International Baccalaureate (IB)

Dundee Elementary Academy is an International Baccalaureate (IB) School.

Dundee Elementary Academy implements the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program* offering a global education to elementary students of northeast Polk County, Florida. Using the inquiry cycle, we develop life-long balanced learners in a transdisciplinary program of concept-based learning. DEA teachers engage in the collaborative practice of understanding how children best learn. Students are encouraged to apply their learning within and beyond the classroom to change the world both locally and globally!

IB MISSION STATEMENT

Mission Statement

Dundee Elementary Academy aims to develop influential citizens who are globally aware, internationally-minded, and have a passion for lifelong learning. We work as a highly qualified staff that works collaboratively with all stakeholders to provide inquiry-based instruction in a safe and supportive environment.

Want to learn more about our units?

1. Grade	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.
   Kindergarten	Who We Are 7 weeks Central idea A person's identity is shaped by their environment and actions. Key concepts Connection, Responsibility, Causation Related concepts Causation- Identity Connection- Relationships, Structure Responsibility- Senses Line of inquiry Our decisions and actions affect our lives and others. The attributes that shape who we are. We use our senses to understand ourselves, others, and the world around us.	Where We Are in Place and Time 6 Weeks Central idea Observing patterns in our environment helps with navigation. Key Concepts Perspective, Causation, Function Related concepts Causation- Navigate, Physical Environment Function- Patterns (day/night, big/small) Perspective- Positional words) Line of inquiry How our observations of the world help shape our perspective. How landforms impact how we navigate Using maps to find people, places, and thing.	How We Express Ourselves 7 Weeks Central idea People, events, and cultures can be honored throughout traditions and celebrations. Key Concepts Perspective, Form, Connection Related concepts Connection- Beliefs and Values Form- Expression Perspective- Culture Line of inquiry The appreciation of how others express their culture through traditions and celebrations  Ways culture can be expressed through music and art Ways culture can be expressed through dance and music	How The World Works 9 Weeks Central idea Innovations can impact people and the environment. Key concepts Change, Function, Form Related concepts Change- Exploration Form- Adaptation Function- Innovation Line of inquiry How the past influences the future Ways materials can be used or changed for a variety of purposes Exploring inventions and innovations	How We Organize Ourselves 7 weeks Central idea The environment affects the structure and function of plants and animals. Key concepts Connection, Function, Form Related concepts Connection- Interdependence Form- Needs/Wants Function- Environment, Weather Line of inquiry The structure and function of animals (Form) The structure and function of plants (function) How plants and animals are alike and different (connection)	No Unit
   1st Grade	Who We Are 6 weeks Central idea Senses help shape our perceptions. Key concepts Responsibility, Function, Perspective Related concepts Function - Decision Making Perspective- Needs vs. Wants Responsibility- Impact Line of inquiry How we use our senses to understand ourselves and the world around us. How we develop understanding and respect for other people’s similarities and differences. Using empathy to make a difference.	Where We Are in Place and Time 6 Weeks Central idea We honor people from history who have influenced our society. Key Concepts Change, Perspective, Connection Related concepts Change - Honor Connection - Chronology, History Perspective - Heritage Line of inquiry Our personal histories and how they Influence our lives. Significant people who have changed society through time. Honoring and remembering those who made a difference.	How We Express Ourselves 6 Weeks Central idea Ideas, beliefs, and values can shape culture, traditions, and celebrations. Key Concepts Perspective, Function, Causation Related concepts English Language Arts- Communication Mathematics- relationships Social Studies- landmarks Causation- Culture, Diversity, Values Perspective- Celebrations, Traditions Line of inquiry Expressing our ideas, beliefs, and values. The significance of cultural traditions and how they work. Comparing cultures and how they can shape traditions.	How The World Works 4 Weeks Central idea Natural laws can be observed to learn about the world. Key concepts Function, Form, Connection Related concepts Connection- Discoveries Form- Forces Function- Motion Line of inquiry Natural laws. How natural laws affect the world. Using observations and discoveries to learn about our world.	(2024-2025) How We Organize Ourselves 7 weeks Central idea Community is driven by the involvement and actions of its members. Key concepts Function, Connection, Responsibility Related concepts English Language Arts- elements, story-telling, structure Mathematics- data, patterns, relationships PE- community, self-regulation Science- forms of energy Social Studies- authority, conflict, ownership Connection- Community Involvement Function- Decision Making Responsibility- Needs vs. Wants Line of inquiry The wants and needs of a community. The roles and contributions that shape our community. How community decisions are made.	(2024-2025) Sharing the Planet 6 weeks Central idea Living things have needs that can be met by other living things and their environment. Key concepts Change, Function, Responsibility Related concepts Change- Living Things, Plants Line of inquiry The changes of living things. The basic needs of living things in their environment. How personal actions affect the world.
   2nd Grade	Who We Are 6 weeks Central idea Systems function within the body, cultures and communities. Key concepts Responsibility, Function, Form Related concepts Form- Structure Function- Function Line of inquiry How are families around the world the same and different? How do friends depend on each other? What happens when families work together How can people help their communities?	Where We Are in Place and Time 5 Weeks Central idea People change the world through discoveries and exploration. Key Concepts Causation, Connection Related concepts Causation- Relationship Connection- Purpose Line of inquiry Human migration throughout history. How events in nature affect people and places. Personal histories influence community and culture.	How We Express Ourselves 8 Weeks Central idea People express themselves in order to preserve culture, beliefs or values. Key Concepts Perspective, Form Related concepts Form- Perception Perspective- Identity Line of inquiry How history reveals the life of people from the past. How people express their culture, beliefs, and values in their communities. Natural resources influence the way people live.	How The World Works 6 Weeks Central idea People use processes to understand and impact the world. Key concepts Form, Function, Causation Related concepts Causation- Organization Form- Exploration Function- Discovery Line of inquiry How can individuals inspire world change? People use processes to understand the natural world and its laws. People make decisions based on their values and beliefs.	How We Organize Ourselves 5 weeks Central idea The study of how systems and communities are interconnected. Key concepts Connection, Causation, Change Related concepts Causation - Movement Connection - Sequence Line of inquiry How location determines supply and demand. How important scientific discoveries help us understand the world. How our choices affect our lives.	(2024-2025) Sharing the Planet 5 weeks Central idea Living things access resources depending on their opportunities. Key concepts Responsibility, Change Related concepts Change- Differences Responsibility- Design Line of inquiry How are offspring like their parents? How do living things adapt to their environment? The effects of resources on living things.
   3rd Grade	Who We Are 6 weeks Central idea Our perspectives and beliefs shape relationships with others. Key concepts Change, Form, Perspective Related concepts English Language Arts- elements, Narrative, Theme Mathematics- patterns, relationships Social Studies- Maps Change- Traditions Form- Culture Perspective- Culture, Diversity Line of inquiry How location impacts cultural traditions and relationships How different cultures develop, share and preserve traditions. How culture and community shape what we value.	Where We Are in Place and Time 5 Weeks Central idea Environment and resources affect survival. Key Concepts Causation, Connection, Change Related concepts English Language Arts- Central Idea Mathematics- patterns Science- forms of energy, Properties of Water Social Studies- Maps Causation- Interdependence Change- Impact Connection- Adaptation Line of inquiry How environment affects settlement patterns. How resources and climate affect settlement. The availability of food sources and how it impacts survival.	How We Express Ourselves 5 Weeks Central idea We can express ourselves using many different tools. Key Concepts Causation, Form, Perspective Related concepts English Language Arts- elements, poetry, structure Mathematics- fractions Science- forms of energy, light, stars, sun Social Studies- interviews , landmarks , perceive places, poems Causation- Expression Form- Design Perspective- Creativity Line of inquiry How people use nature to create art. How people use poetry to express themselves. How the sun and stars benefit our lives.	How The World Works 7 Weeks Central idea People can use and apply their understanding of science in their daily lives. Key concepts Function, Causation, Perspective Related concepts English Language Arts- Cursive Mathematics- Measurement, quadrilaterals, symmetry , time Science- forms of energy, innovation , scientist Causation- Laws Function- Properties Perspective- Principles Line of inquiry How our knowledge of science impacts our daily lives. How scientists collect data and research during investigations. How scientists communicate their findings.	How We Organize Ourselves 7 weeks Central idea Roles within a system provides structure. Key concepts Connection, Function, Form Related concepts English Language Arts- elements, Theme Mathematics- patterns Science- Inquiry Social Studies- authority, ownership Connection- Structure Form- Relationships Function- Role, Systems Line of inquiry Structure influences how things are organized. Roles within a system connect to a common goal. The function of systems helps to attain wants and needs.	Share the Planet 5 weeks Central idea Our way of living influences all living things. Key concepts Function, Responsibility, Connection Related concepts English Language Arts- Text Features, Text Structure Mathematics- relationships Science- Classify Animals , Seasonal changes Social Studies- environment influences Connection- Environment Function- Relationship Responsibility- Impact Line of inquiry Classifying animals to better understand how the environment affect them. Our responsibility to protect natural habitats and the living things in them. Scientific advancements can have positive and negative affects to all living things.
   4th Grade	Who We Are 6 weeks Central idea Decisions and choices affect our well-being.. Key concepts Perspective, Responsibility, Causation Related concepts English Language Arts- Narrative, Theme Mathematics- data Science- food chain, plant lifecycles, Seasonal changes Social Studies- conflict, Maps Causation- Choice Perspective- Balance, Lifestyle Responsibility- Needs Line of inquiry How our actions affect health. How financial choices affect our well-being.\ How plants and animals contribute to our well-being.	Where We Are in Place and Time 6 Weeks Central idea Exploration led to change in civilizations. Key Concepts Connection, Form, Change, Causation Related concepts Science- Constellations, Moon patterns, Space exploration Social Studies- explorers , native american tribes Causation- Consequences, Navigation Change- Discovery, Indigenous Tribes Connection- Discoveries, exploration Form- Exploration Line of inquiry Indigenous tribes. How the universe is used in the navigation of exploration. The motivations of exploration and discovery. The effects of exploration and discovery.	How We Express Ourselves 6 Weeks Central idea Personal expression can inspire societal change. Key Concepts Perspective, Change, Causation Related concepts Science- forms of energy Social Studies- Great depression , Land boom , Spanish American Wars Causation- Civil rights Change- Impact, Progress Perspective- Celebrations, Creativity, Culture, Diversity, Identity, Traditions Line of inquiry Ways people express their opinions and ideas. How and why change is inspired. Individuals that inspire change.	How The World Works 6 Weeks Central idea Humans may create systems that can solve problems and support human endeavors. Key concepts Connection, Form, Function Related concepts Science- Changes in Materials, Conservation of Mass, Magnets, Properties of Matter, Properties of Water Social Studies- economy , space program , tourism Connection- Community Involvement, Government Systems Form- Structure Function- Systems Line of inquiry What a system is. The purpose and function of systems. The way systems connect with each other.	How We Organize Ourselves 7 weeks Central idea Community is driven by the involvement and actions of its members. Key concepts Function, Connection, Responsibility Related concepts English Language Arts- elements, story-telling, structure Mathematics- data, patterns, relationships PE- community, self-regulation Science- forms of energy Social Studies- authority, conflict, ownership Connection- Community Involvement Function- Decision Making Responsibility- Needs vs. Wants Line of inquiry The wants and needs of a community. The roles and contributions that shape our community. How community decisions are made.	Sharing the Planet 6 weeks Central idea We share the planet with many living things and our actions can affect their existence. Key concepts Connection, Change, Responsibility Related concepts English Language Arts- Central Idea, Reasons and Evidence, Text Features, Text Structure Mathematics- Angles, data, Measurement Science- Adaptation, forms of energy, Living Things Social Studies- government Change- Invasive Species Connection- Environmental Adaptation Responsibility- Living Things Line of inquiry How living things impact the environment. How the environment adapts to change. How living things use resources.
   5th Grade	Who We Are 4 weeks Central idea Living systems work together in order to survive. Key concepts Function, Causation Related concepts Causation- Consequences, Progress, Relationships, Significance Function- Conflict, Rights, Structures, Systems Line of inquiry Living Systems Impact of environments on living systems	Where We Are in Place and Time 4 Weeks Central idea Exploration leads to new opportunities. Key Concepts Change, Causation Related concepts Causation - Economy, Innovative Ideas, Tools Change- Conflict, Discovery, Progress Line of inquiry The importance of exploration The challenges of exploration	How We Express Ourselves 5 Weeks Central idea Investigating helps to discover and express ideas. Key Concepts Responsibility, Form Related concepts Form- Analyze, Discover, Interpret, Investigate Responsibility- Conditions, Data, Logic, Variable Line of inquiry Developing and planning Conducting an investigation. Expressing results to justify discoveries.	How The World Works 12 Weeks Central idea Humans find ways to understand the world around them. Key concepts Connection, Perspective, Change Related concepts Connection- Processes , Transformation Perspective- Classification Line of inquiry Patterns help us understand the world Investigating properties of the natural world How processes create change	How We Organize Ourselves 9 weeks Central idea Society needs systems to survive. Key concepts Connection, Function, Causation Related concepts Causation- Resources, Safety, Systems Connection- Climate, Geography, Patterns, Weather Line of inquiry Human made systems and their functions Risk taking leads to the development of systems The purpose of systems and how they are connected	Sharing the Planet 41 weeks Central idea The world is made up of many complex situations that we can create a plan to help solve. OR Students may create their own central idea tied to their topic/issue Key concepts Perspective, Responsibility, Form Related concepts Mathematics - charts , graphs Line of inquiry Students will create personal lines of inquiry based on their issue/topic

Dundee Elementary Academy is an international Baccalaureate (IB) School.

Dundee Elementary Academy implements the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program* offering a global education to elementary students of north east Polk County, Florida. Using the inquiry cycle, we develop life-long balanced learners in a transdisciplinary program of concept based learning. DEA teachers engage in the collaborative practice of understanding how children best learn. Students are encouraged to apply their learning within and beyond the classroom to change the world both locally and globally!