Antuna's Story places ants, bees, spiders, and termites on an unfamiliar planet and asks how they might survive and organize themselves. The book begins with a cosmic event in the Cretaceous period, and it describes a small piece of an Earth ecosystem relocated far away. This premise makes it an ideal partner for science classes studying ecosystems, adaptation, and food webs. A cross-curricular writing task can reinforce skills in both subjects.

Consider an assignment that asks students to evaluate the insects' survival chances using scientific reasoning. They might explain what an ecosystem needs to function, what the colony lacks on a barren planet, and how different species could depend on each other. Students use details from the novel as evidence and apply science concepts as reasoning. This mirrors the claim, evidence, reasoning structure used in both subjects.

Coordinate with the science teacher to align vocabulary and expectations. Terms such as producer, consumer, decomposer, and interdependence can appear in both classes. When students see the same academic language in two contexts, retention improves. Shared rubrics or at least shared criteria make the experience seamless.

Designing a Shared Rubric

A shared rubric can assess both disciplines through distinct strands. One strand evaluates scientific accuracy and the use of ecosystem concepts, while another evaluates textual evidence and clarity of writing. Each teacher can grade their strand, or both can review a sample together to calibrate. Clear separation prevents confusion about which skills are being measured.

• Makes a clear claim about the colony's survival prospects
• Uses accurate science vocabulary and ecosystem concepts
• Supports ideas with specific details from the novel
• Explains how the evidence connects to the scientific reasoning
• Writes in an organized, clear style with correct conventions

Keeping the Fiction in Perspective

Remind students that the novel is fiction and the insects in it behave in ways that are not strictly realistic. Ask them to distinguish between what is plausible according to science and what the author invents for the story. This critical thinking skill helps them evaluate sources and claims. It also provides material for a thoughtful discussion about how authors use scientific ideas creatively.

Avoid grading students on whether the novel's science is correct. Instead, assess how well they reason with scientific concepts and evidence. A student who identifies where the book departs from biology and explains why demonstrates sophisticated thinking. Reward that insight explicitly.

Managing Grading Across Two Classes

Cross-curricular tasks can double the grading burden if not planned carefully. Decide in advance who will grade which components and whether a single score will count in both courses. Using a rubric-aligned AI tool can help both teachers see consistent first-pass feedback. Each teacher then reviews with their own expertise in mind.

Share results with each other after grading. Patterns in student performance may reveal skills that need reinforcement in one class or the other. Collaboration between teachers strengthens the instruction and models interdisciplinary thinking for students. It also makes a literature unit more meaningful and memorable.