Interdisciplinary Connections


Defining Interdisciplinary: 

A knowledge view and curriculum approach that consciously applies methodology and language from more than one discipline to examine a central theme, issue, problem, topic, or experience.
(Jacobs, M.M., 2004) 

Interdisciplinary Connections Map



Science is a relatively easy subject to connect to other secondary school subjects. The different science disciplines (chemistry, biology, physics, geology and astronomy) each include sections from English, Mathematics, Technology, History and Geography and we often include Computing skills when researching, recording, discovering, analysing data or displaying information. But to create a true interdisciplinary connection requires combined planning between the various disciplines. 

In planning interdisciplinary projects between Technology and Science, a problem that requires a technological solution could be identified. Examples might include a study of an ecosystem that requires a technological solution to solve a pollution problem or the design and manufacture of playground equipment where forces and energy are used to determine whether the equipment will be strong enough. In the planning stages, the model below, developed by Ball State University staff members, could be engaged.

Source: http://acrlog.org/2015/05/14/a-conceptual-model-for-interdisciplinary-collaboration./
In this model, the Bell State University team describe workplace conditions as the things that are not easily controllable by the participants working towards a collaborative solution. They include physical space, administrative support and modes of communication. The qualities/attitudes and common goals are controllable by the team. Qualities/Attributes include cooperation, equity, trust and shared responsibility. Common Goals include identifying individual strengths and common philosophy. The best collaborative projects are those where all three facets intersect.

In an interdisciplinary collaborative project, teachers of the class involved will need to plan well and ensure communication is open. To establish good communication, a shared document that updates decisions made, based on the agreed goals would ensure nothing is missed. Perhaps the most likely area of breakdown would involve an unknown, or poorly communicated, change to the project.

The following is a flow-chart outlining the development process I would use to create a collaborative project.


References

Jacobs, H. H. (2004). Interdisciplinary curriculum: design and implementation. Moorabbin, Vic.: Hawker Brownlow Education.

MacLeod Mulligan, L. and Kuban, A. (2015) A conceptual model for Interdisciplinary Collaboration. ACRLog. Retrieved from: http://acrlog.org/2015/05/14/a-conceptual-model-for-interdisciplinary-collaboration./

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