The curriculum module described in this article addresses the global issue of ocean acidification (OA) (Feely 2009; Figure 1). OA is a harmful consequence of excess carbon dioxide (CO[subscript 2]) in the atmosphere and poses a threat to marine life, both algae and animal. This module seeks to teach and help students master the cross-disciplinary…

It is no secret that many high school students are fascinated with automobiles. The activities in "Fueling the Car of Tomorrow"--a free high school science curriculum, available online--(see "On the web")--capitalize on this heightened awareness and provide relevant learning opportunities designed to reinforce basic physics, chemistry, biology,…

When learning, students yearn for meaning, challenge, and relevance. Integrated learning fulfills these desires by limiting the compartmentalization of learning--providing a more coherent learning environment. Too often, mathematics and the physical sciences are taught as separate entities. Yet, many commonalities exist, especially between…

Correlates high school chemistry curriculum with high school algebra curriculum and makes the case for an integrated approach to mathematics and science instruction. Focuses on process integration. (DDR)

Describes the development of a theme-based, multidisciplinary course. The article partitions into the following sections: (1) Constructing the Course; (2) Putting the Ideas to Work; (3) Connecting Science and Society; and (4) The Arts and Astronomy. (ZWH)

Described is a freshman science program at Deerfield Academy (Deerfield, Mass.) in meteorology, designed as the first part of a three-year unified science sequence. Merits of the course, in which particular emphasis is placed on observation skills and making predictions, are enumerated. (CS)

Describes a project in which teachers concentrate on providing hands-on learning and work with students to build a nature center. Students participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation phases of the project. (DDR)

Discusses how the topic of cratering can be used to help students develop inquiry skills. Details five activities that focus on the nature and processes of cratering. (DDR)

Explains how a curriculum is integrated across subject areas with strands of career awareness. Focuses on a course known as Connections, a combination physical science, geometry, and English course that shows students how course content relates to possible careers. (DDR)

Describes in general terms the nature of Alternative Schools, and more specifically discusses the program at Alternative School East, which serves four public school districts in the Philadelphia area. Outlines the curriculum and teaching methods used in biology. An interdisciplinary approach and learning activities in the community are…

Presents an interdisciplinary project involving the harnessing of petroleum energy. Necessitates research into exploration, production, transport, and conversion of the energy resource and incorporates such topics as the biological and environmental effects of oil spills. (DDR)

Examines the benefits of flexible scheduling and the initial steps used in exploring this approach. Discusses the problem of loss of instructional time and the use of an independent research period as a solution. Presents results from an external assessment, ACT score data, and CTBS scores. (DDR)

Describes an elective, interdisciplinary course designed to allow students to examine relationships between science and the humanities and to foster scientific literacy and appreciation for the scientific enterprise. (SK)

Describes a method that students can use to build portable planetariums. After building the models, students are familiar with the names of constellations and major stars and are able to share their projects with other students. (DDR)

Suggests that an event-based science curriculum can provide the framework for deciding what to retain in an overloaded science curriculum. Provides examples of current events and the science concepts explored related to the event. (MDH)