This article presents a rationale for incorporating reading activities with science. It emphasizes that science investigations can provide a background for, and an interest in, reading among students. Three approaches for using science as a vehicle for reading are given: (1) the unit approach; (2) the tradebook, activity card approach; and (3) the…

The role of educational evaluation is discussed in relation to interdisciplinary courses in social science. How one evaluates student achievement, a course or an instructor can be defined by means of defining behavioral objectives. That is, the expressed outcomes of the particular course can be expressed as the goals to be met by students and on…

The Evergreen State College seems to be working well as a nontraditional college committed to educational change and innovation. It provides a model for interdisciplinary education, developing basic cognitive skills and drawing all disciplines in probing specific problems. The necessary ingredients for a stimulating learning environment based on…

One method of adapting a social studies curriculum project to meet the specific needs of a school is demonstrated in this document. The curriculum package used is People and Technology developed by the Educational Development Center (EDC). The first part of the document gives an overview of the original curriculum product as developed by EDC,…

This guide for primary teachers of history, geography, and civics provides them with a comprehensive view of the social studies. The emphasis is on the integration of the various social sciences toward the end of producing a student with a well rounded and international outlook. The guide contains five sections: 1) general considerations for the…

A course, called Nature of Science, is described as developed over the eight years it has been presented to nonscience majors at a liberal arts college. The aims of the course are to show important ties between science and those disciplines in which nonscience students' primary interests lie; to develop in nonscience students the recognition that…

Designed for secondary school teachers who are at the initial stages of teaching global studies or introducing global concepts into their courses, this paper reviews ways (1) to introduce an awareness of global issues and the interdependence of our planet and (2) to develop related cognitive skills. Techniques and materials relevant to this…

An interdisciplinary approach to teaching English and religion can eliminate some of the educational problems posed by each subject. Part one of this thesis presents a philosophy of education which suggests that confluent and student-centered methods of teaching can best develop creativity and, thus, lead to greater humanization of students. Part…

How elementary and secondary social studies teachers can use nature--plants, animals, habitats, and environments--to provide students with a global perspective is discussed. An interdisciplinary science, language arts, and social studies unit entitled "Microtrek Scavenger Hunt" for use in grades four through six is presented, and…

Describes ways in which computers are used to help undergraduates learn through designing, i.e., various creative activities. Highlights include projects sponsored by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) and the FIPSE Technology Study Group (FTSG), the importance of design in curriculum, and problems with teaching and…

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…

Reviews the problems and benefits associated with instruction of controversial issues, questioning the effectiveness of a neutral and objective position in the discussion of controversial topics. Also assesses prevalent teacher tendencies in instructional approaches and offers suggestions for classroom adoption. (ML)

Honors programs are reviewed that use diversity in presentation, approach, and educational context to foster intellectual development. They individualize instruction and encourage students both to form partnerships in learning and to develop their own strategies for integrating information. (MSE)

The Cross-Curricular Sequencing (CCS) approach to teaching business communications is explored. Its uses in word processing, principles of management, and business policy courses are discussed. Techniques for integrating materials from these courses into business communication classes are described. The implications of CCS for business…

The five topics of an October 1984 international conference on an interdisciplinary approach within universities to environmental issues include: the university and the concept of environmental education, curriculum content, interdisciplinary integration, teaching staff and methods, and continuing education. (MSE)