Base de datos interdisciplinaria de

Why Do We Age?

Consider how and why we age biologically. Using scientific data, examine the ideas presented during this lesson and consider if it’s actually possible to expand one’s lifespan. And if so, how much we don’t know about the process.

Analyzing Privilege

It can be a very difficult step to analyze bias and privilege in your daily life. Take time to learn about something specific that you hold a stereotype about. Analyze why you hold these beliefs and prepare a report on how they’ve changed as you’ve investigated further.

What is Success?

Consider why someone may lose hope or passion overtime. Could it be an unrealistic view of “success”? A lack of confidence in school? Feeling like one stands out? Self-doubt? Address this issue by conducting research and presenting your findings.

Maintaining Physical Health

Although people are living longer, that doesn’t mean that they’re living healthy. Many people are falling apart, mentally and physically, as they age. Is this biological or something we can treat with physical activity? Talk about the importance of physical health in preserving one’s ongoing health.

Interpreting Life Through Art

Similar to the language art extension, explore the idea of subjectivity in art and the artist's personality in interpreting life events through art. For example, tarot card readings, the impact of WW1 on visual arts, or Picasso's art periods.

Dyscalculia

Although many are familiar with dyslexia, less know about dyscalculia: a learning disability that hampers mathematical thinking. Roughly 10% of elementary school students are believed to have dyscalculia. Consider other ways that mathematics can be taught than simple arithmetic, and showcase these ideas through that lens. For example: rhythm, music, games, hands-on activities, building.

Focus Groups

Coordinate and host a focus group session in your community over a topic, such as something involving your school or an initiative you’d like to see happen. Gain permission and record the conversation, analyzing what people have said and making a policy proposal incorporating their perspectives.

Animal, Human Connection

Consider how animals and humans relate through verbal and body language. This article demonstrates how canines has evolved to understand our behaviors, turning them into faithful companions. How does this compare to other domesticated animals? Could other animals evolve to be companion animals?

College Humanities

In the United States, there has been a significant decline in the number of college graduates with humanities degrees while the number of science and computer science degrees has skyrocketed. Discuss with your class why they think that is, what the positive or negative consequences could be for society, and what they think would have to be different for those trends to change.

What is happiness?

What is happiness? What is extreme happiness? Beyond the simple act of being content, it’s something else entirely to be euphoric. Conceptualize an art project that manifests a state of mania.

Educating on Social Media

Reach out to members of your community and survey how they use social media. What are your findings? Summarize and display these ideas to educate others on how social media can be used for good (or perhaps not!)

What's Unknown?

Reach out to local mathematicians, such as at a local university, to better understand what mathematicians do in the modern age. Consider the problems that have yet to be solved and the reason why these matter.

Poetic Aesthetic

Communicating through the written word is linguistically beautiful, but often heavily focused on the aesthetics of laying out and formatting type. Examine how typography and layout are used to convey poetry. For example, Harlem by Langston Hughes indents after the first line, or [i carry your heart with me(i carry it in] by e.e. cummings, which features all lowercase letters, heavy indentation, and a lack of traditional spacing.

Cross Influence of Math + Science

The way mathematics was applied to study these different concepts was often used to advance science, specifically exploring the Earth. Demonstrate how different mathematical inquiries led to scientific breakthroughs in astronomy, cartography, and oceanography.

Art and Sustainability

Read about the various ways that artists are connecting with the food sustainability movement to promote just causes. Brainstorm how your community could convey the need for sustainable practices through an art project.

Healthy Lifestyles

Creativity is an applicable skill in understanding how to maintain a healthy lifestyle beyond a linear look at gyms and dieting. Consider what other ways people can be healthy, such as nature photography or becoming a part-time community dog walker.

Walkable Cities

Analyze the impact of walkable cities on where one chooses to live. How much of a health difference does it make to work in an area where you can walk and commute to work? To the places you want to go? What about access to public transportation?

The Art of Listening

When having conversations, it’s sometimes easy to get lost in one’s train of thought. When this happens, we’re no longer fully engaged in the conversation — we’re not listening. Introduce and practice the idea of visual notetaking to help learners utilize sketching and drawing to connect together ideas and engage in the art of listening.

Artistic Judgment

Art is an intimidating subject for many students. Demonstrate how artists have been judged and rejected over the years, despite being fundamental to their field.

Surveillance and Propaganda

Find examples of propaganda, surveillance, or marketing in your neighborhood. Document how these things are used, challenging or supporting their existence.

The History of Musical Math

As described throughout the lesson below - rhythm, music, and mathematics are heavily connected. Learn about the history of keys, chords, and musical notation, with a specific focus on the Greek philosopher Pythagoras who was “instrumental” in creating these ideas!

Write a Review

Have students consider a work of art that they love: such as an album, video game, or book. Write a review about it — what does it do well? Who would like it? How could it be better?

Sound Waves

Learn about how sound waves connect to pitch, volume, tempo, and rhythm, noticing how the creation and manipulation of sound is heavily connected to frequency. By understanding sound waves, we can create music that goes beyond traditional sounds (e.g. through digital manipulation).

Science and Career

There are many different specializations in science, from looking at the stars to analyzing human behavior. Demonstrate to students the number of different ways in which science can be applied through career opportunities.

Talent Show

So many people have unrecognized abilities. Hold a talent competition for a specific music, art, or culinary style. Showcase the talents of the competitors to the community.

Creating a Flourishing Society

Read deeper about the stereotype threat, understanding how it impacts people and why this information matters to a flourishing society.

Structural Racism

Our present conversations around race can get stuck in a reflexive defensiveness of language. What is structural racism? What is actually meant by white privilege? This article from Learning for Justice unpacks the history of the term and action steps to do better.

Food Deserts

Research local food deserts in your area. Figure out why there is a food desert there. Conduct interviews with local businesses or trusted adults, compiling this information, which can help inform organizations and politicians on why and how this needs to be changed.

Climate Change Communities

Use print or internet sources to research which locations around the world are the most susceptible to climate change. What forms does that risk take? What actions can be taken to assist high-risk areas? Predict the indirect impact for neighboring cities and countries who may not be at as great a risk.

Accidental Discoveries

Scientists are frequently making discoveries that have a wide-ranging impact on society. Consider all of the accidental discoveries that scientists have made. How has this impacted the systems of our society?

Art and Death

Death is inevitable. And as a result, art has always exemplified (and even celebrated) the concept of death. Create an art piece that highlights the meaning, symbolism, and emotions evoked through death.

What Do We Track?

Continue the examination of cultural values with resources from Gallup. Gallup has tracked global well-being and happiness over time. What factors contribute to well-being? What is the relationship between GDP and well-being? Why do some regions of the world report higher levels of well-being than others?