Integration brings together related concepts that would otherwise be taught separately. For example, chemistry uses algebraic equations. Instead of students learning equations in math class and then applying it later in chemistry class, these ideas would be taught together – allowing students apply their learning from one discipline to another.
These lesson plans are designed to be integrated. Four subject areas – social studies, English, biology and integrated math – are focused around a single central topic.
There are several different ways you can apply this integrated learning:
If your students travel to different classes, you and your colleagues can agree to cover certain concepts at designated times. For example, English teachers may teach the same style of works-cited pages to their students in May; at the same time, history students can work on a research paper that includes a works-cited page. All teachers can be confident that their students have the knowledge to complete the task and they do not need to re-teach or choose a different style.
If you are teaching in a teamed format where teachers share a block of students, you may organize content around themes. Using biotechnology as an example: In biology, students may learn about viruses and bacteria, during social studies they look into the threat of bioterrorism and in English they read a novel that revolves around the idea of an epidemic.
For team teaching, you may also combine students for more direct integrated lessons. If the classroom allows, there may be 60 students in a room with two teachers presenting content that is closely connected.
Individual teachers may also bring concepts from other content areas into their own classroom without any of the above steps. It is not uncommon for science teachers to review math skills that students may have forgotten.
The lessons were created around central themes and written as individual lesson plans, but if you choose you may combine them to create an integrated learning environment for students.
Incorporating standards developed by ISTE, these lessons will also prepare your students to thrive in tomorrow's technology-based workforce. Use these lessons today to enhance learning, increase productivity and support creativity.
