Lesson Plan: Thinking Interdependently

Lesson Overview: ​In this lesson, students will learn the meaning of thinking interdependently and internalize the
importance of it by engaging in discussion and reflecting on various examples in media. Students will have the
opportunity to practice thinking interdependently through two team challenges.

Student-Facing Learning Target:​ SWBAT internalize the importance of, and practice thinking interdependently.

Pacing Teacher/Student Actions Materials

Bellwork Student Actions: Bellwork Slide

(10 mins) ● Students enter class and grab packets before
sitting down Student Packets
“If you could have any ● Student engage in the bellwork question, “If you
superhero power, could have any superhero power, what would
what would you have you have and why?”
and why?” ● Students share out their answers with the class

Teacher Actions:
● Circulates as students complete the bellwork
● Calls on volunteers to share out their responses

Engage (The previous day, students watched ​The Incredibles 2​) Student Packets

Discussion: How is Student Actions:

teamwork seen in The ● Students work together to identify the various
Incredibles 2? superpowers that the supers in the movie had
● Students reflect on the movie response
(15 minutes) questions first through writing, then in a
whole-class share-out
● Students connect the importance of teamwork to
real life by thinking of situations where
teamwork is necessary
● Students write down definition of “thinking” and
“interdependently”

Teacher Actions:
● Teacher facilitates class discussion to identify
the superpowers
● Teacher helps students make the connection
that like the superheros, each student has a
strength that makes them unique and valuable
to any team
● Teacher helps students brainstorm various
situations in life where teamwork is important
● Introduces the definition of “thinking” and
“interdependently”

Explore Student Actions: Links to 3 videos

● Students watch each video and respond to the
3 Video Examples of guiding questions in their packet Student Packets
thinking ● After each video, students share out their
interdependently responses to the questions and listen to their
 peers’ responses
(20 minutes)
Teacher Actions:
● Plays each video on projector
● Circulates to see student responses to questions
● Facilitates brief discussion after each video,
tying videos back to thinking interdependently

Elaborate Student Actions: Hollow Square Puzzle Sets

● Students engage in both team challenges,
(30 minutes) reflecting on what things went well during the Slide with clear instructions for
process and what things were not working each activity
Application of ● After each activity, students write down their
interdependent reflections on team successes and challenges Marshmallows
thinking: Hollow ● Students participate in whole-class discussion
Square and on strategies for good teamwork Spaghetti
Marshmallow Teacher Actions
Challenge Team ● Explain instructions for each team challenge Tape
Exercises with clarity
● Keeps time for each activity String
● Circulates and makes sure that every student is
participating Timer
● Facilitates whole-class discussion about helpful
and unhelpful strategies for the team exercises

Closing Student Actions: Student packets

● Students answer exit ticket on their packets
Exit Ticket: “Why is it Slide with exit ticket question
important to work Teacher Actions
together and think ● Circulate and observe students’ responses
interdependently?”

(7 minutes)