John "Appleseed" Chapman brought faith, hope and courage to the pioneers living on the Ohio frontier. Philanthropist, conservationist, environmentalist, horticulturist, visionary, missionary, humanitarian and border scout, Appleseed is a true inspirational hero for all generations.                                                                                                     From the Johnny Appleseed Heritage Center
Curriculum Ideas for an Interdisciplinary, Project-Based Unit on Johnny Appleseed When we think of Fall, we often think of apples.  Investigating the connections in curriculum, you will find that you can take your students into a meaningful, real-life, interdisciplinary, project-based unit that meets many of the national standards.  This unit may be adapted for any grade level, and crosses multiple disciplines. The United States Apple Association states that National Apple Month was originally National Apple Week, established in 1904.  Today it has expanded to include three months, September through November.  Starting the school year with such a project ready to launch would be very appropriate, as you can tie in not only to the season for harvesting apples, but to Halloween as well. You will see some examples of the disciplinary connections below, and we have also begun a list of excellent online resources.  In addition we offer suggestions for various projects, including the Global Johnny Appleseed Project, which we are in the process of launching. How do you create an integrated, thematic unit that draws on multiple disciplines?  Make connections by asking Big Questions.  In order to investigate and answer these questions, students find a need to explore, and a need for the information each discipline has to offer. Have fun learning, making connections, exploring the disciplines, engaging your students and increasing your standardized test scores!
	Big Questions What is an apple? What is the history of the apple Why is New York City called The Big Apple? What are the connections between apples and health/nutrition (this can be viewed from     ancient history through modern medical research.)  For example, cancer research, heart research, brain research, weight control, nutrition, cooking . Click here for more Big Questions
	Disciplinary Connections  -  You will find connections to every discipline when you develop a unit beginning with the theme of Johnny Appleseed.  You may use the link below to access the details of the National Standards in every subject area and every grade level.  Some of the disciplinary connections are listed below - just a starter list..  Also see the Big Questions in the link above for more ideas on how to teach the disciplines/standards within the theme. Can be adapted easily PreK through PhD.  National Standards for all subjects       Areas of Study - a starter list;  Review the list of Unit Resources and Big Questions to discover a multitude of connections. In the table below you see just a hint of the disciplinary connections to this theme: Arts Civics Biology Technology Literature - from Shakespeare to Henry David Thoreau and more Chemistry Multimedia - theatre, filmmaking Mathematics Physics Mythology - several cultures Careers Botany History - ancient world history, American History, Civics Physical Education Geography Health Economics
National Apple Month	Online Resources "It is remarkable how closely the history of the apple tree is connected with that of man."  From Wild Apples by Henry David Thoreau.  Download the ebook free at Project Guttenberg.  http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/4066 Click here for more fantastic resources.  Also see the page on Big Questions with many more links and ideas.