Reading

It is important that projects be linked to the core curriculum and be multidisciplinary.

Begin with what you want your students to really understand when they finish their project. This is the theme.

Next think about your educational objectives and how you will measure student learning, or to extent to which students have learned the concepts, skills and big ideas you consider to be important. These should be based on your standards and frameworks.

Then look for the overlaps in the various curricular areas. If your theme is environmental pollution, for example, consider the science c the math, language arts, social studies and technology concepts and standards that support this theme. What literature will be read? What writing skills can be developed. What math skills are necessary for data collection and analysis. What science concepts are involved? What technology skills will your students need to complete their projects? Finally plan the instructional strategies (activities) necessary for your students to complete their projects and learn the concepts and skills. This chart shows how this all ties together:

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By thinking thematically about your curriculum you can integrate multiple disciplines into your project, and make learning meaningful and relevant for your students. This will also open up more opportunities for your students to work with students in other schools around the world.