Who We Are

“It's Up to Us”

Central Idea:  People live together harmoniously in communities to best utilize their resources.

An Inquiry Into:

• History of Decatur
• Resources of the Community
• Responsibilities of citizens 

Proposed Dates: August 9 – September 21

Where We Are in Place and Time

“Who Belongs Here?”

Central Idea: Migration occurs for many reasons.

An Inquiry Into:

• Effects of migration/immigration
• Why people move
• Places people move
• Personal Histories

Proposed Dates: September 24 – October 31

Sharing the Planet

“That’s Phenomenal”

Central Idea:  Forces of nature create changes in communities.

An Inquiry Into: 

• Forces of nature and damage they create on land, buildings, populations
• How weather related events (tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis) affect communities
• How land formation changes (earthquakes, volcanoes) affect communities/ living things
• Recovery/Relief Efforts following natural disasters

Proposed Dates: November 1 – December 20

How the World Works

“Third Grade Rocks”

Central Idea:   Earth’s formations are created and changed in many ways.

An Inquiry Into:

• 3 types of rock
• Landforms and Geology
• Use of rocks and Minerals
• Mining

Proposed Dates: January 7 – February 29

How We Express Ourselves

“Inquiring Minds Want to Know”

Central Idea:  Mysteries can be solved by collecting and analyzing data.

An Inquiry Into:

• Collecting and Analyzing data, evidence, clues, etc. leads to solving a problem or mystery
• Reading and writing mysteries
• Investigating techniques
• Mysterious events in history

Proposed Dates: March 1 – April 18

How We Organize Ourselves

“International Marketplace”

Central Idea: Consumers make decisions based on supply and demand.

An Inquiry Into:

• United States trade (imports/exports)
• How a Business Works
• How People Earn and Use  Money
• Comparing/Setting prices

Proposed Dates: April 21 – May 16