Social Studies, Art Collaboration a Symbol of Interdisciplinary Learning Opportunities to Come

Last year, Hendrick Hudson High School became one of two Westchester County schools selected for a statewide pilot program aimed at increasing performance-based learning and assessment opportunities. Since then, teachers have created new, innovative lessons, and it was the school’s participation in the state’s PLAN Pilot program that encouraged a recent collaboration between social studies teacher Andrea Andersen and art teacher Kristen Dini.

Ms. Andersen’s ninth-grade global history students visited Ms. Dini’s SAILOR art class on two days earlier this month to learn about and create their own cave paintings. These paintings were major forms of communication during the Paleolithic Era, and students from both classes worked together to sketch their own cave paintings using brown paper, charcoal and paint.

“We really thought this would be a good opportunity to help build community within the school building,” Ms. Andersen said. “Each table includes some Global History students and some SAILOR students. I think a lesson like this really leads to a greater understanding and appreciation of the arts.”

Ms. Andersen said she has taught students the history of cave paintings for 25 years, including Dini, her former student. The two teachers believe there is enough overlap in their curriculum to one day teach a class together.

“There are a number of lessons that would be appropriate for both classes,” Ms. Dini said.

“Right now, we are sprinkling lessons in that can provide these great opportunities,” Ms. Andersen added.

Ms. Dini said the lesson is an example of the type of interdisciplinary projects encouraged by the PLAN Pilot program and why they can be effective learning tools. They also dovetail with New York’s Next Generation Learning Standards, which emphasize critical thinking, collaboration and communication.

“I think the students can learn more effectively from doing rather than just listening,” Ms. Dini said. “This is just the beginning of meeting the new state standards.”