Discusses ways of presenting evolution in science classrooms. Presents a thematic approach on evolutionary change which meets content standards, assists teachers with scientific background, and utilizes a pedagogy that promotes student learning. (Contains 35 references.) (ASK)

Advocates synergistic pedagogy, in which all the school subjects are related and taught in such a manner that they are almost inseparable. Demonstrates how this might be done with an interdisciplinary theme on the stars. (SR)

As the integration of language and literature across the curriculum builds, educators have come to believe worthwhile literature is embedded in universal themes (such as making decisions, facing challenges, and working together) that are common to the human condition. These themes transcend subject areas by providing natural frameworks for…

This essay examines issues of giftedness and excellence, beginning with classical references to human striving toward the "good," the attraction of gifted children to quality, and the recent discovery of the oldest known cave art with its manifest excellence. Classroom activities related to cave art and language arts, social studies,…

Describes a number of thematic units that integrate work in various disciplines, including language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics. Among the topics of the suggested units are time, survival of the fittest, nature, Mexico, the history of the West, animals, and bridges. (DF)

Discusses the use of interdisciplinary units in education by highlighting methodological considerations, specific benefits, and possible approaches to interdisciplinary instruction. Indicates that interdisciplinary approaches achieve coherence, avoid fragmented learning, order information, reduce background information requirements, connect…

This report presents guidelines for implementing human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) curriculum with New Mexico students receiving special education services. The guidelines are organized by grade level, noting content themes, objectives, disciplines/subjects, and resources available. The guidelines are intended…

The interdisciplinary approach to education applies methods and language from more than one discipline to examine a central theme, issue, problem, topic, or experience, and is utilized in order to enhance the ability of students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of various disciplines. This guide to developing interddisciplinary…

This paper outlines the development of the topic approach to learning in Great Britain and the tradition of objectives-based teaching; presents integrated schemes of work which merge the two approaches for students with severe learning difficulties; and presents an example, using the topic of the school garden. (JDD)

This document is a "theme" issue of a quarterly serial publication. It focuses on curriculum development for gifted students. A list of 13 principles of a differentiated curriculum for gifted/talented students precedes the articles. The first article, "Developing Curriculum for Gifted/Talented" by Jim Coffey, offers a philosophical rationale for a…

This study investigates the effects on individual students of the integration of the visual, performing and/or musical arts, within their civics, English, history, and geography curricula. The paper describes a qualitative multiple-site study of students in 11 rural, suburban, and urban elementary, middle, and high schools. Integrated units ranged…

Asserts that education cannot be limited to the confines of a textbook but must be a true window to the world. Argues that this can be achieved through curriculum and thematic teaching. Provides suggestions for designing and teaching integrated, thematic units. (CFR)

This handbook is intended to be a ready source of reference for educators who want to find out about STS (Science, Technology and Society). Ideas, strategies, and models for implementing STS in the classroom are provided in this volume. The articles that appear here reflect current thinking in the field of STS education. These articles encompass a…

There is increasing interest in integrated studies or the integrated curriculum at all levels of schooling. Integrated approaches reveal wide differences in interpretation of what integration actually means and how it can be accomplished within the school setting. Chapter 1 discusses the various meanings of integration and some approaches taken to…

This paper presents a cross-graded, thematic, interdisciplinary unit which grew from a Native American humanities unit. The 9-week unit addresses the plurality of intelligences, allows for cognitive bypassing and challenges students in critical thinking modalities. With a focus on the five groups of Native Americans (The Eastern Woodlands, Plains,…