Background: Integrated STEM approaches are acknowledged as important for making school subjects relevant and engaging for students and are reinforced with the current emphasis on computational thinking. Still, such approaches are rarely realized in schools. This study investigates how the traditional 'grammar of schooling' may prevent realization…

The "Riga Conclusions" of the European Ministries of Education of 22 June 2015 for the orientation of vocational education and training in Europe are promoting work-based learning as one of five "medium-term deliverables" for the next five years. But: How should and can work-based teaching and learning be designed? Our approach…

As part of a project in working class history, ninth grade students conduct a bean bake for 1500 people. They cook pork-and-beans in huge black pots fueled day and night by two cords of wood and bake 1500 rolls of bread. An old-fashioned hoedown follows the feed. (KC)

Production of a play by students with deafness can be a meaningful student experience as well as an excellent educational laboratory. An original production at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf at Gallaudet University involved students in set construction, painting, preparing visuals, financial management, using video and other technology,…

Describes a simulation game requiring students to role play and complete extensive writing exercises to help them become interested in Willa Cather's "My Antonia" and the pioneer experience of relocation and resettlement. Contains an extensive description of the simulation rules and procedures. (TB)

A vocational education program at the Wildwood Education Center (Hornell, NY) enabled 9th and 10th grade special education students to design, build, and market turkey calls. A module on wildlife management piqued student interest in wildlife calls and turkey hunting and led to the project. The program improved vocational skills and increased…

The progress and achievements are detailed of three sites that implemented a modified Foxfire approach (a community-based experiential learning model invloving students in community research, interviewing, writing, publishing, and marketing their own magazine). Handicapped high schoolers interviewed and photographed successful handicapped adults,…

Notes problems caused by untrained persons and excavators at archaeological sites and lists contacts for persons interested in working at sites in New York State. When excavations are merely a part of a minor unit, students lack the broader picture gained by a thorough study of the site. (KC)

American government should be taught using an experiential approach. Activities are suggested. For example, student representatives to school boards can be given responsibility for researching student attitudes and involving others in interaction with the board and administration. (RM)

Brief descriptions are offered of activities relevant to teaching the history of psychology. Suggestions range from simple demonstrations requiring no materials to more extensive projects. Reconstruction of early laboratory instruments such as the projection lantern, demonstrations of psychological concepts, and studies of associative processes…

Topics for student projects in geometry are discussed; useful references are included. (JT)

The gifted education model described here provides elective "talent pool" classes--within the standard class schedule--that integrate enrichment activities with the academic curriculum in any given subject area. (MCG)

The Lucia Mar (California) school system turned to a high school industrial arts class when no money could be found to construct a needed administration building. The project provided a new building, at half the cost of conventional construction, and valuable job training for many secondary students. (Author/WD)

Describes an American literature class project to save a covered bridge from collapse. Illustrates how student initiative in contacting government agencies and news media, learning the history of the bridge, and raising public awareness about the project led to a joint county agreement to preserve the historic span. (DHP)