IB PYP How the World Works: Exploring Systems and Interconnections

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) transdisciplinary theme "How the World Works" examines physical, social, economic, and cultural systems shaping our planet. Students learn holistic thinking, data analysis, evidence evaluation, and cross-disciplinary connections to understand global complexities.

Watch educator Kathleen Witte on YouTube for practical insights into IB themes like this one, with tips for engaging PYP inquiries.

Kathleen Witte - Youtube

Why "How the World Works" Drives IB Learning

This theme reveals the world's interconnectedness and how systems interact across societies. It builds appreciation for global issues and empowers students to contribute positively through critical inquiry.

Key skills developed:

• Analyzing natural and human-made systems.

• Questioning cause-effect relationships in science and society.

• Identifying personal roles in sustainable solutions.

Download free IB PYP How the World Works resources for inquiry-based activities.

Hands-On Activities in the Theme

PYP classrooms use diverse experiences to explore this theme, from current events discussions to field trips and exchanges. These foster understanding of cultural interactions and global dynamics.

Service-learning projects connect local actions to worldwide impacts, promoting diversity appreciation. Explore 

PYP unit planners for age-appropriate examples across Early Years to Upper Elementary.

Integration Across IB Subjects

• Science: Investigate natural forces, energy, and scientific methods.
• Geography: Map human-environment interactions and resource distribution.
• History/Economics: Trace societal systems, trade, and economic influences.
• Math: Model patterns, data, and real-world problem-solving.

Link to official IB PYP curriculum guides for subject alignments.

Empowering Global Citizens

The How the World Works theme cultivates knowledgeable, action-oriented learners ready for MYP and beyond. Visit blog for POI templates, worksheets, and transdisciplinary theme hubs.

How We Organize Ourselves: Exploring the IB PYP Transdisciplinary Theme

The International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP curriculum takes a holistic approach to learning, weaving together disciplines for real-world understanding. At its heart lies the transdisciplinary theme How We Organize Ourselves, which empowers students to grasp how societies, systems, and individuals structure their world. This theme fosters critical skills, helping young learners connect ideas across subjects and build global awareness.

Check out practical examples from ISHCMC PYP on YouTube for video insights into real classrooms bringing this theme alive.

ISHCMC PYP- Youtube

Diving into the Theme Through IB PYP Subject Areas

In the IB PYP, "How We Organize Ourselves" spans all six key subject areas, revealing how organization shapes daily life, cultures, and environments:

• Language and Literature: Students analyze stories and texts about community structures and rules.

• Individuals and Societies: Explore historical and modern systems like governments and economies.

• Sciences: Investigate natural organization, from ecosystems to simple machines.

• Mathematics: Apply patterns and data to model organized systems, like schedules or budgets.

• Arts: Create works reflecting cultural organization and expression.

• Physical and Health Education: Understand rules in games, teamwork, and healthy routines.

IB Core Elements: Building Reflective Global Citizens

This theme integrates the IB's foundational pillars, nurturing well-rounded learners:

• Learner Profile: Cultivates traits like being inquirers, thinkers, and open-minded to question organizational systems.

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Encourages reasoned judgments on why we organize in certain ways (more on IB TOK).

• Extended Essay and CAS: Applies learning to real projects, blending academics with Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

These elements turn abstract ideas into actionable skills for social and academic growth.

Real-World Connections and Student Exploration

Beyond core academics, the How We Organize Ourselves PYP planner  invites students to chase personal passions. They link disciplines, celebrate diverse cultures, and appreciate global interconnections—key for tomorrow's leaders. Download IB PYP unit planners to adapt for your classroom.

This theme isn't just curriculum it's a lens for understanding our organized, interconnected world.