* Organization of curriculum around macro"themes"
* Integrates basic disiplines such as reading, math and science with the exploration of a broad subject
* Usually occurs within an entire grade level of students where teachers work as teams to define curriculum, instructional methods, and assessment

Rationale:

* People acquire knowledge best when learning in the context of a coherent whole
* People acquire knowledge best when they can connect what they are learning to the real world

Themes are best when:

* Safe environments where all students can learn are available
* Appropriate levels of challenge are evident
* Personalized meaning of ideas and skills are encouraged
* Activities address multiple intelligences

The Sample Themes
PA Heritage : Elementary School	Participants: Elementary School Instructors taking Cognition
Survival : Middle School	Participants: Sandi Yanders, Bridget Bokansky, Jodi Harris
Roaring Twenties : HS	Participants: Tim Clancy, Lauren Clancy, Byron Hecker, Sue Farina, and Keith Haverstock

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PA Heritage : Elementary School

Sample Theme & Atleast 4 Connections to Traditional Disciplines

Creative Ways To Implement This Theme Voluntary Pilot Program: Begin including schoolwide themes on a voluntary basis, then move to mandatory system of participation Administrative Involvement: Utilize team planning with not only staff, but also administration and also students In-service Training: Uninformed staff cannot possibly do as good a job as informed staff Open communication: Daily activities should be publicized and promoted Support Staff: Include special needs students

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Survival : Middle School

Sample Theme & Atleast 4 Connections to Traditional Disciplines

Creative Ways To Implement This Theme Curriculum: Align the theme to semester exams Special Activities: Coordinate field trips and in-school activities with others to avoid interference Collaboration: Work closely with the Guidance Department to insure scheduling conflicts do not occur Field Trips: Closely check school periods to avoid missing lunch periods or provide a way for students to eat Fund Raise: Great ideas cost money, so include parents and the community to fund raise

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Roaring Twenties : HS

Sample Theme & Atleast 4 Connections to Traditional Disciplines

Creative Ways To Implement This Theme Scheduling: Groups students by disciple...for example, Language Arts and Social Studies PODS: Incorporate team thinking Quality: Focus on quality of learning and not quantity. Avoid trying to teach too much In-Service Training: Encourage faculty to change with the times by providing quality training

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Questions about the site? E-mail A. Frank

This thematic unit exercise was completed under the guidance of Dr. Douglas MacBeth, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Hamburg, PA, for a class in brain-based instruction called, Cognition.