Interdisciplinary Units Interdisciplinary Units That WorkThat Work

Presented by

NYSUT’s

Subject Area Committee

Sylvia Smyntek-Gworek - ELA

Kathleen McIntosh - Science

NYSUT Subject Area CommitteeNYSUT Subject Area Committee New York State United Teachers (NYSUT)New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) We are made up of a committee of teachers –just We are made up of a committee of teachers –just

like you – that have been appointed by fellow like you – that have been appointed by fellow teachers and the NYSUT Board to respond to the teachers and the NYSUT Board to respond to the needs of fellow teachers.needs of fellow teachers.

We listen to and work with teachers, professional We listen to and work with teachers, professional organizations, and SED to provide an educational organizations, and SED to provide an educational voice for our profession and discipline.voice for our profession and discipline.

Go to Go to NYSUT.orgNYSUT.org if you would like more information if you would like more information about educational issues in New York Stateabout educational issues in New York State

UnitsUnits

Interdisciplinary Spelling Interdisciplinary Spelling Newspaper UnitNewspaper Unit Animals That Aren’t CuddlyAnimals That Aren’t Cuddly

MST StandardMST Standard Performance Indicators

1.1 Compare and contract the parts of plants, animals and one-celled organisms.

4.1 Observe and describe the variations in reproductive patterns of organisms, including asexual and sexual reproduction.

Observe and describe developmental patterns in selected plants and animals (e.g., insects, frogs, humans, seed bearing plants).

5.1 Compare the way a variety of living specimens carries out basic life functions and maintains dynamic

equilibrium.

Social standardsSocial standards Standard 3 Geography

Use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of the geography of the interdependent world in which we live.

Standard 5 Civics & Government Use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate

their understanding of the necessity for establishing governments; the governmental system of the U.S. And other nations; the U.S. Constitution; the basic civil values of American Constitutional democracy; and the roles, rights and responsibilities of citizens.

ELA StandardsELA Standards

ELA STANDARD ONE: Students will read, write, listen and speak for information and understanding.

Some READING benchmarks:

-Locate and use school and public library resources to acquire information.

Compare and contrast information from a variety of different sources

-Preview informational texts, with guidance, to access content and organization and select texts useful for the task

Some WRITING benchmarks:

-Take research notes, using a note-taking process, with assistance

Use outlines and graphic organizer to plan reports, with assistance

Use paraphrase and quotation correctly -Cite sources, in footnote and bibliography,

using correct form, with assistance.

Interdisciplinary SpellingInterdisciplinary Spelling

Spelling lists used in ELA are Spelling lists used in ELA are generated by other subject generated by other subject

area teachers.area teachers.

RequirementsRequirements

Subject area teachers with vocabulary that Subject area teachers with vocabulary that needs to be reinforced provide a list and fill-in-needs to be reinforced provide a list and fill-in-the-blank questions. Words and worksheet are the-blank questions. Words and worksheet are presented and completed in English class. presented and completed in English class. Graded worksheets are then sorted and passed Graded worksheets are then sorted and passed along to the subject area teacher who also takes along to the subject area teacher who also takes a grade.a grade.

AdvantagesAdvantages

Important vocabulary and concepts are Important vocabulary and concepts are presented to students twice by two different presented to students twice by two different individuals. individuals.

The worksheet provides another opportunity to The worksheet provides another opportunity to reinforce concepts.reinforce concepts.

Trading graded papers between classes and Trading graded papers between classes and teachers reinforces the fact that correct spelling teachers reinforces the fact that correct spelling and capitalization is necessary in classes other and capitalization is necessary in classes other than English.than English.

A great way to review for any test.A great way to review for any test.

Modifications for Special Modifications for Special EducationEducation

Special Education students copy spelling Special Education students copy spelling lists and receive worksheets along with lists and receive worksheets along with their classmates. At the discretion of the their classmates. At the discretion of the special education teacher some students special education teacher some students receive printed spelling lists.receive printed spelling lists.

Special education students frequently Special education students frequently begin worksheets in academic support and begin worksheets in academic support and spelling tests are modified according to spelling tests are modified according to IEPs.IEPs.

Example : Science Name______________________________ Science period ________

Cell words mitosis organic nucleus proteinsribosome organelles chloroplast carbohydratescytoplasm respiration membrane lipidsmitochondria osmosis compound resolution mutation lysosome diffusion function

__________1. Compounds that contain carbon are ___ compounds.

__________2. The control center of a cell is called the ______.

__________3. Small structures inside the cell are called ____.

__________4. The part of a cell that controls what enters and exits the cell is the cell ___________.

Example: Social Studies - War of 1812

Massachusetts Virginia charter Crusades royal colony cash crops tobacco proprietor House of Burgesses Pennsylvania compact investorsNothwest Passage New York monopoly colony joint-stock company Mayflower Pilgrims Georgia

-Fill in each sentence with a vocabulary word.1. Crops that are sold for money are __________________2. William Penn founded this colony. ___________________3. ____________________ was founded by James Oglethorpe.4. The Dutch were the original settlers in ________________5. Settlers traveled over the Blue Ridge Mts. to expand ___. 6. Pilgrims bound for Virginia landed in this colony. ______

Example: SpanishExample: SpanishName _____________________ Spanish period __________

aficionado conquistador desperado vigilanterenegade cilantro guacamolejalapenoquesadilla huarache ponchoserapesombrero canasta vaquero barracudaincommunicado armada pueblo hacienda

I. Fill in each blank using a spelling word.1. The cows were protected at night by the _________2. The cowboy slept under his ___________________ at night.3. Mom ordered a chicken __________________ for dinner.4. Billy the Kid was a ___________________ in the Old West.5. She bought a new pair of ___________________ for summer.

Example: ArtExample: Art

Name ______________ ART period ____________ monochromatic criticism papier-mâché'

intermediate analogous geometric collage complementary aesthetics tactile opaque emphasis mosaic calligraphyillustration caricature contour portraitproportion

1. The art of beautiful writing is called ________.'

2. In ____________ drawing, your hand and eye move at the same time.

Example: FrenchExample: FrenchName _________Name _________ French period __________French period __________

French words and phrases have made their way into the English language. We use many every day and may not even realize it! Complete these sentences with a French word. You will not use any more than once.

1. He waved and called _________________ as he left.2. He brought his fiancée (that’s another French word)

a beautiful ____________________ of red roses.3. My older brother eats like a pig (he is porcine) so he

enjoys going to a restaurant with a _____________________.

Newspaper UnitNewspaper Unit

The final product is the front page of a newspaper. It contains a student

generated masthead, and a minimum of 4 articles written in

core academic classes.

RequirementsRequirements

One teacher willing to coordinate separate components and produce the final product. (art teacher)

At least 4 teachers willing to participate Time: 2-7 days of class time for each teacher

who participates. Total project time: about 6 weeks

Students:Students:

Write articles in all core classes which are Write articles in all core classes which are graded by individual teachers before being graded by individual teachers before being forwarded to the art teacher.forwarded to the art teacher.

Work with groups in art class to choose Work with groups in art class to choose articles that will be used in their articles that will be used in their newspaper. Groups create a masthead newspaper. Groups create a masthead and do the layout of their page.and do the layout of their page.

Must each contribute one article to the Must each contribute one article to the group’s newspapergroup’s newspaper

Examples:Examples: English - English - introduction of unit and requirements Social Studies - Social Studies - a political cartoon that is jointly prepared

in art and social studies Foreign Language -Foreign Language -factual article about France. It can be

monuments, cooking, art, music, biography, or the Tour de France.

ScienceScience - - advertisement for an element in the Periodic Table

MathMath - - a computer generated graph, using data from student surveys or internet information

Note: These articles can be about whatever topic you are currently covering in class.

HydrogenHydrogen H

Hear ye! Hear ye!Hear ye! Hear ye! Meet the #1 element. It’s the first, it’s the best! Its Meet the #1 element. It’s the first, it’s the best! Its

atomic number is atomic number is 11!! It’s colorlessIt’s colorless It’s odorlessIt’s odorless It’s a gasIt’s a gas Used as a rocket fuelUsed as a rocket fuel Used to make methanolUsed to make methanol Used to make ammoniaUsed to make ammonia Used to make WATERUsed to make WATER Buy now! Comes as a solid, a liquid or a gas. Great Buy now! Comes as a solid, a liquid or a gas. Great

prices while supplies last!prices while supplies last!

Social - cartoonSocial - cartoon

FrenchFrenchWrite an article in your own words on one of the following aspects of French culture using the background information provided.

-The History of France

-Geography of France

-City Life/Rural Life of France

-The Loire Valley and the Chateau

-Paris, the City of Light

-Art or Music

-French Cuisine

-Le Tour de France

Other details:Other details:

The library media specialist helps with The library media specialist helps with research.research.

Some teachers require bibliographies Some teachers require bibliographies which are not included in the newspaper.which are not included in the newspaper.

The English teacher is available to proof The English teacher is available to proof read any article.read any article.

Inclusion of Special Inclusion of Special Education Students:Education Students:

In our district special education students In our district special education students do not take art in seventh grade. They do not take art in seventh grade. They have a full year of reading instead. They have a full year of reading instead. They write the same articles as other students. write the same articles as other students. They are then grouped together and, They are then grouped together and, along with their special education teacher, along with their special education teacher, attend art class for about a week to work attend art class for about a week to work on their masthead and layout. on their masthead and layout.

Animals Animals That That

Aren’t Aren’t CuddlyCuddly

This is an integrated project involving

science, English, and social classes. Students

will work to gather information about two

animals. They will compare the external and

internal structures of these animals as well as

their reproductive methods and patterns of

development.

Written Report on Two Written Report on Two animalsanimals

Animals assigned randomlyAnimals assigned randomly One animal is a mammal/birdOne animal is a mammal/bird One animal is a One animal is a

fish/amphibian/reptile/insectfish/amphibian/reptile/insect All students (except a few special All students (except a few special

education students) get different animalseducation students) get different animals

FormatFormat

Title PageTitle Page Written Report on two animalsWritten Report on two animals

Internal structuresInternal structures Scientific namesScientific names Geographic areas and habitatsGeographic areas and habitats Eating habitsEating habits External appearancesExternal appearances ReproductionReproduction

BibliographyBibliography

Requirements:Requirements:

English teacher English teacher 2 spelling units - animal words and report words 2 spelling units - animal words and report words

(double graded with science)(double graded with science) Preliminary correction of section 1: Internal Structures Preliminary correction of section 1: Internal Structures

which is a prerequisite for students receiving their which is a prerequisite for students receiving their animalsanimals

4-5 half class periods to present examples (good and 4-5 half class periods to present examples (good and bad) and to help with organization of individual bad) and to help with organization of individual sections of the reportsections of the report

Reminders of deadlines on a regular basisReminders of deadlines on a regular basis Proofreading and correction as requested by Proofreading and correction as requested by

individual studentsindividual students

Social Studies teacher Social Studies teacher Reinforces requirements for map: continents Reinforces requirements for map: continents

and oceans labeled, key, location of animalsand oceans labeled, key, location of animals Discusses range as determined by Discusses range as determined by

geographical factors such as deserts, geographical factors such as deserts, mountains and extreme temperaturesmountains and extreme temperatures

Corrects map and section 3, Geographic Corrects map and section 3, Geographic range and habitatrange and habitat

Total class time: 1 dayTotal class time: 1 day

Science teacher Science teacher • one day for introone day for intro• 8-9 days for research8-9 days for research• 10 minute segments of 5-6 classes to present 10 minute segments of 5-6 classes to present

examples and to help with organization of examples and to help with organization of individual sections of the reportindividual sections of the report

• Proofreading and correction on an as- requested Proofreading and correction on an as- requested basisbasis

• Occasional reminders and explanations during the Occasional reminders and explanations during the 2 project due date..5 weeks between the end of 2 project due date..5 weeks between the end of the research and thethe research and the

Library Media SpecialistLibrary Media Specialist Has worked with students several times previously Has worked with students several times previously

preparing bibliographies.preparing bibliographies. Introduces students to library print sources, Introduces students to library print sources,

WorldBook Online and other data bases.WorldBook Online and other data bases. Presents a template for preparing a bibliography Presents a template for preparing a bibliography

which is used throughout middle and high school.which is used throughout middle and high school. Corrects and grades all student bibliographies. This Corrects and grades all student bibliographies. This

is done in time for students to easily correct and is done in time for students to easily correct and recopy a perfect bibliography for their finished report.recopy a perfect bibliography for their finished report.

Note: She is then showered with gifts by grateful Note: She is then showered with gifts by grateful English and science teachers!English and science teachers!

TTitle pageitle page

-include your name, names -include your name, names of animals, your science and of animals, your science and

English periodsEnglish periods-decorated with images that

portray both of your animals

Written report - Internal Written report - Internal StructuresStructures

Students receive a graphic organizer (see Students receive a graphic organizer (see hand out) which helps them as they hand out) which helps them as they research information on two body research information on two body systems. They use the same two organ systems. They use the same two organ systems for both animals so that they can systems for both animals so that they can see similarities and differences.see similarities and differences.

Written report - Scientific Written report - Scientific names and typesnames and types

A short paragraph which gives the A short paragraph which gives the scientific name of each animal using scientific name of each animal using correct formcorrect form

It also includes the type of animal. For It also includes the type of animal. For example: bird, insect, or mammalexample: bird, insect, or mammal

Written report - Geographic Written report - Geographic areas and habitatareas and habitat

Tells where each animal livesTells where each animal lives Briefly describes the habitatBriefly describes the habitat

Written report - Eating habitsWritten report - Eating habits

What the animal eats is the easy part.What the animal eats is the easy part. What eats the animal is much harder but What eats the animal is much harder but

students are encouraged to use good students are encouraged to use good research and thinking skills to find out.research and thinking skills to find out.

Humans are excluded from the entire Humans are excluded from the entire reportreport

Written report - External Written report - External appearancesappearances

A detailed description that includes A detailed description that includes measurements in metric unitsmeasurements in metric units

See graphic organizerSee graphic organizer Some students tend to be too brief and need Some students tend to be too brief and need

encouragement to add detailencouragement to add detail

Written report - ReproductionWritten report - Reproduction

Includes information on:Includes information on: How often and in what seasons young are How often and in what seasons young are

producedproduced Appearance and average number of young at Appearance and average number of young at

birth/hatchbirth/hatch Size of young at birth/hatchSize of young at birth/hatch Which parent (if any) cares for the youngWhich parent (if any) cares for the young How long it take young to matureHow long it take young to mature

Total length of written report Total length of written report is 3 - 6 typewritten pages.is 3 - 6 typewritten pages.

(or 6-12 handwritten)(or 6-12 handwritten)

BibliographyBibliography

Must be in correct formMust be in correct form Is graded by Library Media SpecialistIs graded by Library Media Specialist Must have a minimum of 6 sourcesMust have a minimum of 6 sources

2 sources must be print2 sources must be print 2 sources must be internet2 sources must be internet 2 sources can be print or internet2 sources can be print or internet

MapMap

Students are given a blank world mapStudents are given a blank world map Social Studies teacher reminds themSocial Studies teacher reminds them

Of continent namesOf continent names How to make a key for the mapHow to make a key for the map To use common sense when showing where To use common sense when showing where

animals live (I.e. “all over the world” does not animals live (I.e. “all over the world” does not usually mean deep ocean or the arctic)usually mean deep ocean or the arctic)

Other detailsOther details

Several sections of the report are collected early and Several sections of the report are collected early and given a preliminary grade. They are then returned given a preliminary grade. They are then returned for editing before being included in the final report.for editing before being included in the final report.

Students need to be reminded to be sure to have a Students need to be reminded to be sure to have a working printer and enough black ink if they type the working printer and enough black ink if they type the report at home.report at home.

Extra credit is offered for turning in the report early, Extra credit is offered for turning in the report early, including extra sources in the bibliography, and including extra sources in the bibliography, and including drawings, pictures or models.including drawings, pictures or models.

Every student does complete this report - eventually!Every student does complete this report - eventually!

Special Education Special Education ModificationsModifications

Academic assistance students have the same Academic assistance students have the same requirements. Academic assistance teacher sets requirements. Academic assistance teacher sets individual deadlines for each section of the individual deadlines for each section of the report.report.

Many special education students receive the Many special education students receive the same two animals. This makes research and same two animals. This makes research and writing manageable for the teacher to assist and writing manageable for the teacher to assist and supervise.supervise.

Students with extremely limited abilities research Students with extremely limited abilities research one animal and do not complete the one animal and do not complete the compare/contrast component of section one.compare/contrast component of section one.

Contact us atContact us atsgworeksgworek@@wilsonwilson.wnyric.org.wnyric.org

ororkmcintosh@wilson.wnyric.orgkmcintosh@wilson.wnyric.org

PDF files for the Newspaper Unit, the PDF files for the Newspaper Unit, the Animals That Aren’t Cuddly Unit, and Animals That Aren’t Cuddly Unit, and

Interdisciplinary spelling worksheets can Interdisciplinary spelling worksheets can be found at:be found at:

www.wilson.wnyric.orgwww.wilson.wnyric.orgclick on “Middle School”, click on “Middle School”,

“Departments”,“Departments”,“Kathleen McIntosh”,“Kathleen McIntosh”,

“SAC workshop”“SAC workshop”