Spain 4º de Primaria School Syllabus - Conocimiento del Medio (Cono)

This course, Conocimiento del Medio (Cono), is part of the Spanish Primary Education curriculum and aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the natural, social, and cultural world around them. It fosters active, responsible, and respectful citizens capable of transforming the world based on ethical and sustainable principles. The curriculum emphasizes developing competencies across various disciplines, promoting holistic learning and preparing students for the challenges of a diverse and changing society. The official curriculum is defined by Royal Decree 157/2022.

Second Cycle (3º and 4º de Primaria): Conocimiento del Medio

The second cycle builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in the first cycle, delving deeper into scientific concepts, technological applications, and social structures. It encourages students to explore their environment, analyze information, and develop critical thinking skills.

Specific Competencies:

1. Digital Competence: Students will utilize digital devices and resources safely and efficiently for research, communication, teamwork, and content creation. This includes evaluating online information, understanding digital safety and responsibility, and using technology effectively for learning.

2. Scientific Inquiry: Students will formulate scientific questions, conduct guided experiments, gather information from reliable sources, and communicate their findings. This involves developing basic scientific vocabulary, understanding scientific methods, and applying scientific thinking to explain phenomena in the natural, social, and cultural world.

3. Design and Computational Thinking: Students will work collaboratively on design projects, applying computational thinking principles to create innovative solutions. This includes prototyping, testing, and presenting their projects, fostering creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

4. Health and Well-being: Students will develop an understanding of their own bodies, emotions, and feelings, applying scientific knowledge to cultivate healthy habits. This involves recognizing healthy lifestyles, understanding emotional well-being, and promoting positive social interactions.

5. Understanding Systems: Students will identify the characteristics of different elements and systems in the natural, social, and cultural environment, analyzing their organization and properties. This includes recognizing the value of cultural and natural heritage, promoting conservation, and understanding the interconnectedness of different systems.

6. Human Impact and Sustainability: Students will analyze the causes and consequences of human actions on the environment, considering social, economic, cultural, technological, and environmental perspectives. This involves developing sustainable lifestyles, understanding environmental responsibility, and promoting actions for environmental protection.

7. Social and Cultural Change: Students will observe, understand, and interpret social and cultural changes, analyzing cause-and-effect relationships and evaluating the connections between different events. This involves developing historical thinking skills, understanding chronological order, and appreciating the evolution of societies.

8. Diversity and Equality: Students will recognize and value diversity and gender equality, demonstrating empathy and respect for other cultures. This involves understanding migration, appreciating cultural diversity, and promoting inclusive behaviors.

9. Civic Participation: Students will participate in school and community activities, applying democratic values and respecting human rights. This involves understanding civic responsibilities, respecting rules and laws, and promoting peaceful conflict resolution.

Content Areas (Saberes Básicos):

The content is organized into three interconnected blocks:

A. Scientific Culture:

• Scientific inquiry processes and tools.
• Characteristics and classification of living things and ecosystems.
• Matter, forces, energy, and their interactions.
• Rocks, minerals, and landforms.

B. Technology and Digitalization:

• Digital environments for learning and communication.
• Design projects and computational thinking.
• Safe and responsible use of technology.

C. Societies and Territories:

• Challenges of the modern world, including climate change and demographics.
• Societies through time, from Prehistory to the Ancient Age.
• Civic literacy, including understanding social structures and governance.
• Eco-social awareness and sustainable living.

This curriculum aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become informed, responsible, and engaged citizens in a complex and interconnected world.