Interdisciplinary Units
IMYM Thematic Concept-Based Interdisciplinary Units
Six thematic technology-integrated interdisciplinary teaching units are being developed at each of the middle years grades, based on the IMYM model.
IEYM4 - Grade 4
The Interdisciplinary Early Years Multimedia (IEYM) Unit "Community and Diversity" blends Literacy with Information and Communication Technology (LwICT) with the study of Manitoba's geography and its diverse communities. The curricular areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies are integrated in the thematic concept-based learning of the unit. Aboriginal Perspectives and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) are incorporated in the learning experiences. Both students and teachers will enjoy the opportunities provided in the unit for inquiry, decision making, problem solving, and community building.
IMYM5 - Grade 5
The thematic concept-based interdisciplinary unit developed to support IMYM5 (Grade 5) is entitled Climate Change. Students achieve the knowledge and skills from selected outcomes of the grade 5 English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies curricula through the study of climate change, how it affects us, and what we can do about it. This 6-8 week unit is structured around learning experiences associated with six sections - Ongoing Learning Experiences (OLE), Information and Communication Technology learning experiences (ICT) and Modules 1 to 4. Learning experiences range from students collecting, analyzing and displaying information collected on climate change to hosting a Climate Change Awareness Week. Throughout the Climate Change unit, information technology hardware and software have been integrated into the daily learning experiences of grade 5 students.
IMYM5 - Grade 5
The thematic concept-based interdisciplinary unit developed to support IMYM5 (Grade 5) is entitled A Prairie Tour. Students achieve the knowledge and skills prescribed in selected outcomes of the grade 5 English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies curricula through the study of the prairie region, its geography and weather systems. This 6-8 week unit is structured around learning experiences associated with a five-leg virtual field trip (each leg representing a segment of the trip) across the prairies and culminating in the development of a prairie community research project. Learning experiences range from the study of rocks in the Canadian Shield to literature related to the prairie region. Throughout the Prairie Tour unit, information technology hardware and software have been integrated into the daily learning experiences of grade 5 students.
IMYM6 - Grade 6
The thematic concept-based interdisciplinary unit developed to support IMYM6 (Grade 6) is entitled Inventions, Innovations and Discoveries. Students achieve the knowledge and skills prescribed in selected outcomes of the grade 6 English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies curricula through the study of 20th century inventions and inventors. The Inventions, Innovations, and Discoveries unit provides an authentic inquiry that allows students to develop deeper understanding and stronger connections by investigating essential understandings and guiding questions. This 6-8 week unit is structured around learning experiences associated with the human response to needs, focusing on electricity and culminating in the development and promotion of students' own inventions. Throughout the Inventions, Innovations and Discoveries unit, information technology hardware and software have been integrated into the daily learning experiences of grade 6 students.
IMYM7 - Grade 7
The thematic concept-based interdisciplinary unit developed to support IMYM7 (Grade7) is entitled Balance and Harmony. Students achieve the knowledge and skills prescribed in selected outcomes of the grade 7 English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies curricula through the study of ecosystems. This 6-8 week unit is structured around learning experiences focused on guiding questions related to the concept of balance and harmony and culminating in the development of students' own virtual ecotrip. Throughout the Balance and Harmony unit, information technology hardware and software have been integrated into the daily learning experiences of grade 7 students.
IMYM8 - Grade 8
The thematic concept-based interdisciplinary unit developed to support IMYM8 (Grade 8) is entitled Systems and Interactions. Students achieve the knowledge and skills prescribed in selected outcomes of the grade 8 English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies curricula through the study of world wide water systems. This 6-8 week unit is structured around learning experiences focused on guiding questions related to systems and interactions and culminating in the development of students' own Investigation web site. Throughout the Systems and Interactions unit, information technology hardware and software have been integrated into the daily learning experiences of grade 8 students.
IMYM Project Evaluation
The IMYM evaluations are qualitative and follow an action research model. The objective of the evaluation is to:
- collect data to determine whether the integration of the information technology improves student learning and student attitudes towards learning
- revise the instructional model with the intention of developing an effective learning environment for middle years students
- allow pilot teachers to improve their own teaching through implementation of the interdisciplinary instructional model so that they may share their expertise with other colleagues
Formative evaluation reports have been produced upon completion of each phase of the project. Check the IMYM Research Results for detailed analysis.
