Connections between music and mathematics have been of interest to scholars as far back as the time of Pythagoras. In Aotearoa-New Zealand, the use of songs and chants as aids for memorising information such as number patterns and names of geometrical shapes is common practice in early childhood centres and primary classrooms. While such practices…

A focus on school reform within the field of elementary education has brought an arts-integrated approach to teaching and learning to the forefront. This is not a new approach, as integrating what many call "hands-on activities" in the classroom is quite common. The difference lies in the quality and depth of the approach to teaching and learning,…

Describes a teaching experience with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students who participated in a project designed to give students opportunities to use a variety of mathematical skills while creating a peaceful community of friends. Concludes with ideas for adapting the project for other occasions and involving other mathematics skills. (KHR)

Describes an activity that employs the study of unicorns as an enjoyable and vivid means by which young children can learn to distinguish fact from fantasy. Students learn about the characteristics of animals suspected of being unicorns. (DDR)

States that learning is most effective when the learner has a basic understanding of established goals, when individual differences are considered, and when concept learning is enhanced by connecting first hand experiences. Advocates the use of social studies activities as a meaningful and logical way to enhance language and learning skills. (GEA)

Outlines procedures for using silkworms in elementary science, mathematics, history, ecology, social studies, language arts, art, and physical education. Also focuses on the silkworm's use of the mulberry tree. (DDR)

Describes an environmental education project that integrates science and social studies. Provides a month-by-month account of the curriculum organized by ability level. (DDR)

Presents activities that have been proven to teach young learners to sort and classify objects that contain more than one attribute. The activities require that students employ the use of sorting hoops and attribute blocks to create Venn diagrams, the assembly of which requires practice. Includes cross-curricular uses of these learning tools.…

Presents an integrated approach that helps students understand difficult science concepts. Involves counteracting children's confusion over certain concepts, confronting children's misconceptions through inquiry, and presenting a multitude of experiences that challenge children's erroneous beliefs. Presents an example of applying this approach to…

Argues for attitudes that will help nurture appreciation for the sciences in young children and stresses the importance of preparing youth to address global challenges in energy resources and conservation, to advance biochemistry and medicine, and to discover frontiers in space. (DDR)

Presents cooperative classroom projects using science as the initial basis for the study of bears. These projects may also involve other areas of the curriculum such as mathematics, art, and music. "Black Bear" activities include following a park ranger to study our National Parks and researching and building a full-sized brown bear…

Describes how to use a well-known book, "Caps for Sale", with children as a springboard for mathematical problem solving. Presents patterning problems, problems created by the student, problems with a known total and unknown parts, and problems with known parts and an unknown total. (KHR)

Presents procedures for weather studies as exciting and relatively simple research projects for students to perform. Expects that students gain an accurate view of the scientific process in addition to real-world experience as they face challenging setbacks and make unexpected discoveries along the way. Includes cross-curricular applications.…

Defines "Orff-Schulwerk" as an educational technique that guides children through several phases of musical development: (1) exploration, (2) imitation, (3) improvisation, and (4) creation. These phases are integrated throughout various learning activities that occur in a group context. Briefly discusses the development of Orff-Schulwerk…

Describes a shared reading experience with a student. Focuses on making connections and the student's engagement with mathematics. (KHR)