How To Create Cross- Curricular Projects that Include a Career Tech Componentds

Presentation Contents: Why cross curricular projects? How to begin Brainstorming and 4 stages Examples of projects Including standards Now you do it!

Why it’s important A study by Stanford University showed project based learning increases students: Retention of material by 26% Higher level Cognitive understanding – As measured by a test Ability to instruct others on the material

One Better A follow up study analyzed the effects of projects spread across multiple classrooms. The results: A deeper understanding of the perspectives of the project Better retention of core skills used in the project Higher overall test scores

It Works

Setting up a Continuum Projects can be set up between two classes or pushed across multiple classrooms. Easier to start with just two Not all students will share the same teachers Crossover Rule Style of Instruction Thinking maps, etc.

How to get started Remember that projects need to be hands on, and the more applicable it is to real world results, the better. Look for natural overlap Set up standards/goals Develop pacing plan Instructional lessons

RULE #1 Accept eveyone’s suggestions.

No negative comments! No positive comments!

Let’s try it out. Physics, English, Government - FLIGHT We need a common project. We need a literature selection

FORMING STORMING NORMING PERFORMING developed by B. Tuckman

At the initial meeting, members are usually: Polite Curious Excited Anxious Short meeting to get acquainted. Some discussion of how the team will work.

Reality sets in Jockey for positions Leadership determined Brainstorming process commences

Team commitment Finalize the brainstorming Each member has accepted his role and responsibility Team members are able to ask for assistance and give constructive criticism. Progress toward the goal is evidenced.

Each team members focuses his/her class on achieving the cooperative project. The final project is enacted.

When the team completes the project, take time to celebrate the successes. Also evaluate the effectiveness and make adjustments for the following school year.

Examples Zoo Trip Biology/ Teaching/ Social Studies October Sky / Physics / English / Teaching Genetically Modified Foods Biology/English Debate Should We Drill for Oil Biology/ English Debate New: Elementary School Improvement/ Cancer Prevention Grant with Architecture Magnet.

Zoo Project History Standards Covered Early Teaching Experiences Class Biology Students Elementary Students, Alumni and Parents Los Angeles Zoo The Bags Reflection Lesson Plan Booklets in Foreign Language

October Sky Project How did we do this? What do we need? What is the time frame? What Standards are we covering? Where is the cross over? What projects can we combine? What career -tech components can we incorporate?

GMO’s and Debate Start small Look at Standards Find willing teachers Overlap must be easy How will students be evaluated How to involve Career partners Service Learning components Did it work? Teachers Reflect

Service Learning Maybe be able to get credit creating the project. Kids create

Brainstorm ideas What strands or pathways do you have at your school? What classes/academics could you see cross-over happening? How could Service Learning be incorporated? How do you involve business/community members? How to include Standards

Your Turn! Looking at the previous slide, begin laying out some ideas where careers and other pathways cross over. Be prepared to share out with the group in 15 minutes.

California’s Career Pathways

Standards Covered tandards.pdf Foundation Standards (all subjects) Pathway Standards (career tech standards)

Graphic Organizer Standard What do students need to know? (Concepts) What should students be able to do? (Skills) What must be taught? (Topics/Context)

Issues you may have Motivation runs out No interest by career partner Classes may not have only academy students Teacher’s working together