Outlines a lesson on the study of rocks including classification, identification, and observation techniques. Provides a listing of activities which integrate rocks with art, mathematics, and language arts. (RT)

Describes the creation of a traditional Samoan feast in a teacher-librarian's Pacific Studies course. The feast helped students learn to see as other see, recognize culture as a way of being, and realize they have options in life when they understand diversity. (SM)

This second in a series of articles on technology and at-risk students focuses on innovative teaching/learning strategies. Highlights include individualized instruction through integrated learning systems and electronic books; collaborative learning through simulations and computer conferencing; peer tutoring with software; parental involvement;…

Contends that the role of the arts in human education and development is essential. Describes an elementary curriculum project that integrates economics and art education to study visual images of U.S. business. Includes three descriptive figures, a table of subthemes and visual art images, and a sample lesson plan. (CFR)

Proposes an approach to educational change that is nondisruptive to the present system, produces meaningful and lasting learning outcomes, and is cost-effective. Identifies the elements involved in creating this approach: learning and thinking models, technology integration, shared vision of the future, professional practice, interdisciplinary…

Maintains that 40% of 13-year-old students and 16% of 18-year-old students have not acquired intermediate reading skills. Asserts that teachers must strengthen students' motivation if they are to help them improve literacy skills. Recommends classroom activities and reading materials on this topic. (CFR)

Maintains that partnering history and social studies with mathematics, science, and language arts provides opportunities for relevant and meaningful history. Argues that chronology is the single most important unifying factor in history. Asserts that teachers must engage students in the why and how of history. (CFR)

Maintains that elementary teachers acknowledge that the concept of a homogeneous classroom is a myth. Discusses key teacher behaviors for diverse classrooms. Presents a model lesson and extension activities designed to help students understand and appreciate cultural diversity. (CFR)

Describes the relationship between language concepts and the basic patterns of mathematical expressions. Suggests ways to improve the reading comprehension, writing ability, and reasoning skills of school and college students by integrating language topics into the mathematics curriculum. Discusses the use of language concepts in algebraic…

Discusses the curriculum approach recommended by Lucy Sprague Mitchell in the 1930s that emphasized real life experiences and discoveries. Asserts that the underlying principles of the "here and now" curriculum are appropriate for today's educational environment. Describes five instructional strategies using this approach. (CFR)

Integrating writing into the mathematics classroom is often met with resistance by teachers. Presented are ideas to help teachers implement four forms of writing appropriate for the mathematics class: (1) logbooks; (2) journals; (3) expository writing; and (4) creative writing. Specific examples and suggestions for classroom activities for each…

Describes four methods to structure estimation activities that enable students to make connections between their understanding of numbers and extensions of those concepts to estimating. Presents activities that connect estimation with other curricular areas, other mathematical topics, and real-world applications. (MDH)

Presents an interdisciplinary unit designed for fifth-grade students that focuses on Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican-American culture. Explains that poetry and the novel, "Felita," are used to provide a sense of Puerto Rican culture. Describes activities such as journal writing, geography webs, and exploring culture through food. (CFR)

Discusses an interactive approach to teaching a year-long, holistic introductory course that integrates anthropology with sociology. The course incorporates a number of specific techniques for eliciting student participation and is premised on the philosophy that mental engagement is especially appropriate in sciences that deal with reflexive…

Explains how literature constructs can support science curriculum in an integrated unit model. Literature is integrated to complement science, but the literature activities are feasible in their own right. The result is an organized and purposeful exploration of concepts from two points of view that may be used as separate lessons or incorporated…