CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS
Grade 9
Drama | English Language Arts | Health and Life Skills | Music
Science | Social Studies
Interdisciplinary learning is an approach to education that brings knowledge from multiple disciplines together to tackle problems through various perspectives. It increases the depth of student understanding by approaching authentic and emergent problems that exist within our society. This creates a space in which cross-curricular connections can be made to strengthen students’ understanding of the issue and encourages creative thinking.
This unit creates connections across the Alberta Program of Studies by integrating outcomes from Grade 9 Drama, English Language Arts, Health and Life Skills, Music, Science and Social Studies.
DRAMA
Goal II: To develop competency in communication skills through participation in and exploration of various dramatic disciplines.
Movement Level III
26. Use contrast in movement.
27. Create and sustain mood through movement.
28. Coordinate movement and movement patterns with other students.
​
Students will explore gender expression through movement and body language. Being aware of body language and movement will enable students to explore the impacts of gender expression on interpersonal relationships through embodied learning. The creation of an original performance project in weeks five and six asks students to utilise the performing arts to communicate their understandings of how gender expression impact's interpersonal relationships.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ART
General Outcome 2 - Comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print and other media texts
3.1 - synthesize ideas and information from a variety of sources to develop own opinions, points of view and general impressions
Plan to gather information (select information sources that will provide effective support, convincing argument or unique perspectives
3.3 - Organize, record and evaluate
(develop coherence by relating all key ideas to the overall purpose of the text)
(Reflect on new understandings and its value to self and others)
5.1 - Respect others and strengthen community
relate text to culture
Use language to show respect
5.2 - Work within a group
​
The use of a variety of texts will present students with a range of opinions and viewpoints surrounding gender expression. Students will utilize written reflection to synthesize their understandings and develop their own opinions. Through exposure to a variety of stories, students will develop their awareness of gender expression to respect others and strengthen communities in celebrating diversity.
GENERAL MUSIC
CREATING-to develop an additional avenue of self expression by composing, improvising and interpreting music.
Level III, Module: Electronic Music
Outcome 4. compose a piece that employs repetition and contrast of sounds.
​
Students will create their own compositions to enhance the experience of the audience. The use of repetition and contrast of sounds will both reflect and support the message of their performance project.
HEALTH AND LIFE SKILLS
R–9.5 describe and analyze the factors that contribute to the development of unhealthy relationships, and develop strategies to deal with unhealthy relationships
​
Gender expression has a significant impact on how we interact and develop relationships. Students will explore the connections that exist between their gender expression and how that may impact their interpersonal relationships. Students will have already explored the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships allowing them to create connections to previously explored curricular content.
SCIENCE
Biological Diversity (Social and Environmental Emphasis)
Outcome 3. Describe, in general terms, the role of genetic materials in the continuity and variation of species characteristics; and investigate and interpret related technologies; describe, in general terms, the role and relationship of chromosomes, genes and DNA
​
A common misconception about gender is that it is the same thing as biological sex. Students will learn and be able to express the role and relationships of chromosomes and DNA to biological sex. They will also be able to articulate how biological sex and gender differ.
SOCIAL STUDIES
SS: 9.1.3 appreciate how emerging issues impact quality of life, citizenship and identity in Canada
​
The conversation surrounding gender identities has emerged, becoming a prominent conversation over the last few years. With increasing awareness, understandings of how gender expression impacts interpersonal relationships have developed. Students will explore how the impact of gender expression on relationships impact people's quality of life in Canada.
