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In a perfect IB interdisciplinary unit, you would teach your content (approx. 5 hours content #1), the other content teacher would teach their content (for 5 hours of content #2) and then the kids would create a project that blends the two content areas together. They might need a little help through a few lessons that help them see the connections (5 hours of interdisciplinary lessons).
This is largely impossible in American public schools and the IB knows this.
Therefore there are several ways to address this challenge:
Teach Solo (COMMON)
Teach Solo (COMMON)
The teacher takes the responsibility for teaching about both subject areas.
OPTION 1: Teacher just learns about both areas and teaches both areas.
OPTION 2: (NEW) Both content areas are sub-sets of the same subject the teachers teaches. (Example: History & Psychology - teacher is Social Science teacher.)
Open Collaboration
Open Collaboration
The teacher allows students to pull from whatever subject area they are in. This is most clear in certain subject areas:
Example: Math - students make whatever mathematical connections they currently understand
Use Videos
Use Videos
Find a teacher that teaches the other subject area and get video of them teaching the needed subject.
Which ever way you choose to structure the unit, you need to develop plans and think about the needed lessons.
Subject Area #1
Subject Area #1
Create a list of the lessons students will need to understand the content and apply their understanding to the project.
You are the expert in this subject area.
Subject Area #2
Subject Area #2
Create a list of the lessons students will need to understand the content and apply their understanding to the project.
Of course this would be helpful if you have access to an expert in that subject area.
Interdisciplinary
Interdisciplinary
What help will students need to begin to see the connections between the two subject areas? You do not want to show the kids how to make all of the connections, but you need to offer supportive scaffolding according to their abilities.
EXAMPLE PROJECT: Substance Abuse (PE) & Propaganda (Social Science)
Example Area: PE
Example Area: PE
Lesson: What is substance abuse?
Lesson: What are abused substances?
Lesson: Consequences of substance abuse
Lesson: Treating Substance Abuse
Example Area: History
Example Area: History
Lesson: History & Propaganda
Lesson: How to Propaganda
Lesson: Attacking Insecurities
Example: Interdisciplinary
Example: Interdisciplinary
Lesson: "Your Brain on Drugs" Video Examples
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