Shark week: the Ultimate Unit Study – Its Not That Hard to Homeschool

The Shark Week Phenomenon

Shark Week, an eagerly awaited annual television event which began in 1988 and has become televisions longest running event in history! But, it's not just about entertaining audiences with thrilling shark encounters and captivating documentaries. Beyond the excitement and suspense, this celebrated week offers a wealth of knowledge and valuable lessons for viewers of all ages. Viewers gain ecological insights to scientific discoveries, become familiar with conservation efforts and discover history! Shark Week provides a unique platform to learn and appreciate the significance of the diverse and beautiful shark species!

We've had a great time this week delving into the fascinating world of sharks this week at “It's Not That Hard to Homeschool” and for this last day of Shark Week, we're going to zoom out and look at the bigger lesson of Shark Week- and that is the beauty of Unit Studies.

What is a Unit Study?

Unit studies are an innovative and immersive approach to studying a specific topic. A unit study provides a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for students, young and old alike. One fantastic example of a unit study that captures the imagination of students and sparks curiosity is the celebration of Shark Week. This annual television event offers a unique and captivating learning opportunity, allowing students to dive deep into the world of sharks and marine life. So, let's explore how celebrating Shark Week exemplifies a unit study and look at why unit studies are a great homeschooling tool, regardless of your kids ages!

Shark Week: A Perfect Unit Study Example

Shark Week, an annual week-long television program dedicated to sharks, is a perfect example of a unit study due to its integrated and all-encompassing nature. During this exciting week, learners can explore various aspects of sharks, ranging from their anatomy and behavior to their ecological significance. Children are exposed to a multidisciplinary approach to learning, incorporating elements of science, geography, history, art, and even mathematics, as they study these awe-inspiring creatures.

Reasons to Use Unit Studies in Your Homeschool

Enhanced Engagement

Unit studies, like Shark Week, capture children's attention and keep them engaged throughout the learning process. By immersing themselves in a specific topic for an extended period, students develop a deep connection to the subject matter, making learning more enjoyable and impactful. Rather than jumping from one isolated topic to another, unit studies provide a cohesive and meaningful learning experience.

Real-Life Connections

Unit studies offer a unique opportunity to connect academic concepts to real-life experiences. By exploring sharks in the context of Shark Week, children can understand the ecological balance of marine ecosystems, the importance of conservation efforts, and the significance of environmental sustainability. These connections allow students to see the relevance of their education and how it relates to the world around them.

Flexibility and Personalization

One of the greatest advantages of unit studies is their flexibility. Homeschooling parents can adapt the curriculum to suit their child's interests, learning style, and academic level. Whether your child is fascinated by sharks, space exploration, ancient history, or any other subject, a unit study approach can be customized to cater to their passions, making learning more meaningful and enjoyable.

Encourages Critical Thinking

Unit studies encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills by presenting complex topics from different angles. When studying sharks, for example, children can delve into the ethical debate around shark finning, analyze the impact of climate change on marine life, and explore various conservation strategies. Engaging in these thought-provoking discussions nurtures analytical thinking and helps students develop a well-rounded perspective on the subject matter.

Fosters Collaboration and Social Skills

Unit studies can be designed to involve group activities, fostering collaboration among homeschooling peers or siblings. Working together on projects, conducting experiments, or going on field trips enhances social skills and teamwork, preparing children for future interactions in a broader community.

As you embark on your homeschooling journey, consider incorporating unit studies like Shark Week into your curriculum. Embracing this immersive and multidisciplinary approach will not only enrich your child's education but also inspire a lifelong love for learning. So, dive into the world of unit studies and watch your child's enthusiasm and knowledge soar!

BONUS HOW TO: Basics of Creating Your Own Unit Study!

Creating a unit study can be an exciting and rewarding experience for both educators and learners. It allows you to integrate multiple subjects and topics around a central theme, making learning more engaging and comprehensive. Here's a step-by-step process on how to create a unit study:

Step 1: Choose a Central Theme Select a broad and captivating theme that aligns with your students' interests and learning objectives. The theme can be based on a historical event, a scientific concept, a literary work, an environmental issue, or any topic that can be explored from various angles.

Step 2: Define Learning Objectives Outline the specific learning objectives you want to achieve through the unit study. These objectives should align with the subjects you plan to integrate and the skills you want your students to develop. For example, do you want to enhance their critical thinking, creativity, or problem-solving skills?

Step 3: Create a Schedule and Timeline Plan the duration of the unit study and create a schedule that outlines the topics to be covered each day or week. Consider the depth of exploration required for each topic and allocate sufficient time accordingly. This will help you maintain a structured approach throughout the study.

Step 4: Gather Resources Collect a variety of resources that support the central theme and learning objectives. These resources can include textbooks, articles, documentaries, videos, websites, hands-on materials, and educational games. Utilize both traditional and digital resources to cater to different learning styles.

Step 5: Design Engaging Activities Devise a range of activities that cater to different learning preferences. Incorporate hands-on experiments, group discussions, art projects, field trips, writing assignments, and interactive games to make the learning experience engaging and memorable.

Step 6: Integrate Multiple Subjects Identify the subjects you can integrate into the unit study. For example, if your central theme revolves around space exploration, you can include elements of science, math, history, geography, and even language arts.

Step 7: Plan Assessment Methods Determine how you will assess your students' understanding and progress throughout the unit study. Consider both formative assessments (e.g., quizzes, discussions, presentations) and summative assessments (e.g., final projects, reports) to gauge their learning outcomes.

Step 8: Adapt for Different Grade Levels If you have students with varying grade levels, ensure that the unit study materials and activities are adaptable to meet each student's academic level and capabilities.

Step 9: Encourage Reflection Incorporate opportunities for students to reflect on their learning journey. Journaling, group discussions, or presentations can be effective ways to encourage them to think critically about what they have learned and how it relates to their lives.

Step 10: Evaluate and Adjust After completing the unit study, take some time to evaluate its effectiveness. Solicit feedback from students and assess whether the learning objectives were met. Use this feedback to make improvements for future unit studies.

Embrace the Opportunity!

Remember that creating a unit study allows for creativity and flexibility, so don't be afraid to adapt and adjust your approach based on the needs and interests of your students. Embrace the opportunity to foster a love for learning by making connections between different subjects and exploring a central theme in a holistic and engaging manner.

Whether exploring the wonders of the marine world or delving into historical events or scientific concepts, unit studies ignite a passion for learning that extends beyond textbooks. As educators, embracing this dynamic approach can transform our classrooms into vibrant hubs of curiosity and exploration, empowering our students to become lifelong learners equipped with both subject matter knowledge and essential soft skills for success in the ever-changing world.

Let's Connec

Lisa Nehring

Author, Publisher, Curriculum Developer at True North Homeschool Academy

Lisa Nehring has been married for over 30 years, has five children, 2 graduate degrees and a black belt in homeschooling. She has homeschooled since 1991 and wrote a Master’s Thesis on Why Parent’s Homeschool, the Literature Review being,A History of Education in America.

Lisa Nehring and her husband, Dr. David Nehring, a Clinical Psychologist, and Biblical Scholar speak together on a wide variety of topics, including education, classical education, vision, mission, parenting, marriage, and more.