Development of Language

How do cultural and geographical influences shape the oral and written language of a society? 

Students trace the evolution of recorded communication.  Problem-solving activities, short stories, and discussions support student analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of symbol systems used by various civilizations. Through this unit, students will recognize that language is an invention that has evolved over thousands of years and continues to change over time. Students explore the concept that written language is a symbol system and that written language reflects the culture of a society as well as geographical influences.  Finally, students come to realize that our understanding of history is based, in large measure, on written records.

Wordmasters   

How can the meaning of words be used to understand the advanced vocabulary relationships within an analogy? 

Students develop an understanding of the relationship between words while solving complex analogies in the Wordmasters Challenge.  Students should be able to identify the relationship within specific analogy types, understand and apply advanced vocabulary, develop verbal reasoning abilities, and address higher-order thinking.

Deductive Reasoning

How can information be organized to help with the decision making process?  

In this unit of study, students use deductive reasoning to solve a mystery by making valid assumptions, determining dangerous generalizations, and recognizing false pretenses in order to eliminate suspects until left with the real culprit.  

Students should understand that syllogisms help with drawing conclusions, generalizations can be dangerous, assumptions should be supported by facts and a hypothesis can be revised as new information is obtained.

Patterns

Patterns is an interdisciplinary investigation of the world around us. Critical thinking skills are applied as students explore patterns found in nature, as well as those created by human beings. The first unit examines animal migration and the ways in which predators, prey, and human beings affect this annual behavior. The second unit, Astronomy, focuses specifically on constellation through an exploration of both science and the mythology that developed within various cultures about them.  Patterns, as arrangements of repeated elements, will be evident within the math strand of the third unit. Among the topics investigated are patterns found in the measurement of time and money, Fibonacci sequences, and arithmetic and geometric progressions.  

Wordmasters   

How can the meaning of words be used to understand the advanced vocabulary relationships within an analogy? 

Students develop an understanding of the relationship between words while solving complex analogies in the WordMasters Challenge.  Students should be able to identify the relationship within specific analogy types, understand and apply advanced vocabulary, develop verbal reasoning abilities, and address higher-order thinking.
 

Spontaneous Problem Solving

How can reflection and metacognition be used to expand ways of thinking and develop more uncommon responses? 

Students will complete Spontaneous Problem Solving tasks, adapted from the international Odyssey of the Mind program requiring divergent thinking – the ability to generate a great number and wide variety of solutions - in a limited amount of time.  Students should be able to identify a solution to the presented problem and use reflection and metacognition to provide uncommon responses.

All Things Greek

Greek Mythology

How does Greek mythology explain the phenomena of the natural world and enlighten us about the human condition? 

In this unit of study, students read and analyze Greek myths in order to grasp the symbolism behind the characters and the themes and morals embedded in the stories, many of which still resonate in modern society.

Classical Architecture

What are the principles of Greek architecture, and in what ways are they implemented in modern design? 

Ancient Greek civilization brought classical architecture to mankind. With consideration for both form and function, these people created structures whose designs have stood the test of time.  Students have an opportunity to apply some basic mathematical principles used in classical architecture. Students should be able to identify architectural elements and explain their purpose.

Wordmasters   

How can the meaning of words be used to understand the advanced vocabulary relationships within an analogy? 

Students develop an understanding of the relationship between words while solving complex analogies in the WordMasters Challenge.  Students should be able to identify the relationship within specific analogy types, understand and apply advanced vocabulary, develop verbal reasoning abilities, and address higher-order thinking.

Creative Problem Solving

How can a problem be examined through multiple perspectives to produce and execute a thoughtful plan of action? 

Students should be able to develop a solution to a creative problem with required parts within a time frame while working cooperatively within a group.

The Invention Process 

What motivates an inventor? 

Students study the role of the inventor.  Using problem based activities and discussions, students explore the role of the inventor, as a creative problem solver. Each child researches a selected inventor and prepares a presentation that chronicles the invention process and inventor’s accomplishments. They gain insight into the creative process of inventing as they research inventors and see how their inventions have changed our lives.  Students should be able to describe the process of invention, what led an inventor them to invent and explain the patent for a specific invention.

How does the invention process lead to an invention that solves a problem? 

Students gain insight into the creative process of inventing as learn the process of invention development and implementation of the process by creating an original invention. Students should be able to identify and personal problem to be solved through the invention process, properly research the problem and potential solutions, design, test and redesign a prototype.

Wordmasters   

How can the meaning of words be used to understand the advanced vocabulary relationships within an analogy? 

Students develop an understanding of the relationship between words while solving complex analogies in the WordMasters Challenge.  Students should be able to identify the relationship within specific analogy types, understand and apply advanced vocabulary, develop verbal reasoning abilities, and address higher-order thinking.

Problem Solving

How can problems be solved through collaborative group work?

Students develop creative solutions to unique problems, students have the opportunity to design solutions and test outcomes.

Future Civilization Problem Solving

How can an understanding of the past help prepare for the future? 

In this year long unit of study, adapted from the International Problem Solvers Program, students combine creative and critical thinking to explore the concepts of problems, sub-problems, and the creation of solutions using a systematic structure. Teams must work cooperatively, communicate effectively, organize and productively utilize their time, as they apply creative brainstorming in the development of viable solutions to presented problems.  Students should be able to:e examine the information and prioritize based on need, develop viable solutions to presented problems and respectfully work in teams honoring multiple perspectives.

Wordmasters   

How can the meaning of words be used to understand the advanced vocabulary relationships within an analogy? 

Students develop an understanding of the relationship between words while solving complex analogies in the Wordmasters Challenge.  Students should be able to identify the relationship within specific analogy types, understand and apply advanced vocabulary, develop verbal reasoning abilities, and address higher-order thinking.

Relativity: Perspectives of Time

How does the passing of time affect personal perceptions? 

In this year long unit of study, students examine the concept of time from a cultural, scientific and literary perspective.  Throughout the year students consider open-ended, participate in problem solving activities, engage in discussions based on scientific text reading, and compare time-related themes in literature. Time’s role in culture is examined, as are the ideas of past, present and future. Students are introduced to the concept of space-time and Einstein’s theory of relativity.  As more abstract concepts are presented, students must suspend judgment and remain open to considering ideas that seem to contradict everyday logic.  Students should be able to examine time from multiple perspectives and explain the origins of the concept of time.

Wordmasters   

How can the meaning of words be used to understand the advanced vocabulary relationships within an analogy? 

Students develop an understanding of the relationship between words while solving complex analogies in the Wordmasters Challenge.  Students should be able to identify the relationship within specific analogy types, understand and apply advanced vocabulary, develop verbal reasoning abilities, and address higher-order thinking.

Philosophy

What relevance does philosophy have in everyday living? 

In this year long unit of study, students are provided with an awareness of and appreciation for the role that philosophy has played in shaping our culture and the continuing role of philosophy in our day-to-day experiences. Through structured discussions, debates, readings, small group activities and response writing, students consider the writings of philosophers including Plato, Aristotle, Locke, Hume and Machiavelli. Throughout the year, the continued relevance of philosophy is explored as philosophical reflections are related to modern day events and scientific breakthrough. Socratic dialogue provides the structural framework for group discussions and investigations. Philosophy, language related to thinking, along with supportive current science theory and research are explored within this structural framework. Students should understand that philosophy has shaped our culture and continues to impact society, philosophers work continues to be relevant today and decision making is in part related to personal philosophy.

Wordmasters   

How can the meaning of words be used to understand the advanced vocabulary relationships within an analogy? 

Students develop an understanding of the relationship between words while solving complex analogies in the Wordmasters Challenge.  Students should be able to identify the relationship within specific analogy types, understand and apply advanced vocabulary, develop verbal reasoning abilities, and address higher-order thinking.