of winter using paper cutting techniques. Students will be principled in their collaboration with tablemates to create large paper collage banners to be displayed during their winter festival.

PE: 3rd grade students will be exploring the form of gymnastics, yoga and 8 count dances.  Students will learn about the purpose of gymnastics and dance and how it has influenced our culture today.  Students will learn the techniques of gymnastics, yoga and dance through technology, pictures and teacher demonstration.  For gymnastics/yoga, students will be communicating and working with peers to complete various techniques/poses for assessment.  For dance, they will create a dance routine to perform in front of their peers for assessment. 

Music: Third grade musicians will participate in a variety of ensembles.  They will experience how different musical roles are connected within an ensemble system and the importance of being a principled participant in an ensemble.  They will investigate similarities and differences among the parts of a musical form. Students will use this knowledge to create their own ensemble compositions to share at their winter festival.  

Transdisciplinary Theme 

Sharing the planet:  an inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and other living things; communities and the relationship within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

Central Idea

Relationships exist within environments.

Lines of Inquiry

• Human impact on an ecosystem.
• Organization of systems.
• Organisms responses to the environment.
• Asking and answering meaningful questions.

Attributes of the Learner Profile

• Inquirer
• Thinker

Single Subject Connections

During music, the 3rd grade students will  explore relationships between pitch and visual representations.  They will use this understanding to compose a melody using a previously developed rhythm.  

In STEAM, the 3rd grade students will explore the relationships within a terrestrial ecosystem as they build a biodome.  The students will identify relationships with terrestrial ecosystems as they use MicroBits to represent a food chain.

In Art, the 3rd grade students will design a terrarium using crayons and watercolors.  The students will explore the concept of causation as they investigate the relationship between watercolors and the watercolors and crayons.  

Transdisciplinary Theme 

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 relationship between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

Central idea

Lines of Inquiry  

Learner Profile Attributes

Transdisciplinary Theme

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. 

Central idea

Lines of Inquiry

Learner Profile Attributes