Rationale

Interdisciplinary learning supports student-centered, personalized, authentic learning for all students through the merging of two disciplines that foster creative design, experimentation and expression (Jacobsen, Lock & Friesen, 2013). To address the big idea of Identity, art and science inform one another and are “linked by their expression of human development, prosperity, and productivity” (Guedim, 2018)

The driving question, “What Shapes your Identity?” gives students the opportunity to explore the various factors that impact who they are. In this performance task students will create three self- portraits. Each portrait reflects a different perception of identity: genetic or physical expression, the way others see you, and the expression of one’s inner self. While the science discipline focuses on physical traits, the emotional, mental, and spiritual elements that are embedded within Indigenous Ways of Knowing, can be woven into the expression of one’s inner being, creating a holistic image of self.

This performance task celebrates the unique qualities of each student, creating an authentic and personalized learning task. Giving learners the opportunity to create, design, and revise encourages student engagement by allowing them to express their interests and wrestle with complex questions (Jacobsen, Lock & Friesen, 2013). Content will be presented using a variety of platforms and students are given the opportunity to choose the medium for their portraits.  Providing multiple entry points gives students autonomy and engages them, while also accommodating the diverse learning needs in a classroom (UDL principles).  To enhance cultural relevance, a resident artist would be brought in to share some of their artwork, and inspire students to explore personal expression through art. Overall, the performance task fosters the development of a number of the Alberta Curriculum Student Competencies, aligning with the framework for 21st century learning.