A Thematic Unit For Middle Grades

 Created By Chris, Adrienne, Deb, Linda, and Ben

The academic and social developmental needs of adolescents can both be addressed in our thematic unit on exploring identity.  Identity is a key adolescent issue as they undergo changes in the way they perceive themselves and the degree to which they feel secure in who they are and where they are headed.  In our unit, students will explore learning modalities through math activities, study brain parts and functions in science, participate in character education and team building in social studies, discover a variety of methods for personal expression in language arts, and experience a novel in which the main character rebuilds his own identity.

Adolescence is a time when students need to explore, experiment, and plan for the future.  Exposing students to various learning modalities so that they might discover which their preference is, can be steps in self-understanding which will help students learn better and more quickly.  As learning improves, so too, does self-esteem.  Educating students on how their brains work will also increase students’ knowledge of why they think and work as they do.  When students understand their motivations, cooperation with others should improve, and their school experience becomes more comfortable and successful.

Students in middle level grades become more aware of cultural diversity and will be more accepting of differences when they experience working in teams.  Throughout this unit students will have the opportunity to work with others and hopefully develop a mutual respect.  Creating a productive community of learners will lead students to become contributing members of society.

Establishing a sense of identity is a consciously felt achievement that leads to a range of careers.  Teachers play an integral role in facilitating this educational environment.  Allowing students to participate in career exploration will guide them in their search for a realistic occupational choice.

By integrating this unit, we hope to successfully teach students that the pathways to discovering one’s identity can be found in all subject areas.  Given a chance to experience activities in which they explore various aspects of themselves, students can gain confidence in their own abilities, become aware of the differences in others, and therefore, develop an accepting attitude towards cultural diversity.  These are important attributes for success in the workplace and for becoming a contributing citizen to society.

Learning Goals

Introductory Activity

Math

	Rationale
	Lessons Days 1-2 Days 3-5 Days 6-8

Science

	Rationale and Goals
	Lessons Days 1-2 Days 3-5 Day 6 Days 7-8 Additional Lessons and Extensions

Language Arts-Reading

	Rationale
	Lessons Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4-5 Day 6 Day 7

Language Arts-Writing/Oral

	Rationale
	Lessons Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Days 5-6 Day 7 Day 8

Social Sciences

	Rationale
	Lessons Day 1 Day 2 Days 3-4 Days 5-6 Days 7-8

Culminating Activity

Return to Thematic Units Main Page