This lesson plan is an example of interdisciplinary learning. Environmental science, civics, and English are all used to create a real-world perspective that allows students to demonstrate how they can be civically engaged. It uses the gradual release method to help students develop a letter to someone who holds political power. The letter demonstrates students’ ability to use background knowledge to write a persuasive argument. The skill of writing a letter can also be applied to writing emails, which is a skill everyone needs. This lesson eventually brings us to a larger project that could have many different final products. The differentiation in the lesson attempts to get students to pick the best way they can exemplify their learning using their interests and strengths.
Interdisciplinary studies are more engaging for students and help them connect different aspects of their learning. Students may even feel like they have more control over their learning. Rather than having students just study for an exam and recall information, they can have meaningful connections and conversations about topics and the world around them. In this lesson, students would need to think about an environmental issue and how we can try to fix it not only from a scientific standpoint but also confront that issue from a political or government perspective. Students will be taught how to problem solve and think critically about their lives and others lives. This kind of learning encourages students to be curious and reflect on their knowledge, values and approaches to situations. These experiences will ask students to be flexible in their thinking and look at different perspectives. Overall, they create a well-rounded learning experience and prepare students for their life after school. During my teaching career, I will reach out to other educators to make these lessons possible in my classroom or school district.
