Discusses the implementation of a standards based mathematics curriculum at the middle school level that engages students' active learning. Considers obstacles to this reform, including traditional beliefs, student initial reactions to new teaching practices, parental perceptions, transition from middle grades to high school, assessment of student…

Discusses the reform of the middle school science curriculum to engage students in their own development, represent the ethos of contemporary science, recognize social changes and cultural shifts, and assure productive learning, all focused on the welfare of young adolescents. (JPB)

Discusses a middle school level interdisciplinary science project in which students create and display their own inventions. Considers the role of science, math, language arts, writing, social studies, and computer science in the project. Describes the process whereby students become inventors and present their work. (JPB)

Discusses six transformations in teachers' thinking to facilitate implementation of integrative curriculum. The transformations include rethinking the teacher as a curriculum theorist, reconceptualizing the roles of teachers and students, affirming student voices, conceptualizing authentic assessment, and restructuring the classroom environment.…

Discusses a training course for middle school teachers that requires the cooperative student development of an integrated, thematic teaching unit based upon an ordinary object or idea, such as food. Describes the steps to developing the units and provides examples of interesting facts teachers and students learned. (JPB)

Discusses the implementation of a student-designed integrative curriculum taught by team teachers in a middle school classroom. Considers the role of computer technology in organizing the curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Describes the process of engaging students, encouraging them to develop their curriculum, and selecting and completing…