Interdisciplinary project database

Infographics help us make sense of complicated ideas through visuals and seen connections. Research how infographic designers understand and work through complex problems, then design your own infographic to convey information about an idea.

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.

Having access to quality green spaces ensures that community members have healthier, more desirable places to live. Make a map of your community that highlights all of the areas that could be renovated, demolished, or rezoned for green space. Consider the impact on the community (including the areas that you’re changing), and whether or not these green spaces are worthwhile. Present this to local stakeholders.

Learn about how governments crack down on subversive art and examine how artists should be dealt with, after all – graffiti is an illegal activity in many areas of the world. How does this correspond to anti-social forms of graffiti, such as gang tagging?

Pick a textile or clothing material (leather, denim, synthetics, etc.)

Make an art campaign surrounding the use of sustainable textiles and cloth by showcases ethical use, economic impact, and environmental impact. Perhaps, utilize the sustainable alternative to create the art display.

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.

Similarly to art, the way one moves one’s body, both in traditional sports as well as dance, highlight the need for rhythm, balance, repetition, and harmony. Examine how these ideas connect across a variety of physical mediums.

Read this article from Big Think titled Can mathematics be spiritual? Ask Einstein. Notice how mathematicians have connected religion and mathematics, exploring how faith can be used (and doesn’t have to be used!) as a mechanism for purpose-finding.

Consider negotiation in the spirit of financial decision-making. When one needs to make a large purchase with the approval of a partner, or perhaps is negotiating with their own company, they need to have the proper knowledge to 1) know how to negotiate numbers, and 2) understand how they can adjust numbers as needed.

Perform additional research about green spaces, third spaces, and other forms of city planning. Dive into a deep analysis of your community and see what types of spaces are available. What changes could be made? Prepare a full blueprint or model and present it to local stakeholders.

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.

Consider the science of how stereotypes are formed. Are these natural occurrences? How are they unlearned? What is the purpose of stereotyping and why is it important to break away from them?

Use different media - video essays, works of fiction, poetry, graphic novel memoirs, etc. - to analyze how people capture their “voice” and express their personalities. What makes that voice unique and different from someone else?

Seek out in-depth interviews with your friends and peers over a concept or idea you have for an invention, company, or community proposal. With permission, record the conversations and compare how many of them feel about the idea. Create documentation on how you’ve adjusted your concept over time as a result of peer feedback.

Consider the concept of “laziness.” Is it possible for someone to be “lazy”? What if “laziness” didn’t exist at all? Consider the philosophy of “laziness” and journal on how this understanding leads us to change practices and systems in the real world.

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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.

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.

What makes modern art valuable? In the past, art was typically contracted — and the value of the materials and time it took to create determined its value. Now, it is up to the interpretation of the viewer and owner to decide its value. Have the class examine these contemporary modern art pieces: are they valuable? What makes them beautiful? Not beautiful?

Governments are vast systems that are upheld entirely by a social contract: people listen and act according to a series of laws they choose to uphold. How easy would it be to break these laws? Why is it that people decide to go along with them? Consider how laws are enforced, why people follow them, and what impact would be made if people introduced unreasonable laws or enforcement mechanisms.

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.

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.

Analyze the systems of your own community. What is an issue that exists that needs to be solved? How many people are connected to that issue? How can they be brought together? Make a systems-thinking map to analyze a solution.

Have a class discussion on the concept of equity vs. equality. Is it fair that some have access to achieving their personal goals, while others will have a much more difficult time due to a lack of resources? What can citizens, communities, and the government do to ensure that everyone has a fair shot?

Mental Toughness is a trait studied in athletes that, like grit, has been linked to athletic success. Research the characteristics of mental toughness - goal-setting, self-talk, imagery, etc. - and make a hypothetical or real plan for how to address mental toughness in young athletes.

Have students write about one of their family traditions. Optionally, this can be shared with the class to create a shared story that highlights the diversity of students’ lives.

Think about the politics of language. For example, look at Bill 96, which passed in Quebec, Canada, making French the official language and lessening the extent to which English services are provided (in an area that has a sizable English-speaking population). At what point should provinces and nations be able to officially adopt a language? Is it fair to restrict language? Likewise, is there a danger in not restricting languages?

Read the opinion piece To feed the world in 2050 will require a global revolution by Ehrlich & Harte, which highlights the challenges to mobilize governments to make the necessary changes to solve food insecurity and hunger. Consider the claims by the authors: is their reasoning valid? What will it take to overcome these challenges?

Consider the science of street art and graffiti. There are some that see graffiti as disorderly and unkept, while others see it as a sign of beauty. This study considers the context of one’s identity and upbringing and their perception of graffiti.

What is the amount of money someone needs to be happy? Drawing upon community contexts, studies on happiness and salaries, and mathematical inquiry, determine the answer to this question.

Emotions have a physical connection to how we present ourselves through body language. And of course, humans have also perceived emotion through art for thousands of years. Look at how artists present different forms of emotion through art, both through drawing and music, then have students present an emotion artistically.

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Research and identify a specific music artist, visual artist, or culinary expert. Analyze, critique, and highlight the importance of one or more of their works, presenting on this information and how it can impact others.

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.