This article considers innovative research in neuroscience and psychology showing that we need to transform environmental storytelling, moving away from stories focused on awareness raising, to ones which develop people's capacity for action. We investigate how this knowledge might be applied in an environmental education context, developing a…

This article presents the Blended Learning Virtual Reality Inquiry Framework, an original framework for creating virtual reality inquiry-based lessons for the modern technology-driven classroom. The framework shared in this article invokes research on blended learning , experiential learning, and inquiry-based learning to structure a virtual…

Active blended learning (ABL) is a pedagogical approach that combines sensemaking activities with focused interactions in appropriate learning settings. ABL has become a great learning tool as it is easily accessible online, with digitally rich environments, close peer and tutor interactions, and accommodations per individual learner needs. It…

Middle school is a natural time for students to learn about careers and develop skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork through career exploration activities. This report from the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) examines different approaches to supporting career exploration in middle school and…

Describes and illustrates wonders of the winter world encountered during a nature walk on cross-country skis through snow crystal examination, springtail observation, tree study, bird and plant identification, and animal track sighting. (NEC)

An educational model to realize the goal of dynamic intellectualism is presented. The model consists of a framework of integrative and subject-specific objectives, and a series of learning activities in the twin domains of theory and practice with which to meet the objectives. (SK)

Gives illustrated directions for five brain-teaser activities/experiments utilizing the sun shining into the classroom: sun shadow lines, analemma, hot-boxes, and solar crafts. (NEC)

Describes a step-by-step process for elementary class brainstorming to develop interdisciplinary learning projects and activities: (1) initial listing of everything concerning the topic; (2) organizing the ideas by discipline, responsibility, and logical sequence; (3) experientializing the topics; and (4) identifying skills to be incorporated in…

Trees of all varieties in mid-spring are surprising yet perfect examples of flowering plants. Provides descriptions and photographs of many trees that can be studied. (NEC)

Challenges the identification of literacy with intelligence and abstract reasoning ability. Suggests nonverbal projects as a way of broadening the definition of intelligence in the English classroom. A bibliography is included. (DF)

Suggests inventorying and mapping the features of the school yard so that it can be used as a ready learning resource. Sample schoolyard learning activities for each elementary grade and various subject areas are provided. (SJL)

The article discusses the rationale for adopting a seemingly unrelated vehicle, such as cooking, for teaching gifted and other children such diverse subjects as geography, history, and language, and relates this to the concept of synectics (which holds that all subjects are interrelated). (Author/DLS)

This series of leaflets provides information about nature education in outdoor settings. Each issue begins with an account of a personal experience with children in nature. Following the personal narrative is a section titled, "A Nature Primer," which provides scientific information about a topic in nature. The next section, "Ready,…

This guide is designed to provide elementary school teachers with a harmless, inexpensive, clean, odorless, and easy-to-care-for insect-rearing project for the classroom. The following topics are included: (1) instructions for the care and feeding of the beetle larvae; (2) student activities for observing larval characteristics and behavior…