What is a Unit of Inquiry?

A Unit of Inquiry in the IB provides schools with a curriculum framework of essential elements — the knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, and action that young students need to equip them for successful lives, both now and in the future.

"Wisdom begins in wonder"
Socrates

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 is 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 The World Works

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 We Express Ourselves

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 interconnectness 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.

The Core Subjects

Students learn about concepts (or, big ideas) through Units of Inquiry.

While exploring the unit’s central idea, students learn elements from core subjects – language arts, science, social studies, mathematics, french, physical education, art, and music – and form their own connections between what they're learning and how it relates to the world around them; students don’t just learn, they learn how to learn.

 PYP Unit of Inquiry examples   MYP Unit of Inquiry examples