Integrated Thematic Unit
In the ever changing world it is paramount that secondary students realize the relevance of interconnected knowledge. Students should view their education as a woven tapestry of information, and not as separate subjects. Upon first glance, students may think the subjects of English and Science don't overlap, however, this is not the case. This is why Integrated Thematic Units are a great tool to utilize to highlight the cross-over of educational subjects.
Integrated Thematic Units (ITU) combine different content areas through learning and student activities. By teaching in this fashion, students are able to connect that each subject is not its own entity. Instead, they realize that science has a math and writing component; or that culinary arts is a project based class that involves chemistry and math. In addition to combining content areas, ITU's blend school and community to form service learning. ITU's align well with Common Core standards, and allow students to see "real life" learning take place.
The first step of the ITU we created focuses on students researching the environmental impacts and energy resources of dams, and clean renewable energy sources, on a global and local level. Secondly, students will seek out a desired audience (local school, governor, mayor, etc.) to write a persuasive letter. This letter will inform, educate, and/or persuade their chosen audience of their stance on dams. The ITU requires students to combine and utilize their skills in various areas, such as effective research, scientific understanding, and persuasive writing.
Resources
Kaye, Cathryn Berger. (2004 or 2011). A Complete Guide to Service Learning. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit.
Roberts, P. & Kellough, R. (2004). A Complete Guide to Integrated Thematic Units. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Integrated Thematic Units (ITU) combine different content areas through learning and student activities. By teaching in this fashion, students are able to connect that each subject is not its own entity. Instead, they realize that science has a math and writing component; or that culinary arts is a project based class that involves chemistry and math. In addition to combining content areas, ITU's blend school and community to form service learning. ITU's align well with Common Core standards, and allow students to see "real life" learning take place.
The first step of the ITU we created focuses on students researching the environmental impacts and energy resources of dams, and clean renewable energy sources, on a global and local level. Secondly, students will seek out a desired audience (local school, governor, mayor, etc.) to write a persuasive letter. This letter will inform, educate, and/or persuade their chosen audience of their stance on dams. The ITU requires students to combine and utilize their skills in various areas, such as effective research, scientific understanding, and persuasive writing.
Resources
Kaye, Cathryn Berger. (2004 or 2011). A Complete Guide to Service Learning. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit.
Roberts, P. & Kellough, R. (2004). A Complete Guide to Integrated Thematic Units. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
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