How We Organize Ourselves

An inquiry into the inter-connectedness 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.

January 21 - March 8

Central IdeaPublic spaces provide people with opportunities to make

connections and establish a sense of community.

An Inquiry Into:Purposes of public spaces

Characteristics of different public spacesHow people use public spaces

Key ConceptsForm

What are the characteristics of public spaces?

Connection How are people connected through public

spaces? What are the opportunities for people to connect in public spaces?

ResponsibilityWhat is our responsibility when using public

space and interacting with others?

Transdisciplinary SkillsSelf-Management

Organization: Planning and carrying out learning engagements effectivelyTime management: Using time effectively

ThinkingAnalysis: Finding unique characteristics about public places, identifying the opportunities available for people to connect and determining whether people use the opportunities availableSynthesis: Developing ideas about how public spaces can be improved to build a better sense of community

Research Formulating Questions, Observing, Planning, Collecting Data, Recording Data, Organizing Data, Interpreting Data, Presenting Research Findings

Vocabularypublicprivate

communityphysicalvirtual

inter-connectednesssociety

economic activitiesorganizations

accessible

What can you do with your child at home?

Talk About the Learner Profile

AttitudesInquirers: Demonstrating curiosity in how public spaces are used and how they provide opportunities to develop connections within communities.

Thinkers: Thinking critically and creatively by evaluating how public spaces are used and how they can be improved to facilitate connections within communities.

AttributesIndependence: Conducting individual inquiries that will require visiting public spaces in Hong Kong.

Enthusiasm: Possessing a love of learning and being engaged in the use of the inquiry cycle to investigate public space in both Hong Kong and the broader world.

ResourcesHong Kong Government: Recreation and Sports

Hong Kong Government: Country ParksCharacteristics of great public spaces

Great public spacesWhat makes a successful public place?

Eleven principles for creating great community spacesResources for Writing to Describe (Reports)

Please take note that throughout this unit students will need to research public spaces in Hong Kong. To ensure the validity of the data they collect, they may need to attend public spaces at various times throughout the week. Please refer to the email sent to parents regarding individualized field trips that can happen throughout the school day. Please note as well that the Chinese New Year holiday is a good opportunity for students to observe and collect data about public spaces.