Interdisciplinary studies foster integration of ideas across disciplines. The knowledge building pedagogy, with its 12 principles and associated technology, Knowledge Forum®, provides multifaceted support for linking ideas across disciplines and communities. This exploratory study aims to assess the extent to which elementary-school students…

This article argues that cross-disciplinary linkages -- that is, relationships among phenomena studied by those in different disciplines -- often serve to destabilize, at least temporarily, systems of stability that are theorized to operate within the sets of phenomena studied within most disciplines. It surveys across disciplines both systems of…

Continued agricultural productivity hinges on understanding how to manage soil resources. A 2-week undergraduate introductory-level module: "A Growing Concern: Sustaining Soil Resources Through Local Decision Making" was collaboratively developed through the InTeGrate Project. InTeGrate modules and courses engage students in grand…

In this work we investigate the place and the importance of environmental education (EE) in Moroccan high school education with a focus on Physics/Chemistry and Biology/Geology classes. It is performed within a comparative method by using an interdisciplinary approach in order to understand the presence and the pedagogical styles adopted for the…

Through integration of geology, biology, chemistry, and the history of science, the historic Krakatoa eruption offers a unique portal for student inquiry in the classroom. Students are inherently fascinated by natural disasters, and modern comparisons to the Krakatoa cataclysm are as close as the day's news. This article uses the historic Krakatoa…

The integration of student research into a general chemistry laboratory and an environmental geology course has been evaluated for its effectiveness to improve (i) student attitudes about science and chemistry, (ii) student understanding of the nature of experimental science and the scientific method, and (iii) student perceptions of the…

"Approaches and Strategies in Next Generation Science Learning" examines the challenges involved in the development of modern curriculum models, teaching strategies, and assessments in science education in order to prepare future students in the 21st century economies. This comprehensive collection of research brings together science educators,…

"Forensics," in its most universal sense, is defined as the use of science or technology in the investigation and establishment of facts or evidence for determining identity or relatedness. Most forensic reasoning is used for arguing legal matters. However, forensic studies are also used in agronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and…

Demonstrates ways that earth science understanding can be shown through creative writing. Discusses the effects of writing on students' conceptual understanding of earth science. Suggests a sample rubric for evaluating student learning. (KHR)

Students write a short paper in which they describe and interpret the history of a geologic feature. Provides an introduction, logistics of the assignment, background and rationale for the writing process, suggestions for change, and conclusions. (RT)

Explains methods for teaching geology in an enjoyable way through a multidisciplinary, multimodal approach which highlights applications and relevance in an integrated manner. States that it does not endanger formal course content. (RT)

Presents a twofold approach to teaching basic geology based on five principles to make science accessible to students who think they are bored with or afraid of the subject. The approach focuses on: appealing to the mind (to attack boredom) and appealing to the emotions (to attack fear). (BC)

Discussed are procedures for increasing understanding and appreciation of geology among undergraduates. Included are using student-centered approaches, deemphasizing the use of conventional textbooks, increasing the use of nonspecialized field programs, and increasing the experimental dimensions of geology programs. (CW)

Presents a series of activities that use dinosaurs as a theme for teaching biological and geological concepts. The activities can be adapted for use with middle school through college level biology students. Exercises address such topics as: evolutionary relationships of vertebrates; Mesozoic ecology; animal tracks; and mineral replacement…

An interdisciplinary approach to problem solving which may be used in liberal arts colleges is described. Course content, class members, classroom environment, goals, teaching approach, course format, and the results of this approach at one college are discussed. Lists of documents, articles, movies, books, and information resources are provided.…