Framework & Assessment
Framework
SIBA Curriculum Framework
The Synergistic Inquiry Flywheel on one page: four stages, each with teacher notes, a specific skill focus and assessment strategies. Built for Grades 4–7.
Framework & Assessment
The structure behind the worksheets.
One page that maps the whole agenda — the Synergistic Inquiry Flywheel for Grades 4–7 — and the Pillar 5 assessment that closes the loop.
The Synergistic Inquiry Flywheel
Four stages that keep turning.
The framework sets out each stage with teacher notes, a specific skill focus and assessment strategies — all feeding a guided project investigation.
1
Observe & Question
Phenomenon & curiosity. Phenomenon observation, prior knowledge schemata, driving questions formulation.
2
Hypothesize & Investigate
Design & experiment. Testable hypothesis formulation, experimental design and variables, data logging and tool use.
3
Analyze & Explain
Decode & synthesize. Data analysis and pattern recognition, evidence-based reasoning (C.E.R.), scientific concept mapping.
4
Communicate & Reflect
Argue & evaluate. Scientific argumentation and debate, peer review and consensus, real-world application.
Application & Synthesis
The flywheel resolves into a guided project investigation and an integrated assessment and feedback plan.
How the pillars are taught.
Each pillar has one teacher worksheet and one answer key. Work through them in order.
| Pillar | What the worksheet plans | Worksheet | Answer key |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Phenomenological Anchoring | Unpacking the phenomenon, observation and data collection, the questions students will raise, and teacher facilitation. | Read | Read |
| 2. Operationalized Curiosity | Moving from student questions to testable hypotheses, then experimental design, variables and scaffolding. | Read | Read |
| 3. Dialectical Data Synthesis | Synthesising divergent claims - claim, counter-claim, integrated resolution - and scaffolding dialogue and argumentation. | Read | Read |
| 4. Agential Actionability | Identifying a community challenge, planning the agential action, and execution and reflection scaffolding. | Read | Read |
| 5. Metaconnective Synthesis & Reflection | Mapping the relationships across the whole inquiry, then critiquing and redesigning the investigation — the skill assessment. | Read the assessment | |
