In this essay, we explore how sustainability is embodied in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), analyzing how the NGSS explicitly define and implicitly characterize sustainability. We identify three themes (universalism, scientism, and technocentrism) that are common in scientific discourse around sustainability and show how they appear…

This document discusses Learning Enhancement Teams (LETs). Working together, social studies teachers from grades K-12, science teachers, vocational education teachers, curriculum specialists, instructional support services personnel, media specialists, contracted services representatives, administrators, and community resource people design…

Points out how the study of technology infuses broad areas of the curriculum, particularly mathematics and science. Advocates industrial arts as a center for holistic learning in the secondary school curriculum. (SK)

Specific ways in which social studies teachers can increase opportunities for students to write without increasing their own often-incredible paper loads are suggested. These include the holistic scoring of essay tests, read-around-groups, and student journals. (RM)

This paper presents a rationale for using an integrated thematic unit with elementary and middle level social studies classes and provides examples of working units. Steps in the developing the thematic unit are itemized with product outcomes to show for the process. Efficacy assignments allow the students to feel they have addressed a social…

This study compares a traditional method of social studies teaching to a literature based approach. The study sought to compare student attitude, achievement, and retention of the material presented. The study involved 37 fifth-graders, one class using a literature based approach and the other traditional textbook teaching. Content objectives for…

This paper reports from an observant participant's point of view on a theme study conducted in a fifth-grade classroom at a laboratory elementary school of a small, private liberal arts college in Georgia. The "Theme Study" is a student-centered approach that "emphasizes a coherent and holistic approach to learning through the study…

Discusses whether science-technology-society (STS) belongs in the elementary and secondary social studies curriculum, presenting strategies for integration. The article suggests social studies already contains topics that can help students grasp concepts about STS, noting the infusion of an STS perspective is important given society's dependence…

This conversation between two teacher educators describes a project that integrated social studies and language arts methods classes in a cross-cultural setting. The integrated content evolved around themes of community building and cross-cultural communication. The paper reflects on teaching together in a traditional education program--its…

This bulletin is designed to help teachers integrate the arts and humanities into the social studies curriculum. The volume includes three chapters. Chapter 1, "Learning Through the Arts," features the following sections: (1) "Integration"; (2) "Assessment"; and (3) "References and For Further Reading." Chapter 2, "Using Theater in the Classroom,"…

Increased interest in interdisciplinary instruction in secondary schools has led to the development of different models. At one school in the Shenandoah Valley (Virginia) three designs evolved when teams of teachers took on nontraditional, integrated instruction as a goal. In general, integrated curriculum designs in secondary schools match one of…

Presents a collection of 100 creative teaching ideas from educators nationwide. The suggestions cover across-the-curriculum teaching tips for language arts, math, science, and social studies; tips on classroom management, cooperative learning, computers, thinking skills, and self-esteem. A bonus page for students is included. (SM)

The IADIS CELDA 2012 Conference intention was to address the main issues concerned with evolving learning processes and supporting pedagogies and applications in the digital age. There had been advances in both cognitive psychology and computing that have affected the educational arena. The convergence of these two disciplines is increasing at a…