Small Super Integrated Thematic Unit
Small is a theme that can lend itself to a wide range of inter-connected activities and makes for a great rich topic. As pupils examine, contrast and investigate Small skills they can practise these in authentic learning contexts within the school and/or wider community. They can interact with leaders from the local or national community and be mentoed in their own skills and attitudes.
Suggested integrating connections: Look at the concepts/patterns of the "big" and "small" in each subject area. Contrast is part of this.
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Seeds: From small grows tall
Insects: small but powerful.. Ants.. how do they do it? Microbes.. the world of almost invisible.
Spiders: Check out our Spider activities for ICT Spider Body Parts.ins (Inspiration File), Spider Not Spider(Mac).zip, Spider Not spider activity(Word).zip
Look at atoms.. we are all made from the same small!
Microscope/Proscope or Digital Camera on Macro: Look at photos of the "small world". Investigate with proscope a part of the world small and report back on.. fabric, fibres, plant life, animal life.
Environment: Look at ways for us to use the smallest amount of water, electricity.. i.e. to conserve
A look at small businesses.. why has this type of business grown rapidly in the last few years? Interview owners. Establish a "small" business. Check out people who have jobs that involve working with the "small". Put together Powerpoint presentations, digital camera pictures and Video with other display items from your unit.. voile.. a show!
Short people got nobody... is this true, what does the song say about people in general? What does it mean when people try to cut down the "tall poppies"? Why do short people sometimes seem to be the meanest bullies? Many people try to get rid of small imperfections on their face and body ~ examine this.
Check out Genes - the small codes that tell us what we are to be like
Sport: In what sports are smaller players better? What advantages to smaller players have over bigger ones and vice versa? Look at training/coaching aspects where equipment goes from big to small as learners develop, while coaching techniques often use from small space to larger space.
It's a small world.. Why do people say the world is getting smaller is it a good thing? Research an invention that has gotten smaller! How is this good? What are the benefits and problems..do a PMI
Technology Challenge: 1. Which group can make the smallest kite that can fly.. concepts of lightness, careful use of materials come into play. 2. Create a container that will hold an ice-cube. The team that has the least amount of melted water ater 30 mins in the container is the winner! Lesson Plan
Hexagons in a close-packed world. Hexagons Forever! Look at the whole concept of packaging and use of space. How is packing people into space used by airlines, bus companies, trains etc.. what are the PMI's about this.
Small Business: finance, budgets, financial planning, costs and accounts
Miniature Paintings/Sculptures. Look at these art forms. What are the special challenges in producing such work? Why do people do it?
Models: Look into building models (planes cars etc).
Look at special effects models in the film industry. Creating the small to represent the large.
Bonsai- The art of shaping miniature trees.. just right for the naturalist. why not have someone in to talk to the class and start a few that can be tended while the unit progresses
Check out our digital pictures of small... why not create a puzzle with them on take your own and present them?
Hobbits in Lord of the Rings.. check them out.. study the film book from the roles that they have to play
Read On: Stories to think about: Tom Thumb
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