The St. Louis Park Programme of Inquiry The PYP uses six themes at each grade level that transcend the traditional subject disciplines to create “big ideas”, otherwise known as Central Ideas, that are universally relevant and therefore could be studied in any school around the globe.  The Central Ideas are created through the collaboration of grade level teachers at every school. The content for the themes extends learning to include a more global perspective while still incorporating the Minnesota State Standards and the St. Louis Park outcomes. The instructional approach for these units is inquiry-based which extends the student’s prior knowledge and provokes further inquiry on the part of the student.    Six Organizing Themes The six units of inquiry are developed around six organizing themes that provide the K-5 scope and sequence of the international program and are organized to reflect global concepts. Who we are An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human. Where we are in place and time An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.
 How we express ourselves An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic. How the world works An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment. How we organize ourselves An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment. Sharing the planet An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.  POI_files/08.pdfPhilosophy.htmlLearner%20Profile.htmlNewsandEvents.htmlPYPCoordinator.htmlhttp://www.slpschools.org