Where are We 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.

Central Idea : Cities reflect cultural influences and local conditions.

NGSS - Earth and Space Science

1. Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time. K-ESS2-1
2. Ask questions to obtain information about the purpose of weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather. K-ESS3-2
3. Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface. K-PS3-
4. Use tools and materials provided to design and build a structure that will reduce the warming effect of sunlight on an area. K-PS3-2

Books in the iCommons

1. Caps, Hats, Socks and Mittens by Louise Borden; Summary:Simple text and illustrations describe some of the pleasures of each season. (Fiction)

2. Sunshine Make Seasons by Franklyn Branley; Summary: Discusses how the sunshine and the tilt of the earth's axis are responsible for the changing seasons. (Nonfiction)

3. The Rabbit Problem by Emily Gravet; Summary: In Fibonacci's Field, Lonely and Chalk Rabbit meet, snuggle together, and then spend a year trying to cope with their ever-increasing brood and the seasonal changes that bring a new challenge each month. Presented in calendar format with one pop-up illustration and other special features (Fiction)

4. What Happens in Winter by Sara Latta; Summary: Presents simple text and illustrations that introduce the colors, shapes, clothes, and activities associated with winter. (Nonfiction) (Includes a series)

5. Fall is not Easy by Marty Kelly; Summary: A tree tells why, out of all four seasons, autumn is the hardest. (Fiction)

6. An Apple Throughout the Year by Claudia Schnieper; Summary: Follows an apple tree through the four seasons, detailing the yearly growth cycle and examining the ecosystem of the entire apple orchard. (Nonfiction)

7. The Tree by Gallimard Jeunesse Summary: Follows a chestnut tree through the seasons as it sprouts from its seed, blossoms, grows, sheds leaves, and drops new chestnuts that will one day become trees too. (Nonfiction)

8. Weather Patterns by Monica Hughes; Summary: Provides information about daily, yearly, seasonal, polar, and different climate weather patterns. (Nonfiction)

9. A Kitten Tale by Eric Rohmann; Summary: As four kittens who have never seen winter watch the seasons pass, three of them declare the reasons they will dislike snow when it arrives, while the fourth cannot wait to experience it for himself. (Fiction)

10. The Village Garage by Brian Karas; Summary: Throughout the seasons the workers at the Village Garage are busy taking care of the town and its residents. (Fiction)

11. The Little Island by Margaret Wise Brown; Summary: Depicts the changes that occur on a small island as the seasons come and go, as day changes to night, and as a storm approaches. (Fiction)

12 Sail Away by Donald Crews; Summary: A family takes an enjoyable trip in their sailboat and watches the weather change throughout the day. (Fiction)