By: Grade 4 Teaching Team

Where are we in place and time? How have civilizations, people, and humankind connected through place and time? These big questions set the stage for Grade 4’s first unit of inquiry in the 2024-2025 school year, a deep dive into history, geography, and human innovation, as part of the IB Primary Years Programme unit, Where We Are in Place and Time.

Over the past months, our Grade 4 students have been immersed in exploring the key characteristics of ancient civilizations and how they continue to influence modern society. This learning journey wasn’t limited to one subject—it spanned across math, language arts, and inquiry, as students applied their growing knowledge in a variety of exciting ways. From understanding the development of language and symbols in writing, to exploring ancient measurement systems in math, every aspect of the curriculum came to life.

As part of their research, students selected ancient civilizations that captured their curiosity, such as Mesopotamia, Ancient China, Ancient Rome, the Mitra Dynasty, the Vikings, and Ancient Egypt. From there, they explored specific elements of these civilizations, investigating topics like fashion, transportation, weaponry, makeup, and farming. They also honed valuable research and presentation skills, learning to gather, analyze, and present information confidently.

The creativity didn’t stop there! Some students went above and beyond by imagining and designing their own civilizations, both on Earth and in space! They applied the knowledge they had gained about ancient civilizations to develop unique cultures, systems of government, and innovative technologies. This project allowed them to stretch their creative thinking while still grounding their ideas in the realities of the past.

The Unit of Inquiry culminated in an exciting Showcase on September 20, 2024, where our students proudly shared their research, creative dioramas, models, and posters, giving us all a glimpse into the incredible civilizations they had studied.

At the showcase, students enthusiastically shared their findings with parents, teachers, and peers, transforming our learning space into a vibrant museum of civilizations. Ancient cities, temples, and landmarks from across time and geography were brought to life. 

"The purpose of this showcase was twofold," explained the Grade 4 teaching team. "First, it gave students a platform to demonstrate the transdisciplinary learning they’ve been working on throughout this unit and to celebrate their hard work. Second, it allowed us to welcome parents into the school community, inviting them to share in their children’s accomplishments and discoveries!"