According to recent studies, teaching elementary reading, writing, and
math in isolation is not the most effective way for students to learn. We will
show how it is possible to develop integrated learning opportunities using all
of the subjects as attendees work together to analyze data and primary sources
from the 1930's regarding the Dust Bowl in Kansas. Using a jigsaw method,
attendees will first be divided into specialties: Horticulturist, Biologist,
Geologist, Climatologist, Government employee, Native American, and a
monoculture farmer to work together, from their discipline's unique perspective,
to investigate how the Dust Bowl could have been avoided. They will analyze soil
samples, graphs, charts, weather patterns, etc. and come to conclusions. Each
member of the group will then be assigned a new group that includes one member
from each discipline to present and share their perspectives with others in
order to design a solution for the droughts being experienced in the 21st
century.
TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to integrate historical problems, primary source analysis, and STEM practices in engaging and meaningful ways to reinforce student learning as they work together to explore and debate possible solutions from multiple perspectives to prevent another Dust Bowl like the 1930's.
SPEAKERS:
Deborah Draper (Cedar Ridge Elementary School: Tulsa, OK), Julie Siebach (Retired Teacher: Cedar Hills, UT)