Interdisciplinary project database

Use informal surveys and local contexts or the resources available in this lesson to prepare a class report/presentation on the perception of accents in a particular language(s) in your country or region. How do accents map onto our social understanding of class, race, stereotypes, etc.? 

Examine ways in which hostile architecture is harmful to everyone based on where you live. In many cases, this would be a local metro area with a larger population.

Consider the unique benefits that children, adolescents, and adults offer society. It’s not that we’re all the same, but that we all contribute equally fascinating perspectives to the world around us. Check out the research on this!

There’s a lot of amazing people doing work to make change. However, they’re often not aware of each other and therefore not having as much of an impact as they could. Act as a community liaison, researching all of the community action groups and individuals doing work in a certain sector of your community, arranging meetings and helping these groups coordinate with each other.

When we’re overwhelmed and feeling hopeless, we can seek out time for introspection, relaxation, and calm. The best way to do this? Getting outside! Take students on a city or nature walk with no specific goal: just relax.

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.

Use your collected value lists to generate a list of collective commitments - beliefs and actions agreed upon by staff and students - that can guide classroom decision-making and culture. Generate 3-4 commitments each for yourself, peers, and adults.

Have a business or invention idea? Prepare a formal presentation for your product or service. Utilize the concepts presented here, as well as other resources on presentation skills, to make a pitch deck on your idea.

Investigate the impact of social media on young people. Whether it is extremism, social isolation, self-image, or any other drawback, prepare an interactive report that informs other young people on ways to use social media appropriately.

Consider the connections between homelessness, health, and disability. There are various types of disability, with 25% of those without homes considered to be disabled. Brainstorm the solutions to this problem and how all people can be properly cared for.

Connect with one of the volunteer organizations in your community that is connected to one of your personal goals. Network with members of the organization to figure out how to accomplish your long-term goals and become more involved in the organization.

“Climate-themed art is no new concept, but #Fridaysforfuture lends the trend a new urgency and a heightened need for real-life application.” Check out how artists are communicating the need to act on climate change and create your own #FridaysForFuture art contribution!

As people begin to demand more opportunities for personal time, more and more workplaces are offering 4 day workweeks. What impact does this have on the world? Examine how this practice impacts society.

Look at the impact of environmental racism on communities. Consider studying how lead poisoning affects people and why it matters that we care for all people in communities.

Take a moment to celebrate how weird and bizarre trends are during the modern era (and perhaps, the past!) Potentially, try dancing to various trendy dances throughout the years. Here’s a sequence of dances from the video game Fortnite…with their references!

Learn about how body language presents itself for autistic people. Consider how this information differs from what was presented in the lesson below. How can we use this information to inform others about neurodiversity? How does this challenge our assumptions? 

‍

Research examples of individuals and groups in fiction and non-fiction whose values were challenged. Describe their values, how their experiences shaped their values, and the actions they took based on those values.

Alternatively, create a list of fictional characters from pop culture (Harry Potter, Paw Patrol, Stranger Things, The Office, etc.) and recreate the introduction activity from this lesson from the perspective of those characters!

Consider the concept of scale. What about…infinite scale? As something impossible for humans to perceive, we’ve always been fascinated with the idea of infinite space. Conduct research and prepare a presentation, art piece, or community dialogue on why it’s worth exploring the idea of infinity.

Learn about how linguists use the scientific method to understand the use of, and develop of, language. Utilize this technique to analyze audio files and determine dialects, regions, or language development.

Analyze how graffiti artists move their craft from sketches to spray painting, highlighting how professional graffiti artists hone their craft. Then, demonstrate and create projects together using these techniques.

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.

Utilizing games can help us make sense of complex ideas. In business and nonprofit work, it is common to develop simple trading card ideas to think abstractly and come to solutions. Develop your own board or trading card game which has the goal of teaching something.

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.

Use a tool like Google Sheets or other spreadsheet program to develop a detailed monthly budget for a year of living in your chosen location. Use formulas and other spreadsheet tools to help track your finances.

Focus on athletic wear and/or shoe manufacturers. Using a similar methodology to this lesson, consider sports and individual training. What impact may this have on one’s health (both from wearing the clothes as well as the environmental impact)?

Alternatively, examine a specific sport (football, basketball, volleyball, track & field,etc.), examining the labor practices of manufacturing its products (e.g. a football, uniforms, shoes, field products).

Consider how interconnected (and not connected) different types of artwork are. For example, are anime artists intertwined in the same “bubble” as fine artists? What are the preconceived notions about different types of art? What would happen if these ideas were blended together?

Positive intentions often have unforeseen consequences. Have students research various attempts at solving the world’s problems, such as global poverty, women’s rights, climate change, or militarization, highlighting how a positive action without proper research could lead to disastrous outcomes. Then, compose an art piece that exemplifies this danger.

Develop an action plan to encourage others to give back and promote a sustainable, environmentally-friendly. space. (”How can you appeal to other’s humanity to treat the environment better?”)

Consider what other factors, especially culturally, which impact people’s lives. For example, this article demonstrates that countries run by women had healthier responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. What other factors influence the city and maintenance of cities, cultures, and society?

Consider historical events, works of art, novels, movies, and music that are popular in other countries but not your own. Using subtitles or a translation service, analyze the works and highlight their popularity in the other country. Create a collection of various works that can be shown off to others to appreciate the culture.

Repeat the Value Sort activity (in this lesson) with adults in your community: have students repeat it with parents, have teachers complete it in your building, have different groups in your community complete the value sort. Compare responses: what stands out as notably similar or different? What accounts for generational differences, or those explained by culture, religion, class, ethnic background, etc.?

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).