I first heard the term "curriculum integration" when doing research for a two-lesson unit plan in my second year. Curriculum integration is a great teaching technique that allows educators to incorporate multiple subjects into one curriculum, and it has been proven to be successful in helping students learn. By integrating multiple subjects into one lesson, unit, or curriculum, students are given the opportunity  to see how their subjects can be applied in different situations, and this can increase their interest in the material and engage them further in their learning.

Finland has been known to have one of the best education systems in the world for years, however in March 2015 it was announced that Finland was going to radically change their educational system. Instead of the traditional "teaching by subject" method, they will begin moving towards "teaching by topic" instead. Essentially, Finland is moving towards complete curriculum integration.

In an article in The Independent newspaper in the UK Marjo Kyllonen, Helsinki's education manager was quoted saying "We really need a rethinking of education and a redesigning of our system, so it prepares our children for the future with the skills that are needed for today and tomorrow." As Finland begins to implement their new system over the next few years it will be compelling to see whether student success levels favour the new system or the old system.

Article: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/finland-schools-subjects-are-out-and-topics-are-in-as-country-reforms-its-education-system-10123911.html

The following two lesson plans and resource packages integrate middle school mathematics and nutrition education through lessons on percentages and ratios using nutrition labels.

Using student-centred learning approaches, students will work collaboratively in small groups of 3 or 4 to answer math questions about nutrition labels. They will engage in discussions about healthy eating, and compare various food products to determine which food item is the healthier choice.

These lessons will allow students to use their mathematical skills to make informed health decisions, which they can then use to begin living a healthier lifestyle.