Interdisciplinary teaching is a great way to focus on overarching concepts and help students make connections across disciplines. Historically, art and science have been connected disciplines. The botanical prints of the 18th and 19th centuries and early work with microscopes are two examples of a need for strong artistic skills in the science…

Amber is a fossil by itself, and can also contain plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Some of these perfectly preserved specimens give scientists a convenient window to past environments, including the biology, ecology, geology, and chemistry of Earth's past. By using an interdisciplinary approach, we can demonstrate to students a…

The "Into Thin Air" unit, based on the book by Jon Krakauer, was designed as an interdisciplinary unit for a small group of academically gifted sixth-grade students. It included hands-on, minds-on activities that would immerse students in the scientific, social, and personal struggles people face while attempting to climb the world's tallest…

Describes an activity in which the story of "Frosty the Snowman" is reviewed and students are challenged to come up with ways to save Frosty. In cooperative groups, students brainstorm, share ideas, and write a prelaboratory report. After the approval of plans by the teacher students construct the snowmen and begin the three-day experiment. (DDR)

Presents activities to motivate students to appreciate sound in which different aspects of sound are introduced and different components of sound are discussed. Includes Internet resources. (KHR)

Introduces a group activity in which students build a catapult. Includes a list of materials required for catapult construction and directions for testing. (YDS)

Presents a lesson on trees and forests that incorporates inquiry strategies by examining meaningful relationships between growth, physiology, and the utilization of trees. (KHR)

Introduces a bubble activity to teach about the nature of molecules, surface tension, light waves, and color. Explains how to make the bubble solution and includes a lab worksheet with answers to the questions. (YDS)

Explains the development of an interdisciplinary unit in which students learn basic chemistry and laboratory techniques while practicing English, mathematics, art, social studies, and leadership skills. Includes details about lab activities, assessment strategies, and science extensions. (DDR)

Details the use of a grant to enhance science education and the science curriculum through a series of workshops and a resource program. Describes the development of interdisciplinary units. (DDR)

Describes an earth science unit in which students study soil from their own backyards through a series of integrated activities. Introduces several earth science concepts, including local geology and the development of different types of geological regions. Presents activities to make a county soil map, measure moisture in soil, and measure the…