Interdisciplinary Project Prologue

Interdisciplinary Curriculum Project

“Diversity in Society”

School: Camden Middle Technology School

Principal: Dr. Shirley Brewton

Vice Principal: Ms. Martha B. Small, Dr. Kriss Kemp-Graham

Grade: 8

Team Members:
Name
Subject
Topic for Project
Mr. S. Baer
Algebra
Statistics in Diversity
Ms. K. Burton
Language Arts Literacy/Social Studies
Migration
Ms. M. Cappello
SLD
Africa, Italy, and the Dominican Republic
Ms. Y. Carter
MD
Jewish Life and Culture
Mr. R. Coit
BD
Diversity in School
Ms. R. Fleming
SLD
The Diversity of Health Issues in Society Among African Americans and Other Ethnic Groups
Ms. E. Hardee
Language Arts Literacy/Social Studies
Diversity in the News and Expressing Our Diversity
Mr. C. Heron, Mr. M. Fuller
Math/Science
Diversity in Mathematics
Ms. S. Honorio
Language Arts Literacy/Social Studies
Multicultural Societies focusing specifically on Mexican Americans, Korean Americans, and Brazilian Americans through “Taking Sides” and other selections from the Anthology
Ms. L. McCoy
Math/Science
Mathematical Data and Diversity
Mr. D. Philips
Science
Diversity in Science


Prologue I.
Assessing the Student Population:
We met as a grade level to find a topic that would be accessible for all students and began planning as a grade level.

Prologue II.
Deciding on Activities:
Each class determined what contribution they would make to the overall grade level project and composed a curriculum map.
Assessing the Setting:
Time Frame: May 25, 2009-June 12, 2009 (3 weeks)

Resources: Grade level blog with links to individual class project blogs, digital cameras, and computers. See curriculum maps for a detailed list of resources for each individual project.

Prologue III.
Three Week Evaluation Process:
We monitored student blog posts, in-class projects, and other student work to evaluate and access student progress. This progress was documented photographically with digital pictures, technologically with real time posts by students and teachers on the project blog, and in hard-copy form with various student work.

The Planning Process:
Step 1. Curricular Format: Interdisciplinary Topical Study

Step 2. Title and Organizing Center: “Diversity in Society”

Step 3. Assumption of Leadership Roles

Step 4. Progress updates on the blog and in grade level meetings

Step 5. Final posting of completed projects on the blog

Step 6. Evaluation of final product

Curriculum Project Concept Web

Curriculum Project Concept Web

Welcome to CMTS Grade 8's Blog

Dear Teachers, Students, Parents, and other Visitors:

Welcome to the blog of the Camden Middle Technology School eighth grade team.  Here you will find a diverse collection of our 8th grade students' contributions to the 8th grade interdisciplinary project:  "Diversity in Society."  An interdisciplinary project is a study in diversity in itself.  We strive to look beyond the boundaries of each academic subject to show that all diverse subjects are interconnected.  We use math when we are reading informational texts, art is a part of viewing history, and science would not move forward without new technologies.  

Each class has contributed their own diverse aspect to the project.  In one classroom, students are reading "A Raisin in the Sun" and considering the issues of diversity within the novel.  In another classroom, students are studying Jewish culture and traditions.  Down the hall, students are collecting data and creating graphs to demonstrate various aspects of diversity, while others are painting images of their own diverse backgrounds.  A student newspaper, diversity in science, and "Taking Sides" are just a few other examples of ways in which we are learning about diversity!  It is our goal that we not only learn more about the diverse nature of our society, but we begin to recognize and appreciate the interconnectedness of all of the disciplines.  

Look for links to our curriculum maps that outline what each class will be doing.  Check back for updated posts from our students as they continue to explore their individual topics.  We hope to post our final products in the next few weeks!  So take a look around and feel free to provide us with feedback.

~Your Eighth Grade Team

Monday, May 25, 2009

What does "diversity" mean to you?

Our eighth grade interdisciplinary project is titled "Diversity in Society." Answer the following question in 7-10 sentences.

Many have said that we live in a diverse society with diverse people, traditions, beliefs, and ideas. This diversity can be seen in your life, your school, your community, and your world. What does the word "diversity" mean to you? Use examples from your life.
See Ms. Hardee's class's response on their blog page!!!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Welcome!!!

Welcome!
To answer a question your teacher or another teacher has posted on this homepage, just click on the comment button under it and leave your comment.  To find your teacher's webpage to post or comment, click on the link on the right side of the page!  Remember:  You can only comment on this homepage and other classes' pages, BUT you can post and edit your own class's page!