Interdisciplinary curriculum is a methodology that can help students gain the necessary content knowledge to support the following basic skills: (1) using language well and thoughtfully; (2) thinking through a problem and experimenting with solutions; (3) understanding scientific and technological ideas and using tools; (4) using imagination; (5)…

Intended to challenge students in grades 4-9 to deal creatively and constructively with conflict, this interdisciplinary resource book contains 40 reproducible student worksheets that can be incorporated into social studies, science, and language arts curricula. Teaching techniques include modeling, mediation, problem-solving, brainstorming, role…

This study evaluates the Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary School (USMES) curriculum developed by the Education Development Center in Massachusetts. Effects of using USMES materials on students' economic understanding, attitudes, and problem-solving ability were explored. The research also examined the simultaneous relationship…

This USMES unit challenges students to find a good way for them to tell many people about any topic or problem of the students' choice. The teacher resource book for the Mass Communications unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the…

This USMES unit challenges students to find the best way to advertise a product or an idea that they want to promote. The teacher resource book for the Advertising unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of the USMES…

Described are the essential concepts included in the subject model. Analysis of the systems approach to the model is presented along with discussions of its applicability to problem solving and decision making, energy-environmental career decisions, lifestyle assessment, and environmental worldviews. Also included are: (1) discussions of…

Interdisciplinary research seems to promise opportunities for new applications of existing resources, for the development of new perspectives, and for reorganization of educational institutions. Demands for problem-orientated research having an important bearing on the development of interdisciplinary research are discussed. (MLW)

Describes environmental projects completed by Worcester Polytechnic Institute students in Bangkok, Venice, and Guayaquil as part of a program studying the interaction of science or technology and society. The lessons provide a model for environmental education at other institutions. These interdisciplinary projects promote environmental awareness…

Describes the use of the Internet to investigate mathematical problems, create and share information, discover patterns and relationships, and find out more about the world. This unit investigates pet ownership and introduces children to telecommunications, the use of the computer as a tool, and scientific research methods. Other units address…

Describes interdisciplinary activities with real-world applications ranging from science to mathematics to technology. Cites the study and construction of model bridges as a way for students to learn about engineering concepts and some of their relationships. States that the exercise enhanced teacher cooperation between the different fields. (RT)

Discusses instructional uses for the "Carmen Sandiego" software series to encourage interest in geography. Suggests "Carmen" be incorporated into the curriculum by teacher-directed grouping that adds teacher instruction into cooperative and competitive arenas, curriculum integration linking diverse specialties, and isolated…

Two applications of interdisciplinary problem-based learning at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy are described. In one application, seniors investigate dilemmas resulting from modern advances in science and technology; in the other sophomores study the critical decisions which drove American development. Evidence of program…

Describes activities in which students use mathematics, writing, and drawing to explore the "My Travels with Gulliver" curriculum unit. Discusses seven suggestions for developing activities to incorporate literature into mathematics classes. (MDH)

This article describes a mathematical model that connects mathematics with social studies. Students use mathematics to model independent versus convoyed ship deployments and sinkings to determine if the British should have convoyed their merchant ships during World War I. During the war, the British admiralty opposed sending merchant ships grouped…

Combining both the Western perspective of creativity as productivity and the Eastern perspective of creativity as enlightenment, a Program for Enlightened and Productive Creativity (PEPC) for teaching inquiry was devised. The PEPC describes stages through which a student is guided to solve a problem using increasingly complex observation, inquiry,…