1. Thematic units are units of instruction that address a central theme through multiple disciplines in order to facilitate integrated study.
2. An integrated multidisciplinary thematic unit (IMTU) presents objectives through different disciplines, includes both topics and disciplines, and uses a backward design model with prescribed teaching steps for each discipline.
3. In contrast, an integrated interdisciplinary thematic unit (IITU) does not present objectives by discipline, only includes topics, uses a problem-based learning model, and assesses students through a set of questions.