Introduction

This unit was developed at San Diego State University in EDTEC 596, Interdisciplinary Teaching with Technology, Bernie Dodge, Instructor.

Radio tower operators knew something was terribly wrong when Flight 19, pilot Lt.C.C. Taylor frantically radioed on a clear day, "We seem to be lost..." The Bermuda Triangle has served as a source of mystery, intrigue, and debate since Christopher Columbus passed through the area in the late 15th century. This unit uncovers the history and mystery surrounding the Bermuda Triangle. You and your students are about to embark on your own journey through this area known as the "Devil's Triangle." Upon completion of your journey, your class should have developed their own ideas and will have the opportunity to debate the truth about these mysterious waters.

Content Areas and Grades

This interdisciplinary unit covers the contents: math, science, language arts, and social science. The material is suitable for seventh and eighth grade levels. The unit touches upon many learning styles with particular emphasis on hands-on discovery.

Curriculum Standards

Students will uncover the history and myths surrounding the legendary Bermuda Triangle. Students will develop their writing skills based on the information they obtain from the unit. Students will participate in an analytical discussion of a video. Students will learn about the geography and ocean life surrounding the Bermuda Triangle. Students will relate mathematical concepts with everyday situations coinciding with the Triangle. Students will practice their critical thinking skills in the culminating debate. California, San Diego, and other frameworks. For example:

Social Studies Standards Addressed

• Recognize the geographical location of the Bermuda Triangle.
• Learn about the mythology, legends, values and beliefs of a people.

Language Arts Standards Addressed

• Articulate opinions and rational
• Develop creative thinking, writing, and speaking

Mathematical Standards Addressed

• Solve word problems addressing the Bermuda Triangle
• Graphing using the Cartesian Coordinates

Science Standards Addressed

• Study ocean currents
• Examine buoyancy
• Explore magnets and magnetic fields

Students will be practicing multiple learning styles. Critical thinking will be particularly important for distinguishing myths from facts and presenting supporting evidence during their debate. Creative production will be the focus while students are creating game boards using information obtained from their week long discovery. Team work will be imperative throughout the unit. The science lessons will incorporate observation and categorization when the students explore the ocean life, black boxes and the scientific possibilities for such a phenomenon.

Organizing Theme and Guiding Questions

The international mystery and debate surrounding the Bermuda Triangle takes hold of anyone with a little imagination and curiosity. Tying this unit together is a final debate matching myth against history. After a week of acquiring information and distinguishing facts from fiction, students will be prepared to formulate a clear argument.

Guiding Question	Knowledge	Comprehension	Application	Analysis	Synthesis	Evaluation
What is the Bermuda Triangle?	Define the Bermuda Triangle	Uncover occurrences	Creative writing and thinking	Reality vs. myth	Students will define the Bermuda Triangle
Where is the Bermuda Triangle?	Define geographical location		Grid and map	Geography's role in myth and fact	Students will locate the Bermuda Triangle
What happened there?	Define general occurrences				Students will obtain a general overview	Make a case
What are the facts of the Bermuda Triangle?		Distinguish facts	Create trivia questions for game board	Compare to myths	Students will understand the facts	Make a case

What are the myths of the Bermuda Triangle?
Distinguish myths Create trivia questions for game board Compare to facts Students will understand the myths Make a case

Implementation Overview

The unit is divided into six, fifty-minute periods per content area. It is designed to take place in consecutive days. Each day math, science, social studies, and language arts will parallel each other.

Material Resources Needed

While specific lessons require specific yet readily available materials, generally, you will need the following:

• Class sets of books
• Copies of specific reference material in the classroom
• Video materials
• Maps
• Rulers

Human Resources Needed

While one teacher is required for this unit, as always, more than one teacher in the room can only add to the environment.

Entry Level Skills and Knowledge

The students only need to know how to read and write at the fifth grade level, as all of the information will be included in this unit.

Evaluation

The students will be taking exams in math and in language arts. In social studies, the students will create a game board that will display their knowledge attained through this unit.

Conclusion

This interdisciplinary unit is a wonderful way for students to organize new information. By linking the disciplines to the Bermuda Triangle, students are able to remained focused and clarify the information that they will be accumulating. This unit grabs students as it surrounds the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. People of all ages are mystified by the curiosity. This unit will grab your students and take them on a terrific ride!

Credits

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Last updated on May 30, 1996. Return to the Index of Units Page