Thousands of students around the country have participated in activities using the Data Jam model, creating poetry, songs, videos, or sculpture to improve their data literacy, gain knowledge of local science research, and creatively express their findings. This article introduces the Data Jam model and describes how teachers can use it in…

In general, laboratory experiments focus on traditional chemical disciplines. While this approach allows students the ability to learn and explore fundamental concepts in a specific area, it does not always encourage students to explore interdisciplinary science. Often little transfer of knowledge from one area to another is observed, as students…

Some of the most important scientific studies are associated with either incredibly large dimensions (e.g., the universe) or extremely small proportions (e.g., the cell). While a teacher's curriculum may often switch from mega-expanses to minutia, they should question how easily students comprehend the change in sizes. This article addresses…

We describe a third-year undergraduate course that focuses on multiscale modeling and protein folding and has as its primary goal the encouragement of students to integrate thinking across and beyond disciplinary boundaries. The ability to perform innovative and successful research work in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)…

The goal of Project WILD, a K-12 interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife, is to assist learners of any age in developing awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment resulting in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment. The purpose of…

Presents a project-based interdisciplinary unit involving chemistry, physics, English, and geometry in which students are charged with the task of building a boat that will carry one student across the school's pool and back. (JRH)

A unit on energy is a perfect opportunity to use an interdisciplinary approach with a range of grade levels. This blueprint describes the needs of one such program and covers developmental strategies step by step. Each activity is categorized according to grade level. Topics include: (1) "Getting Organized," which discusses selecting activities…

Features a checklist of structural questions for writing a laboratory report discussion. Presents a rationale for this method of helping students organize their thoughts. (DDR)

The acronym STEM--the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and math--now a familiar term in education, is evolving into STEAM--STEM plus "A" for art. Educational researcher Martin Storksdieck's studies have shown that infusing art into STEM allows for "a different way of perceiving and knowing and dealing with the world, as a means to…

Describes a project where students download seismological data from the Internet and use the data to plot earthquakes on a world map. Combines elements of geography, mathematics, and science. (JRH)

This paper analyzes the educational impact of the OpenOrbiter Small Spacecraft Development Initiative, a CubeSat development program underway at the University of North Dakota. OpenOrbiter includes traditional STEM activities (e.g., spacecraft engineering, software development); it also incorporates students from non-STEM disciplines not generally…

Describes an integrated unit on bluebirds that culminates in students building bluebird boxes and creating an informational pamphlet to raise public awareness of the bluebirds' plight. Enables students to become more involved in their community and the environment. (JRH)

Describes a project where students build a motorized car that can perform well in two distinctly different competitions: traveling 20 meters in the shortest time and pulling a 500-gram mass the farthest distance in 20 seconds. Enables students to apply physics principles to a real problem and to discover the importance of teamwork on large…

This article presents examples of science units which have become successful multidisciplinary projects. Included are a protect your environment campaign and hunger day. Pre- and in-service courses, file of references, and resource people are suggested as being helpful in structuring interdisciplinary activities. Ideas and sources for projects are…

Explained is an interdisciplinary assignment in which students use scientific knowledge and apply it in a practical situation. Provided is background information and precautions regarding safety procedures. (RT)