Nitty Gritties of Planning and Research – 15th & 16th March, 2011

Yesterday was an exciting day as all the groups got their topic for the PYP Exhibition. The topics which were given to us were related to the central idea and with sharing and conserving finite resources. Every group got one of the four issues identified by us as a whole class:

·        Water

·        Soil, Rocks and Minerals

·        Forests

·        Fossil Fuels

After getting the topic, we reframed the general lines of inquiry according to our own topic. Based on the lines of inquiry, we framed questions that would help us find information. In our own groups, we planned how to find the information and discussed the ways we will present our findings during the exhibition. We also went to the library to explore different resources such as books, magazines and CD’s.  In connection to the task of making pairs in our respective groups for the research work, we were narrated a story to guide us to make wise and informed choices.

A few days ago, we had discussed and made essential agreements for the exhibition as a whole class. Today we individually read those essential agreements and signed ‘The Exhibition Promise’. We planned the resources that we would need for the research work. We divided the work between ourselves for the long ‘Holi’ break ahead so that we can do our own individual research, gain understanding and collate the information gathered, after the break.           

Here is wishing everyone a safe, happy and environment friendly Holi!

Pallavi and Kartik
'Mother's Children'

Lines of Inquiry - 14th March, 2011

Today, we discussed the lines of inquiry related to the central idea. We first began with discussions in our respective groups, reflected on the most appropriate line of inquiry and then shared it with the whole class. Everyone was very enthusiastic and excited to share their opinions, which added to the high noise level. After lots and lots of brainstorming and exchange of ideas, we arrived at the final lines of inquiry for the eight key concepts. We are very pleased with the work done by us today and are now looking forward to our research work. 

So, here they go...

CENTRAL IDEA: 
 

Conserving and using finite resources efficiently can contribute to a clean and green future.

LINES OF INQUIRY:

• the different kinds of finite resources (FORM)
• the need for finite resources (FUNCTION)
• the reasons for the depletion of finite resources (CAUSATION)
• the relationship between the use of finite resources and the environment (CONNECTION)
• the ways the use of finite resources have changed over time (CHANGE)
• the different points of view on the use and conservation of finite resources (PERSPECTIVE)
• the evidences of a clean and green future (REFLECTION)
• our contribution towards a clean and green future (RESPONSIBILITY)

 Anshika Singh and Ayati Mehta
'Dusk to Dawn'