Help students see that literacy skills matter everywhere, not just in English class with these 5 cross-curricular projects!

In fact, ELA skills are really used to highlight other topics. 

Think about it, you may write to persuade, but the topic you write about would be scientific, historical, political, etc. 

When we speak, we may be selling a product, sharing knowledge to influence others, or even entertaining.

Cross-curricular projects help students see the bigger picture and better understand that ELA is not a subject area that exists in a bubble.

By incorporating more cross-curricular projects in middle school ELA, students will see that:

• Reading and writing are tools they’ll use in any career.
• Research, communication, and organization matter no matter the topic.
• Critical thinking doesn’t stop at the ELA door.

Below are five creative, authentic, cross-curricular projects that combine ELA with another core subject.

1 | STEM + ELA: Create a Scientific Field Guide

Subject Connection: Science (biology & ecology)

If you want students to practice clear informational writing while reinforcing science content, a field guide project is a perfect fit.

How It Works:

Students choose an animal or plant species and create a field guide entry that includes:

• A nonfiction article explaining the species
• A labeled diagram
• A quick “fast facts” section
• A short narrative describing an encounter with the species

ELA Skills:

• Using academic vocabulary
• Structuring informational text
• Summarizing key ideas
• Writing with clarity and purpose
• Publishing with technology

Science Skills:

• Ecosystems
• Adaptations
• Observation and classification

2 | Social Studies + ELA: Design a Museum Exhibit Proposal

Subject Connection: History & culture

This project brings research, writing, design, and persuasion together while diving into historical content.

How It Works:

Students choose a historical event, era, or theme and design a museum exhibit. The proposal includes:

• A curator’s statement explaining the purpose of the exhibit
• Students would then find museum artifacts from around the world that they would want displayed in their exhibit
• Explanatory labels for 3–5 “artifacts” that would be displayed as part of the exhibit
• A persuasive letter requesting funding
• A visual or digital mock-up of the exhibit space

ELA Skills:

• Argument and explanatory writing
• Organizing ideas logically
• Using evidence and citations
• Speaking and listening (if presenting the proposal)

Social Studies Skills:

• Historical research
• Cultural analysis
• Evaluating primary and secondary sources

3 | Math + ELA: Real-World Budgeting + Proposal Writing

Subject Connection: Math

Perfect for students who like hands-on planning, or students who need to see how math and writing connect.

How It Works:

Students choose a scenario such as planning a birthday party, designing a bedroom, hosting a school event, or budgeting a trip. They must:

• Create a budget using real prices
• Explain and justify their choices in writing
• Create a persuasive proposal to “pitch” their plan
• Read and evaluate reviews and report on reviews that are most helpful

ELA Skills:

• Persuasive writing
• Writing with reasoning and justification
• Using precise, formal language

Math Skills:

• Adding/subtracting decimals
• Applying percentage discounts or tax
• Real-world financial problem-solving

4 | Art + ELA: Turn a Novel Scene Into a Graphic Novel

Subject Connection: Visual Arts & Media Literacy

This project is perfect for reluctant writers AND artistic students. It turns a text into a visual storytelling experience.

How It Works:

Students choose a scene from a class novel and rewrite it as a graphic-novel page. Their project includes:

• A storyboard or panel layout
• Dialogue + narration boxes
• Character expressions and visual symbols
• A written artist statement explaining creative choices

ELA Skills:

• Narrative writing
• Understanding tone, perspective, and character
• Using concise, powerful language

Art Skills:

• Visual composition
• Symbolism
• Adapting text into an image

5 | Health + ELA: Create a Teen Wellness PSA Campaign

Subject Connection: Health (SEL, physical/mental wellness)

This project blends research, advocacy, and communication while teaching students to use their voices responsibly.

How It Works:

Students choose a wellness topic such as stress, digital boundaries, kindness, sleep, nutrition, or anxiety. Their campaign may include:

• A written PSA script
• A poster or digital infographic
• A short video or audio announcement
• A reflection analyzing audience + purpose

ELA Skills:

• Argument writing
• Summarizing informational text
• Speaking and listening

Health Skills:

• Understanding wellness topics
• Making informed decisions
• Practicing advocacy and communication

Final Thoughts

Cross-curricular projects don’t just “add variety,” they make ELA meaningful.

When students use reading, writing, and communication skills to solve problems in science, math, social studies, health, or art, they begin to understand the relevance of what they’re learning.

Plus, these projects:
✔ Build collaboration
✔ Strengthen critical thinking
✔ Support deeper comprehension
✔ Prepare students for real-world tasks

If you want more real-world ELA ideas, check out our recent post:
Real-World ELA Projects: 20 Authentic Ways to Apply Middle School English Skills