Taking Risk and Problem

Solving
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO TEACHING
ENGLISH AND MATH
 Unit Theme: Risk Taking and Problem Solving

In all content areas, students are required to take risks

and solve problems, and we know this is an essential
part of adult life. By integrating elements of English
and Math into our unit assessments, we can teach our
content as well as these essential skills.
 Standards
Math
Math-HSF-TF.C.9
Prove and apply
trigonometric identities.
Prove the addition and
subtraction formulas for
sine, cosine, and tangent.
English
W.11-12.5
Develop and strengthen
writing as needed by
planning, revising, editing,
rewriting, or trying a new
approach
W.11-12.3
Writing narratives to develop
real or imagined experiences
or events using effective
techniques, well chosen
detail, and well-structured
sequences.
 Summative Assessment

Students will be proving the addition and

subtraction formulas for sine, cosine, and tangent,
and use this proof to guide their narrative writing in
order to create a choose-your-own-adventure short
story.
 Learning Targets
Math
I can use the addition and
subtraction formula for
sine, cosine, and tangent to
solve problems.
I can prove trigonometric
identities using algebraic
manipulation.
I can take a risk by trying
something new.
I can prove the addition
and subtraction formula for
sine, cosine, and tangent.
English
I can think creatively in
order to write creatively
I can give feedback to
and accept feedback
from my peers
I can take a risk by trying
something new
I can write a narrative
using appropriate
conventions and tone
 Inquiry Questions
How are my math skills and my English skills connected?

Math English

What is proof? What is a choose your

Why is proof important?
How does this skill
connect to writing a
narrative?
How do the processes I
use to complete a proof
translate into other areas
and my life?
own adventure story and
how do I write one?
What does risk-taking
and problem solving
have to do with writing?
How can I use my math
skills to make me a better
writer?
 Misconceptions
Math
Proof is irrelevant.
Proof is useless (when
will I use this?).
Proof has nothing to do
with taking risks and
solving problems.
Both
o Creative writing and proof are not applicable to the real world
o Math and English arent connected
English
Narrative/creative writing
is easy
Narrative/creative writing
is not a serious skill
Writing and reading have
nothing to do with taking
risks and solving problems
 Formative Assessments

Math English

The students will do a Students will explore

simple proof of a
trigonometric identity
each week.
Students will revise their
proofs with me and with
each other to perfect the
skill.
Students will reflect on Students will reflect on
their work and what
theyve learned.
different elements of short
story/choose-your-own-
adventure stories using
their weekly proof.
Students will revise their
work by participating in a
peer review workshop and
conferencing with me.
their work and what theyve
learned
 Summative Assessment (cont.)

Students will submit a portfolio that includes their

proof (statement/reason), their narrative, and a
rationale that explains the connection between the
two.
Students will be graded using a scoring guide that
assesses the clarity, detail, and accuracy of their
proof; the structure, ideas, and use of language in
their narrative; as well as their ability to make
connections between their numeracy and literacy
skills.