This handbook contains model lessons on consumer education for use with intermediate, junior high, and high school students. The handbook was developed as a result of a grant which the Social Science Education Consortium received to conduct three consumer education workshops for approximately 100 Colorado teachers and school administrators. Many…

The study of acid rain provides ample opportunities for active, interdisciplinary learning. This article describes 12 hands-on activities designed to expand students' understanding of acid rain. Background information on acid rain is included. (LB)

Argues that understanding the interaction of society and the environment is a social-economical, technological, and moral task. Describes techniques developed by one Soviet academy's ecological education laboratory for helping middle school students integrate knowledge from science and art. Suggests that the study of specific ecological problems…

Forming teams is the logical first step in the transition to middle school from junior high school. Offers 10 questions that middle-level educators should ask as they embark upon this new venture of interdisciplinary teaming. (13 references) (MLF)

Discusses the use of literature in the whole-language approach. Examples show the integration of a second grader's experiences with the curriculum; integrating the language arts in the middle school via study of the author as well as the book; and the integration of literature into the study of history. Titles to use in each area are suggested.…

Interdisciplinary middle school level teams capitalize on the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Administrators and team members can maximize the advantages of teamwork using team assessments to increase the benefits for students, teachers, and the school environment. Assessing team performance can lead to high performing…

Discussion of historical events occurring worldwide within the general time frame of 1492 includes a bibliography of 95 books suitable for fourth to seventh graders. Techniques for teachers and librarians to use to present a more horizontal view of history are suggested. (LRW)

This guide is designed to encourage the participation of seniors in the classroom by engaging young and old in joint ventures to reconstruct artistically their own, their families', and their communities' cultural heritage in writing, theater, and visual arts projects. Intended for both teachers and artists working in the schools, the book…

Describes Math Safari, a mathematical, scientific, geographic, informational adventure for fourth grade students. It integrates all curriculum areas and other skills by using information children must find in books to pose math problems about animals. It encourages cooperative learning, critical reading, analysis, and use of research skills. (SM)

History is not merely events that occurred in the past. The past has influenced the present, as the present will influence the future. The purpose of this community study unit is to provide fourth grade students with an opportunity to investigate some of the history of Lee County, Florida. The unit's focus is on Thomas Edison, who built a home in…

In this Web-based interdisciplinary lesson (involving social studies, geography, history, and language arts) students take a virtual field trip to the ruins of Pompeii to learn about everyday life in Roman times, then create a travelogue to attract visitors to the site and write an account of their field trip modeled on a description of Pompeii…

The U.S. celebration of Halloween has worldwide connections. Although Halloween originated in the pre-Christian European celebration of summer's end, many of the customs associated with the event derive from both pagan and Christian beliefs and practices throughout the world. This document gives a historic overview of Halloween customs and…

This project is designed for interdisciplinary study at the middle school level with an exploration of the country of Bulgaria. Suggestions are made for communications arts using the Cyrillic alphabet, music and folk songs, family and consumer sciences, art and crafts, and history and geography. (EH)

This guide provides teachers and librarians with helpful activities for using children's literature as a resource for acquainting middle-school children with culturally diverse families. The book selections chosen aim to offer students insight into the question, "What is a family?" The guide is organized in 4 sections according to the primary…

Teaming incorporates an ever expanding curriculum, without an overlapping of subjects, by a collaboration of teachers and students learning from one discipline to another. Through the teaming approach to teaching, the child gains from the emotional, motivational, and enrichment of interrelationships of different subject teachers. Stimulation for…