3.2 Implementing real-world problems in your classroom in an interdisciplinary way

Interdisciplinary activities: Biology and Mathematics

One might think that Biology and Mathematics do not have a lot in common, but that is rarely the case. A deep knowledge of Mathematics is essential for biologists; it helps them perform their calculations easily and correctly. Experimentation in Biology requires analysis that is impossible to carry out without applying mathematical formulas.

One of the examples of such application of Mathematics is in the calculation of the nutritive values of food articles, which is the topic of our Healthy Breakfast Activity. You can download the Healthy Breakfast Activity here, and the PowerPoint Presentation to go along with your lesson here.

The second activity explains the science behind one of the most popular sports in the world – basketball. You can download The Perfect Shot Activity here and please watch the video below to learn more about how to implement this activity in your classroom.

Interdisciplinary activities: Chemistry and Physics

Similarly to Mathematics, Physics is nowadays very much used in all Science subjects. Both Physics and Chemistry are best understood through project-based experiments. Project-based learning (PBL) is a student-centred pedagogical method that involves students receiving fact-based tasks, problems to solve and they work in groups. This kind of learning usually transcends traditional subjects and requires a more dynamic classroom. Project-based experiments can illustrate the concepts covered in the classroom. At the same time, learning in a laboratory is a great opportunity for students to learn to work cooperatively in groups and develop 21st-century skills. We have prepared two such activities for you.

Download STEM'n eggs activity here, and watch the video below to get some tips on how to implement this activity with your students:

If your students do not like eggs but enjoy something sweet, try the STEM Jam Activity. Download the activity here and please watch the video below where our STEM teachers share their experiences:

Interdisciplinary activities: Primary Education

Each subject in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are interconnected, so instead of teaching Mathematics as separate from Technology or Science, they can be taught together to resemble the use of knowledge in real life. Most STEM teaching in primary education is already interdisciplinary. This is very important, because it fosters a lifelong love for learning and for science.

While it can be rather difficult to find real-world interdisciplinary activities for students in secondary education, teachers in primary education can explain STEM through everyday activities such as doing your laundry or by creating fun toys such as a string phone. Together with primary school teachers, we created two excellent examples.

Download Laundry Day Activity here, and String Phone Activity here. Watch the video below to learn more about the Laundry Day Activity.