Curriculum Introduction

An Interdisciplinary School Curriculum Guide

In 2003, Kay Kerman and Dianne McArthur, two teachers at Chelsea Elementary School taught a three week program about water to their two Grade 5 and two Grade 6 classes.  The program was taught every day for one hour.  This science-based theme was integrated into the English Language Arts class.  After the students learned about many different aspects of water, they were asked to focus on an area that interested them, to do some in depth research and to write and produce a drama production on the subject. 

Following the three weeks of study on water, some experts were called upon to talk to the students about the history and some environmental issues regarding the local river -- the Gatineau River.  The students knew they needed to listen carefully, because all the information given by their guests would help them to later write the script for their play, which they did under the supervision of parent volunteers. 

For five days, one hour each day, parent volunteers joined in to help students in all areas!  They supervised and guided them to create the music and ‘soundtrack’ for the play, choreograph dances for each act, design sets and props that were needed by actors for each act, and of course, help students memorize lines and get into their character!  This play was titled “The Mighty Gatineau River”.  The process from beginning to end was 10 days and of course, the play was a huge success!

The four classes of Grade 5 and 6 students were wonderfully enthusiastic and highly motivated throughout both components of their study on water.  As a result of this success, the process has been documented and included here for teachers. 

Click here for Academic Study (includes 15 days of lesson plans and student study sheets)

Click here for an overview of the process and tools used to develop the Drama Production.

Click here for a listing of Water curriculum resources.

Click here for a list of links to Water web sites.