Core Competencies
As students navigate through their academics it is also important for them to develop different skills, attitudes, and knowledge that they can apply for successful working, living, and learning (Alberta Education, 2017 ). It is important that teachers take a particular interest in developing student competencies outlined by Alberta Education (2017) because they “help students draw and build upon what they know, how they think and what they can do” (Alberta Education, 2017, p. 1). This interdisciplinary unit helps to develop each competency in the following ways:
Critical Thinking
The unit requires students to think critically about their local parks, surrounding environment, and to analyze how their individual contributions affect their communities. Students will work on distinguishing fact from opinion, and develop their ability to choose reliable sources when conducting research throughout the unit.
Problem Solving
Students will work individually, in small groups, and as a whole class to see what their environmental impact is on their local ecosystems and discuss solutions to help conserve the environment. Working with a local lens will also help students to see the bigger picture of what they can do to contribute globally.
Managing Information
As this unit is highly interdisciplinary, students will use many methods and sources to learn about parks and ecosystems. Students will also synthesize all of the information they have learned leading up to their celebration of learning and combine it cohesively in their final project.
Creativity and Innovation
This unit allows students to explore their creative ability in a variety of ways including the production of an original artefact, which they will present to their class, school, and community. A main focus of the unit is art and helping students transform their ideas into visual representations. This will also develop students’ creativity and innovation by encouraging them to work in a different modality than what they are normally accustomed to.
Communication
The unit involves a variety of working environments, which gives students the opportunity to develop their communication and language skills in pairs, small groups, participating in class discussions, and talking with experts or guest speakers. Students will have the opportunity to use a variety of written, oral, and visual ways of expressing themselves when trying to communicate their understanding or ideas.
Collaboration
Student collaboration is a key component of successful classrooms, as it allows students to exchange information and learn new perspectives. As part of this unit, students will have many opportunities to work with various classmates, building positive relationships with one another by respecting diversity and learning how to resolve problems in a group setting.
Cultural and Global Citizenship
This unit is rooted in local environments and communities. As such, students will learn about various cultures within Calgary and its surrounding area. This will foster “respect for and commitment to the vitality of the land, people and resources within local and global communities” (Alberta Education, 2017).
Personal Growth and Well-Being
Through the unit's focus on communities, students will develop their sense of belonging within Calgary, helping them to affirm their role in society locally and in relation to the rest of the world. The unit will also foster personal growth and well-being by showing students that they are able to promote change as involved and responsible citizens.