How Do I Learn? (Module 2 - Guided Inquiry)

We are just beginning the next module, in which students are guided through the inquiry process to explore thematic units, reflect upon what they've learned and share their findings with others.


Grade 3 - Sound
Sound is all around us all the time.  What is it, and how does it effect us?  Students will learn about vibrations, soundscapes, sonar and sonic booms!  They will take what they already know about sound and expand upon it in a direction of their choice becoming an 'expert' in that sub-area.   They'll create a final product that will reflect the journey from initial curiosity to knowledge acquisition. 

Grade 4 - Community Connections:  History’s Mysteries! 

Students will learn that history is created through investigation and interpretation of clues and other evidence.  History as we know it is fluid:  it changes based upon new evidence and new interpretations.  Historians are detectives--they search for evidence among primary sources! Which is exactly what we will do.

Through the analysis of primary sources (photographs) we will strive to answer some essential questions - What social/cultural, political, environmental and/or economic factors helped to shape our community in and around Scotia, NY? What changes occurred over time?  What factors caused those changes? What might our future community look like?  What would have to occur now for future changes to happen? 

Grade 5 - Survival
It's the name of the game!  Students will explore various angles of survival...from diseases to forensics, to endangered animals and extreme weather.   Students will choose a specific topic of interest and generate essential questions to research and create a final product to share what they have learned.