Linking and Retrieving: Making Interdisciplinary Connections to Help Learning Stick

One of the hallmarks of the Seabury program is that Seabury students study overarching concepts that can be viewed, analyzed, and researched through the lenses of multiple subjects.

As we work toward the future the students want and studying how to build that future, it is essential that we study the climate emergency and what is and can be done to mitigate greenhouse gasses and adapt to the changing climate.

In order to face this upcoming period of history, the world will need future leaders to have a vast skillset: communication, data analysis, storytelling, logical thinking, historical understanding of policy, mathematical reasoning, and empathy.

As the students construct their understanding of the climate situation, we are encouraging them to notice and note when there are interdisciplinary connections. We are also formally asking them to reflect on these connections in our Friday morning meetings.

Some of their connections from week 1: 

Climate weirding is caused by the excess release of greenhouse gases as a result of failed mitigation efforts.

Lack of means to adapt leads to people becoming climate refugees.

Countries that were colonizers also tend to be those that emit more greenhouse gases, which affects current global negotiations and planning.

Some of their connections from week 2:

Sustainable food production benefits future food production, which has a long range economic benefit, which could 

Antigens are important in adapting to big changes in the organism.

Weeds adapt to the situation they’re in or the climate or terrain.

We need pollinators to help our flowers produce  crops and fruit.