In the complexities of current realities, we are a writing collective of educators interested in placing hope in the present, particularly in composing practices and pedagogies. Drawing on a post-qualitative methodology, we weave together examples of practices of dance/movement, digital movie-making, and soil artivism with specific concepts of…

Every object we think of or encounter, whether a natural or human-made, has a regular or irregular shape. In its own intrinsic conceptual design, it has elements of mathematics, science, engineering, and arts, etc., which are part of the object's geometric shape, form and structure. Geometry is not only an important part of mathematics, but it is…

This paper provides information on teaching science to students with special needs. The focus is placed on students with learning disabilities who may behave inappropriately due to frustration about their academic deficits. This perception is often brought about by a predominant mode of instruction in schools which is text-driven,…

Purpose-centered learning, which requires students to use their studies to address challenges they identify in their community, is effective in all types of schools and with diverse students. The system can generally be implemented simply by reallocating existing resources and rethinking traditional approaches. Purpose-centered education connects…

Recent trends and changes in science education include: change from content to process-oriented instruction; discovery learning; increasing relevance; environmental education; use of objectives; use of learning theories; and integrated science. Stresses the need to improve the science background of teachers, especially if integrated science is…

This book probes the possibilities of interdisciplinary learning and integrated curriculum through the structuring and expressive powers of language. The 15 essays in the book explore the issues of bridging the gap between the two cultures of science and humanities, demystifying science for learners, teaching students to construct and explain…

Only if preservice teachers have the opportunity to learn to teach beyond the schoolroom will they attempt to do it when they assume full-time teaching positions. To venture beyond the status quo will require at least an experiential background with the methods, techniques, and values of environmental education. (Author)

Baylor College of Medicine, a Houston-area school district, and the Harris County Department of Education implemented a real-world science-instruction model in all district K-4 classrooms. The 7-year Environment as a Context for Learning Science (ECOS) program provokes student interest by centering on locally relevant environmental issues. (9…

Despite many different educational reform efforts, a simple pedagogy is still adhered to: students will learn what they are taught. Schooling is still teacher-centered with lecture and recitation being the practices primarily utilized. At the turn of the century, there were two established educational traditions in place. One tradition believed…

Presents 20 activities that are designed to develop awareness, curiosity, and sensitivity in children through exploratory exercises of the home, community, and natural world. Incorporates native American attitudes in the activities which can be adapted to all age levels and varied learning settings. (ML)

Discusses "connectionism," an alternative learning model wherein meaning resides in the function of the whole state of a network, rather than being localizable in certain symbols or areas. Topics discussed include integration with other learning models; the culture of the mathematics classroom; and characteristics of alternative…

Discusses five innovative social studies projects which employ conceptual frameworks, discovery learning, and multimedia presentations. The projects generally reflect the ideas of the "new social studies." Projects discussed are The Family of Man, From Subject to Citizen, Patterns in Human History, Geography in an Urban Age, and…

Asserts that to establish standards-based education in K-12 geography, educators must develop strong instructional materials; train teachers to use those materials; and ensure adoption of the materials by providing curricular guidance. Maintains that alternatives to traditional content and instruction must be used. (CFR)

Designed for instruction of emotionally handicapped children and youth, these six articles present concepts and activities relative to social studies and outdoor education. Defining social studies as the study of man and his relationship with his environment, the first article emphasizes a site analysis approach. Activity suggestions utilize a…

Hoping that exploration, research, and study experiences at the seashore will provide a deeper and more meaningful insight and understanding into the relationship between man and his total environment, the booklet describes the seashore environment of Long Island (New York) and suggests learning activities that can occur at the seashore. Part I…