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Transdisciplinary Theme: Where We Are in Place and Time

Central Idea: Human interaction with the environment and cultural practices shapes identity, livelihood, and responsibility over time.

Lines of Inquiry

  1. How geography, forests, water, and natural resources influence lifestyle and livelihood
  2. Ways beliefs, traditions, and cultural practices shape identity and community life
  3. How responsibility guides conservation, ethical tourism, and respect for people, animals, and nature

Age Group: PYP (5–11 years)
Learning experiences are developmentally differentiated across Early, Middle, and Upper PYP through:

  • Varied depth of questioning
  • Choice-based observation and reflection tasks
  • Age-appropriate physical challenges
  • Drawing, oral sharing, and written reflection options

Venue: Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka
Namdroling Tibetan Monastery • Coffee Plantation • Galibeedu Trek • Abbey Falls • Raja’s Seat • Dubare Elephant Camp • Harangi Reservoir

Learning Approach

Inquiry-led • Experiential • Place-based • Social • Reflective • Ethics-integrated

Learner Profile Focus

Inquirer • Thinker • Communicator • Caring • Risk-Taker • Reflective • Balanced

ATL Skills Development

  • Thinking Skills: Observing patterns, making connections, ethical reasoning
  • Research Skills: Questioning, observing, recording evidence through sketches and notes
  • Communication Skills: Sharing ideas, discussion circles, reflection conversations
  • Social Skills: Cooperation, respect, empathy, teamwork
  • Self-Management Skills: Safety awareness, perseverance, responsible behaviour

Programme Overview

“Places That Shape Us” is an inquiry-driven experiential learning programme designed for IB PYP students, using the rich cultural, ecological, and geographical contexts of Coorg as authentic learning environments.

Through structured Pre-Tour provocation, On-Tour guided inquiry, and Post-Tour reflection and action, students explore how people and communities adapt to their environment, express identity through beliefs and livelihoods, and practise responsibility toward nature, animals, and cultural diversity.

The programme intentionally integrates conceptual understanding, student agency, ethical awareness, and reflection, ensuring alignment with IB PYP philosophy and expectations.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • Understand how environment, geography, beliefs, and experiences influence identity and livelihood
  • Explore how communities use natural resources responsibly
  • Develop inquiry, observation, collaboration, and reflection skills
  • Practise ethical decision-making in cultural, wildlife, and environmental contexts
  • Build empathy and respect for diverse communities, animals, and ecosystems
  • Recognise personal and collective responsibility toward conservation and sustainable tourism

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of the programme, students will be able to:

  • Identify key cultural, environmental, and livelihood features of Coorg
  • Explain connections between geography, resources, and lifestyle
  • Demonstrate empathy, cooperation, and resilience during experiential tasks
  • Make responsible choices during travel and site visits
  • Reflect on how human actions impact people, animals, and environments
  • Apply learning to responsible actions in school and community contexts

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