Each grade level will have a gifted theme for the year. We integrate the themes throughout the disciplines. The macro-concept or theme for each grade level is:
· Exploration confronts the unknown.
· Exploration may result in “new findings” or the confirmation of “old findings”.
· Exploration requires recognizing purpose and responding to it.
First Grade - Patterns
· Patterns have segments that are repeated.
· Patterns allow for prediction.
· Patterns have an internal order.
· Patterns are enablers.
Second Grade-Systems
· The interactions and outputs of a system change when its inputs,
elements, or boundaries change.
· Systems can be productive or dysfunctional.
· Many systems are made up of smaller systems.
· Over time, human systems adapt, change in priority or are replaced.
· Systems are interdependent.
· Systems have parts that work together to complete a task.
· Systems are composed of sub-systems.
· Parts of systems are interdependent upon one another and form
symbiotic relationships.
symbiotic relationships.
Third Grade-Structures
· Structures have parts that interrelate.
· Parts of structures support and are supported by other structures.
· Smaller structures may be combined to form larger structures.
· A structure is no stronger than its weakest component part.
Fourth Grade-Relationships
· Everything is related in some way.
· All relationships are purposeful.
· Relationships change over time.
Fifth Grade-Change
Fifth Grade-Change
· Change generates additional change.
· Change can be either positive or negative.
· Change is inevitable.
· Change is necessary for growth.
· Change can be evolutionary or revolutionary.
· Change is linked to time.
· Change is everywhere.
· Change may be perceived as orderly or random.
· Change may happen naturally or may be caused by people.