Interdisciplinary Seminar Curriculum

Overview:

~ Thematic Approach

~ Generalizations

~ Five Guiding Questions:

1. What do my students need to know and be able to do?

2. How do I know they have met the goal? Or learning has occurred?

3. What instructional activities will students experience to accomplish the learning or master the key concepts and skills?

4. How will I differentiate the lesson to meet the needs of each learner?

5. How do I make the learning relevant? Apply or transfer to the real world?

~ Four Core Areas ~ TEKS ~ Performance Standards

~ Assessment

Summative - semester

Formative - six weeks

~ Depth and Complexity

~ Strategies - Differentiation

~ Writing

Vocabulary - SAT beginning in 7^th grade

~ Relevancy to Student Interest

Independent Study

Social & Emotional needs

References:

Anne Udall

Sandra Kaplan

Carol Ann Tomlinson

Susan Winebrenner

Sixth Grade Interdisciplinary Seminar

Theme: Cultures

Generalizations:

1. Culture is universal

2. Cultures take many forms

3. Cultures define individuals and societies

4. Cultures may be influenced by other cultures

5. Culture and technology are interdependent

Focus Questions:

1. What components are universal to all cultures?

2. How does geography influence culture?

3. How do cultural norms affect the development of leadership skills?

4. How can cultural diffusion create conflict?

5. How does the development of technology and art impact culture?

Unit Topics:

First Six Weeks: Roots

¨ Cultural components

¨ Each student’s personal history

¨ Literature: Beyond Expectations (literature book) short stories and poetry

Second Six Weeks: World Leaders: 1800-Present

¨ Leadership skills training

¨ Research world leaders

¨ Literature: TBA

Third Six Weeks: Into the Light: Renaissance

¨ Examine the contributions and creative abilities of Renaissance leaders

¨ Personal giftedness inventory and development

¨ Literature: The Second Mrs. Giaconda by E.L. Konigsburg

Fourth Six Weeks: Conflict

¨ Examination of world conflicts as a result of the clash of cultures

¨ Literature: The Pushcart War

Fifth Six Weeks: Africa Emerging

¨ African folklore and art

¨ Problems/solutions of emerging countries

¨ Literature: Waiting for the Rain

Sixth Six Weeks: Brave New World

¨ Current and future problems

¨ Technology advances

¨ Literature: TBA

Seventh Grade Interdisciplinary Seminar Overview

Theme: Power

Generalizations:

· Power takes many forms

· Power can be used or abused

· Power is always present

· Power is desired by many

· Absolute power corrupts absolutely

The year begins with a focus on leadership characteristics yielding power to an individual. After studying effective leadership traits, students will be able to research prominent Texas leaders and present the information by utilizing current technology. Students will end the first semester by probing the future of technology and the kind of power it may provide.

In the spring, while reading Mary Shelley`s Frankenstein, students will discuss potential problems and victories resulting from medical and scientific freedom. The scientific genre continues as forms of energy, especially nuclear power are studied.

Eighth Grade Interdisciplinary Seminar

Theme: Interdependence

Generalizations:

Interdependence...

~Can be simple or complex

~Creates complications

~Can be man-made or naturally occurring

~Can have positive or negative consequences

~Can be forced or chosen

~Is inevitable

Unit Topics:

I. Leadership

Students will acquire knowledge of leadership skills, methods, opportunities, and the importance of effective leadership.

II. Creating Community

Students will focus on exploration, geography, environmental concerns, and international law.

III. Making Connections

Focusing on the impact of disease, students will evaluate choices, technology, and social concerns of today and tomorrow`s world.

IV. Guiding Principles and Philosophy of Government

~ U Net Fore