What is Curriculum Integration? First, what are your ideas? What do you think it means to integrate curriculum? How do you think teachers integrate curriculum? Why should we think about integrated curriculum? What are some pitfalls of curriculum integration?

There are many models: What do you notice?

I think about two approaches: The bad – Themes Disciplines are distinct There is no overlapping skill Limits critical thinking – What are themes? Bears, Bees, and Bunnies Seasonal themes Even Black History month is a theme The good – Concepts Makes connections Requires skills in multiple areas Invites critical thinking – What are concepts? Big ideas Processes occurring over time, Continuity and change, Relationships among people and the world

What are some approaches to Conceptual Integration? CONCEPT Start with a CONCEPT not a theme or activity. The concept can be organized a few ways” – Problem Based Learning - A large common problem (e.g. recycling) is taken up by a class and students use all content knowledge to explore the problem and develop solutions. – Authentic Inquiry – Students are asked to investigate an issue that results in authentic work (e.g. writing a book, pamphlet, newspaper; creating an exhibit; designing and developing something for the school or community) that reflects work done in the real world for real purposes.