While social studies is often referred to as either disciplinary or interdisciplinary, we explain why the term intra-disciplinary might be more appropriate. Specifically, we present new materialist definitions of the prefix intra- and theorize why it is productive to consider social studies concepts as simultaneously historic, geographic,…

This article is about a year-long teaching and research project conducted with 696 4th graders (mostly 10-year olds) and their 36 teachers in Wyoming/USA. The researchers employed an action research approach. They planned and taught a two-day, Wyoming-themed, interdisciplinary unit, "We Are Wyoming", which integrated Social Studies,…

The "field trip" is a key pedagogical tool within geographical education to encourage deep learning, though they are increasingly difficult to implement due to reduced budgets, safety concerns and increasing class sizes. We incorporated three field-learning activities into a large introductory module. A traditional staff-led trip was the…

A field trip to the local zoo is often a staple in many elementary school curricula. Many zoos offer free entry to local teachers and their students. Teachers take students on field trips to enrich the curriculum, make connections to what students are learning in school, and provide students with meaningful learning experiences (Kisiel 2007).…

The authors collaborated on hosting a "Spring Inspire Day." planned and delivered by preservice elementary teachers as a social studies/science methods project. Projects that have authentic application opportunities can make learning meaningful for prospective teachers as well as elementary students. With the impetus for an integrated…

Five middle school teachers are among the few people wandering around the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, squinting at labels describing the plants that will bloom soon. The author and her colleagues are on a reconnaissance mission, trying to plan an interdisciplinary field trip for the seventh grade. They represent different departments--science, math,…

Purpose: The purpose of this directory was to identify, describe, and evaluate evidence that the education practices improve academic performance, close the achievement gap, and improve persistence towards graduation for low-income, first-generation, and historically-underrepresented 6th grade through college students. Method: The sample for the…

The popular reality television show "Amazing Race" involves participants searching for clues and completing tasks as they progress on a journey all over the world. Inspired by the show, the author incorporated some of the tasks from "Amazing Race" with geocaching, a game in which participants use a Global Positioning System…

Outdoor learning activities often cause problems in class control. Organizing children into game-playing activities that emphasize ecological and biological themes helps reinforce learning with play. Several activities are described. (DF)

Lists 17 activities that can be used in the classroom to commemorate Wright Brothers Day. These include making bulletin boards, writing poems, and a field trip to the airport. (MA)

An overnight canoe trip by seventh and eighth grade students on Lake George, New York, exemplifies one aspect of extending the curriculum, both for recreation and environmental education. Experiences with camping, canoeing, American History, aquatic ecology, and other areas are described to show the unlimited possibilities of such activities. (BL)

Provides teaching tips for a visit to the zoo. Includes zoo manners, background information on vertebrates, and activities to do during and after the field trip. (MA)

Prepared, tested, and improved by teachers--in partnership with architects, historians, city planners, and artists--this guide identifies the ways that built environment education can be introduced into every area of the curriculum. A field trip planning sheet is included to ensure proper planning. Several activities relating to the Liberty…

Suggests projects to help elementary students learn about man-land relationships through field experience, inquiry techniques, and a thematic, interdisciplinary approach. Children study a natural community, a human community, solid wastes, and energy conservation. (Author/AV)

The American Institute of Architects, locally and nationally, is active in supporting environmental education efforts in the schools. Because of its "endangered" status, Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, was chosen by the Kansas City chapter as the second focus landmark in the their series. This interdisciplinary field guide serves…