When we create engaging integrated units we should focus on basic skills, content, and higher-level thinking. They provide a deeper understanding of content. Integrated units encourage active participation in relevant real-life activities. They provide connections between disciplines and accommodate a variety of learning styles and intelligence.
Types of Engaging Integrated Units
Multidisciplinary
With multidisciplinary units, teachers select a theme. Next, they choose standards from each subject to support the theme (often called thematic units). Critics often say the activities are “fluff.”
Intradisciplinary
Intradisciplinary units support standards from different subcategories within a subject area (ex. reading, writing & oral speaking or history, economics and geography)
Transdisciplinary
Transdisciplinary units are organized around student questions or a real-world topic. Finland is moving toward this type of learning and some homeschoolers also use them. (ex. Problem-based learning)

Support and Criticisms of Engaging Integrated Units
Pros
As we all know, teachers never have enough time to teach everything in isolation. With integrated units, we are able to create a positive and collaborative learning environment. Integrated units focus on real-world/real-life issues and they intrinsically motivate students because they can see how skills apply to their lives.
Cons
Teachers also lack time to plan effective units. School schedules impede teachers’ ability to collaborate. (ex. Planning time, student schedules) Teachers may be reluctant to put effort into something that doesn’t guarantee results. There is a large focus on test scores, which makes it difficult to gain support for integrated units.
10 Steps to Create Engaging Integrated Units
Step 1: Analyze Standards to Create Engaging Integrated Units
Start with the more specific standards, then add the more general. I typically start with social studies and then add ELA or math standards.
Step 2: Identify Skills
Identify which skills support the topic of the unit and select the matching standards. Remember that less is more. Then, work with teachers in other disciplines when possible.
Step 3: Student Outcomes
Outcomes are what students should be able to do and know at the end of the unit. They need to match the selected standards and skills. Some people may select outcomes first, then determine the standards.
Step 4: Big Ideas
Think about what students should be able to understand at the end of the unit. Determine the essential and key questions. (ex. Why do people move? What do people fight for?)
Step 5: Assign Roles
This step is important if a group of teachers is working together. If a teacher is working alone, this step is not applicable.
- Gather Resources
- Create Assessments
- Parent Information
- Lesson Plans
- Create Unit Hook
- Make Copies
Step 6: Plan Lessons
What lessons do students need to be successful on the final outcome(s) selected? In what order should the lessons be taught? Some needed skills may not be in the standards, so teachers need to think about what scaffolds students will need.
Step 7: Plan Assessments
Having the assessments ready helps teachers stay focused on the final student outcomes of the unit. Also, having some ideas for formative assessments is helpful, because it can be easy to skip these if lessons take longer than expected.
Formative Assessments
These assessments take place throughout a unit. (ex. quizzes, exit tickets, short reflections, one-sentence summaries, fist to five, homework, etc.)
Summative Assessments
These assessments are given at the end of a unit or course. (ex. tests, projects, essays, presentations, etc.)
Step 8: Plan Hooks
Think about how you can build students’ interest in the unit or lesson, also known as leads. These can be seen as short activities that kick off a unit or lesson. They are designed to activate prior knowledge and/or get students thinking about the topic. Some people plan the hooks when they develop lessons. I do them later because I usually need more time to think about them.
Step 9: Gather Resources
It is less stressful to gather the needed materials before beginning the unit, including writing assessments. Use resources in your school, community, and online: libraries, organizations, guest speakers, etc.
Step 10: Reflect
After the unit is over, reevaluate the lessons. Which went well? Which should be changed? Make notes on the unit right away, so that you have the modifications for the next school year.
Get Your Unit Planning Template
To help you easily plan your first integrated unit, I put together a template to help you map out your thoughts to create an engaging integrated unit. Just fill out this quick form to get it in your inbox!