An Interdisciplinary Approach to Real-World Learning

How can working around a big idea like immigration or the American dream become the basis for such a large-scale art-based exploration? As a school for Career and technical Education, how does large-scale collaboration help facilitate real-world experiences in project management, problem solving, critical thinking and developing creative aptitude across disciplines? These are just some of the questions we asked when the opportunity to design an exhibit at Ellis island National Museum of Immigration arose. Like every good idea, it takes the drawings on the backs of napkins, the white board scrawls, guest speakers, intense student discussion, community partnerships and faculty collaboration to bring our greatest imaginings to life.

Looking Ahead is art and design, arts integration, cross-disciplinary inquiry - whatever pedagogical name given, it is a project that reached more than 120 students and eight faculty members involving the design, plumbing, welding, carpentry, building and grounds maintenance, culinary and math infusion programs.

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