Interdisciplinarity

Interdisciplinarity in this unit plan provides students the ability to participate in "learning [as] a cultural, social, and ongoing process of inquiry, engagement, and participation in the world around us" (Jacobsen, Lock, & Friesen, 2013, para. 1) and to consider the profound essential question of, Why are Forests Important to Life?

The unit plan is framed around the Trees and Forests Grade 6 Science Outcomes from the Alberta Program of Studies. Using the forest as the foundation for interdisciplinary learning, gives many relevant and authentic opportunities to interweave outcomes from English Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, Geographic thinking and Art in a compelling way. "When learning is activated through an interdisciplinary lens, with authentic and real-world connections, learning becomes meaningful" (Hartwell, 2018, p. 4).

This unit plan is separated into four phases, each scaffolding on the next to facilitate learning in a purposeful way, while providing abundant opportunities for creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and relevance. Students will participate in each lesson in holistic ways, that incorporate two or more disciplines to gain greater depth in conceptual understanding.

References:

Hartwell, A. D. (2018). The life cycle of a salmon: robotics and 3D printing in grade two. The Canadian Journal for Teacher Research. Retrieved from https://d2l.ucalgary.ca/d2l/le/content/277367/viewContent/3573604/View

Jacobsen, M., Lock, J., & Friesen, S. (2013). Strategies for engagement: knowledge building and intellectual engagement in participatory learning environments. Education Canada Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.edcan.ca/articles/strategies-for-engagement/