{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Why Interdisciplinary Learning Fuels Creativity: A Conversation with Alan Gratz","description":"In this episode of Shifting Schools, bestselling author Alan Gratz joins Tricia Friedman to explore the craft of storytelling, the role of creativity in education, and why curiosity is the engine behind both great writing and great learning. Gratz shares how baseball has quietly shaped the structure of many of his novels, how he approaches character development with authenticity, and why understanding a character\u2019s background is essential for emotional truth. The conversation also digs into the need for interdisciplinary learning in today\u2019s classrooms and the value of teacher collaboration. Gratz argues that creativity isn\u2019t a mysterious talent\u2014it's a skill that can be nurtured, practiced, and strengthened when schools design learning experiences that cross traditional subject boundaries. Whether you\u2019re an educator, writer, or lifelong learner, this episode offers fresh insights into how storytelling helps us understand the human experience and how curiosity fuels both art and education. \ud83d\udd11 Key Takeaways Alan Gratz\u2019s novel has stayed on the bestseller list for five years, a longevity he describes as \u201cnever taken for granted.\u201d He uses baseball as a metaphorical framework when structuring narratives. Creativity is a teachable practice\u2014not an innate gift. Interdisciplinary learning increases student engagement and deepens understanding. Strong character development depends on knowing a character\u2019s background, motivations, and contradictions. Reading diverse perspectives cultivates empathy, curiosity, and creative thinking. Gratz encourages exploring multiple creative pathways in writing and education. Schools benefit when teachers collaborate across disciplines to build rich learning experiences. \ud83d\udd52 Chapters 00:00 \u2013 The Legacy of a Best-Selling Author 02:57 \u2013 Baseball as a Creative Influence 05:43 \u2013 The Teachability of Creativity 08:46 \u2013 Interdisciplinary Learning in Education 11:37 \u2013 Character Development and Authenticity 14:20 \u2013 Curiosity and the Human Condition   ALAN GRATZ is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several highly acclaimed books for young readers, including Heroes: A Novel of Pearl Harbor, Two Degrees, Ground Zero, Allies, Grenade, Refugee, Projekt 1065, Prisoner B-3087, Code of Honor, and Captain America: The Ghost Army, an original graphic novel. Alan lives with his family in the Pacific Northwest. Look for him online at alangratz.com.  Huge thanks to our show sponsor Poll Everywhere! Learn more ","author_name":"Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators","author_url":"http:\/\/www.shiftingschools.com","html":"