COURSE 2 Mapping the Magnet Theme Into the Curriculum

Step 2: Identify Primary Map Components

Connect Theme to Curriculum

By mapping thematic connections in the curriculum, teachers can better see how or where theme integration already exists. Where integration is missing, teams can draw ideas from a wealth of resources, as described more fully in the lesson on Leveraging Innovative Strategies. And remember, teachers may identify a few lessons or units that won’t intersect with the theme (e.g., Beowulf and aerospace). Don’t worry about forcing connections in those cases, just remind them to do their best to ensure that students have some exposure to the theme in every subject area and grade that are included in your integration design.

Here are some ways to connect the theme to the curriculum:

• Ask the team to examine the Skills and Activities across the subjects and, keeping the site’s magnet theme in mind, brainstorm thematic connections.
• Encourage the team to expand on a theme-related project, skill, or concept from another grade level or content area.
• Arrange for discussions and meetings between team members and industry experts to generate new ideas.
• Let the team know that theme integration may not work for every unit or lesson. However, do not entirely dismiss a content area with less obvious connections to the theme; teachers of that content area may have a unique perspective on possible links.