Unit of Inquiry

What Is a Unit of Inquiry?

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At our school, learning is guided by Units of Inquiry—transdisciplinary learning experiences that bring together multiple subjects around a central idea. Each unit encourages students to ask questions, explore big concepts, and take meaningful action.

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From PreK3 to Grade 7, students complete 4–6 Units of Inquiry each year, depending on grade level. These units are built around one of six transdisciplinary themes, such as Who We Are or How the World Works.

Anatomy of a Unit

Each Unit of Inquiry includes:

• A central idea that frames the unit (e.g., Our values and actions shape our identity)
   

• Lines of inquiry that guide exploration
   

• Learning across subjects like science, social studies, ELA, math, and more
   

• Opportunities for student questions, research, and collaboration
   

• Reflections and actions that show how students apply what they’ve learned
   

Our Six Transdisciplinary Themes

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• Who We Are
   

• Where We Are in Place and Time
   

• How We Express Ourselves
   

• How the World Works
   

• How We Organize Ourselves
   

• Sharing the Planet
   

Each grade engages with all six themes across the year (except PreK/K, who complete four developmentally appropriate units).

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Sample Units of Inquiry

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Grade 1/2 | Who We Are

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Central Idea: Our values and actions shape our identity
 

Lines of Inquiry:

• How our values influence our actions
   

• Why role models matter
   

• Taking responsibility for our choices
   

Integrated Subjects: ELA (character studies), social studies (civic responsibility), science (patterns in nature), art (self-portraits)

UOI Bulletin Board Gallery

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