Like science, poetry often involves a high level of abstraction in language and ideas, requiring specific critical-thinking skills and promoting interaction. Casteel and Isom (1994) acknowledge, "The literacy processes are the means by which science content is learned because content information is rooted in written and oral language"…

In the age of standardized testing, science and social studies are not given the same priority as mathematics and reading in the curriculum of United States schools. High stakes testing is viewed as having heavily biased schools toward teaching tested subjects and away from less frequently tested subjects. This paper is premised on the notion that…

This booklet contains information and activities on the life cycle of stars. Materials can be adapted for kindergarten through grade 8 classrooms. Background information on massive stars and medium stars and activities with subjects such as star life, constellation shapes, nebula terminology, astronomical distances, and pulsars is included. The 12…

This teacher's guide was developed to accompany the giant-screen film, "Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure". The activities featured use a multidisciplinary approach and target students ages 7 through 14. Teacher pages include background information and student pages include instructions and additional information for understanding the…

This kit introduces the basic concepts of habitat through challenging and engaging interdisciplinary, hands-on activities. The material is designed for K-8 educators working in traditional and non- traditional classrooms with the goals of increasing awareness of the ways habitats work and why they are important. This kit consists of four…

Presents the results of a pilot study on the possible advantages of utilizing a strategy based on drama and role playing to develop understanding of basic ecological concepts in students aged 7-11. Contains 36 references. (DDR)

Reported is the status of elementary science teaching during the 1978-79 school year as indicated by a survey of 184 elementary preservice teachers, from three institutions, who had just completed eight weeks of student teaching. These data are compared with information from a national survey completed in 1971. Changes are identified and…

The authors maintain that an interdisciplinary approach to health and science education can encourage dialogue between citizens, government, and the scientific community. They describe the Elementary Science Study (ESS) curriculum, which integrates health and science education through classroom experimentation. (Author/DS)

This curriculum module is designed to provide teachers with classroom activities that promote an understanding of environmental issues such as conservation, preservation, ecology, resource management, solid waste management, and recycling. The activities enable teachers, students in grades 4 through 8, and families to begin thinking about these…

Describes the development and content of an interdisciplinary unit for gifted students on hurricanes. Includes activities, games, and resources. (MA)

Presents guidelines to be considered by teachers planning interdisciplinary studies that integrate the arts with environmental education themes. Focuses on one such project with a rivers theme. Details are given on brainstorming, theme selection, curriculum development, and student assessment. (DDR)

Provides outdoor homework assignments that are hands-on learning activities covering all academic areas and requiring very little material or expertise. Activities can be adapted for grades 1-6 and should be evaluated on the basis of effort, creativity, presentation, and the amount of information gathered. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Discusses science education reform based on constructivism. Explains that some educators view constructivism as a basis for a unifying theme for science education. (PR)

A unified science approach is incorporated in this K-6 curriculum mode. The program is organized into six major cycles. These include: (1) science, math, and technology cycle; (2) universe cycle; (3) life cycle; (4) water cycle; (5) plate tectonics cycle; and (6) rock cycle. An overview is provided of each cycle's major concepts. The topic…

An approach to mapping work in the elementary classroom is presented. Described is a sixth-grade class working with mapping activities for the first time over a three-week span. Activities described include mapping of a classroom, the importance of a key, and important map characteristics. (DS)