A Year of Inquiry! How the World Works: Rock On! Central Idea: Rocks and minerals are earth materials found and used universally. Lines of Inquiry: Properties of rocks and minerals, the Rock Cycle, Uses of rocks and minerals through time How We Organize Ourselves: Social Organizations Central Idea: People unite through organizations. Lines of Inquiry: Why people unite, Organizations around the world that offer support, How these organizations work Where We Are in Place and Time: River Communities Central Idea: Some communities are organized around rivers. Lines of Inquiry: Why people settled near rivers, Reasons communities settled by rivers, Case study of St. Paul, MN and the Mississippi River Who We Are: Physical Fitness Central Idea: Physical activity affects people's health. Lines of Inquiry: Physical activity and non physical activity, The benefits of physical activity, Physical activity around the world Sharing the Planet: Endangered Species Central Idea: Some animals are at risk for extinction. Lines of Inquiry: Endangered species, Extinction, People's responsibility regarding endangeres species How We Express Ourselves: Poetry In Motion Central Idea: Music and poetry reflect people's culture Lines of Inquiry: Music and poetry from diverse cultures, Similarities of music and poetry, Human experiences influencing music and poetry Important Dates! August 28th Back to School Night 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. September 2nd First Day of School! September 24th Early Release Day October 16th & 17th NO SCHOOL! State Teacher Meetings October 24th NO SCHOOL! Conference Prep October 29th Early Release Day