This interdisciplinary unit plan incorporates various subjects at the grade 6 level. Students are challenged to apply their learning to solve a hypothetical real-world problem. Much of the emphasis in this unit is placed on societal applications through researching about different cultures and valuing diversity, understanding government designs, how to be a global citizen, and technology integration.
The main overarching themes or concepts explored in this unit are:
Social studies: The role of citizens in a democratic society,
Science: The big idea that our solar system is a very small part of one of millions of galaxies in the Universe,
Math: Shapes and transformations
English Language Arts: Group collaboration,
Fine arts: Technographic arts, impose standards on designed objects
Throughout this interdisciplinary unit, students develop various skills and attitudes; there is an emphasis placed on the competencies listed by Alberta Education (2016).
Critical Thinking: This unit plan integrates various subjects in an interdisciplinary approach. By working through the activities, students are able to develop critical thinking skills as they make connections in concepts between subjects and to real world issues.
Problem Solving: This interdisciplinary unit is designed with a social application perspective. Students are presented with the challenge to solve the problem, “If you were colonizing a planet, how would you design and implement a successful democratic society?”
Managing Information: This unit encourages students to do an abundant amount of research. Students will be researching about characteristics of planets, pros and cons of different forms of democracy, and how to make a persuasive video. Students will gather information from both in class and online searches, interpret this information and incorporate it into their project.
Creativity & Innovation: The open-ended nature of this project allows students copious space to think creatively and innovatively. Students will incorporate creativity in establishing their own world and when they present their world in a detailed description from culture to politics to physical properties.
Communication: Students will interpret the information they retrieve and communicate it in an effective way to the audience. They will also utilize communication skills to establish understandings with their group members.
Collaboration: Students will be working in learning groups throughout this unit. Students will develop their collaboration skills as they share responsibilities in the group, respect different perspectives, and trust each other when sharing ideas.
Cultural & Global Citizenship: Students will recognize their role within society and acknowledge other perspectives such as the FNMI views. The cultural section within this unit allows students to be introduced to different perspectives and value equity and diversity.
Personal Growth & Well-Being: Students will set their learning goals as they work through this unit. Students will be reflective and strive for self-growth while building healthy relationships with group members.