The STEAMS Mahatma Gandhi Project-Based Lesson Plan is an interdisciplinary guide designed for students in grades 7-12, focusing on the historical significance, societal impact, and technological influence of Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership and his philosophy of nonviolence. Through the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies (STEAMS), students will engage in hands-on activities that highlight the multifaceted aspects of Gandhi’s role in India’s independence movement and his enduring global legacy.
Key Components:
- Science: Study Gandhi’s advocacy for public health and social justice. Students will research how his initiatives in sanitation and cleanliness improved health outcomes in India’s marginalized communities and create modern infographics on public health.
- Technology: Explore how Gandhi communicated his message of nonviolence and civil disobedience using the media of his time. Students will create a timeline comparing historical and modern communication tools and analyze how today’s digital platforms could amplify his movement.
- Engineering: Design spaces for peaceful resistance inspired by Gandhi’s protests. Students will develop concepts for memorials or community centers that reflect his principles of peace, simplicity, and sustainability.
- Arts: Encourage students to express Gandhi’s philosophy through creative mediums like visual art, poetry, or reflective essays that connect his teachings to modern struggles for justice and equality.
- Math: Use data analysis to explore the economic conditions before, during, and after Gandhi’s campaigns, including the Salt Tax’s economic burden on families, and compare this to modern-day equivalents.
- Social Studies: Dive deep into the historical context of Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance. Students will create timelines, participate in debates, and examine how his strategies reshaped Indian society and inspired global movements.
Assessment Criteria:
The assessment follows the 8-Step PBLP Framework, ensuring students engage deeply in interdisciplinary learning. Students will begin with discussions, progress through project-based activities, and present their findings to their community. The final step includes peer reviews and resume integration to connect their projects to real-world applications. Empower your students to explore Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy through this engaging STEAMS lesson plan, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of nonviolent resistance and social justice.