Policymakers and industry leaders are calling for a 21st century education that is more interdisciplinary in nature, including the ability to solve problems and think creatively. Traditional teaching practices that present subjects as separate and distinct disciplines do not encourage students to make connections between subjects in school and in…

The two major models of science curriculum change, textbook revision and national curriculum projects, are derived from, and reinforce, the present curriculum structure. This is undesirable in a time of increasing fluidity and change, because adaptation to new situations is difficult. Unified science, based on the premise that science is a unity,…

Discusses the need for integration of science and mathematics education with a history of curriculum activities related to integration. Provides a bibliography of 67 references chosen by the School Science and Mathematics Association (SSMA) Early Childhood and Middle School Science and Mathematics Integration Task Force. (YP)

These background papers are written to provide information for the teacher on technical problems that might arise as students carry on various USMES investigations. Background papers are also written which include information about the types of investigations which may provide good opportunities for learning in specific areas. This set includes…

This document presents the last newsletter of the Unified Science and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) project. Included is information relating to USMES materials which are available, research projects conducted with USMES materials, the use of USMES materials in the field, research reviewing the extension of USMES to the secondary…

A unified science approach is incorporated in this K-6 curriculum mode. The program is organized into six major cycles. These include: (1) science, math, and technology cycle; (2) universe cycle; (3) life cycle; (4) water cycle; (5) plate tectonics cycle; and (6) rock cycle. An overview is provided of each cycle's major concepts. The topic…

This publication reports the results of a field study of middle school students using a unified science program, Interrelated Explorations in Science (IES). IES emphasizes the ideas, processes, and values common to all of science and utilizes independent study, gaming, dramatization, and values clarification activities to motivate students to…

The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a means of assisting teachers to infuse the teaching of science processes into an existing Unified Science program for grades K through 6. The identification of component science skills for each grade level and subsequent writing of sample activities are described. Field testing of the…

Presented are first-revision materials of the K-12 unified science program implemented in the public schools of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Detailed descriptions are given of the roles of students and teachers, purposes of bibliography, major concepts in unified science, processes of inquiry, scheme and model for scientific literacy, and…

Examines various meanings ascribed to "integrated science," and explores arguments used to establish the value of an integrated approach for primary and secondary education. (SL)

Presented is a discussion of the need to include human evolution, natural selection, and integrated science and social studies in the modern science curriculum. (SL)

Describes a two year trial course in curriculum and instruction of science and mathematics at California State College at Bakersfield. The course attempts to unify the two disciplines for the prospective elementary school teacher in terms of theory of learning and strategies of instruction. (JR)

Rock Cycle is one of the units of a K-6 unified science curriculum program. The unit consists of four organizing sub-themes: (1) chemistry (introducing the topics of matter, elements, compounds, and chemical bonding); (2) characteristics (presenting hands-on activities with rocks and minerals); (3) minerals (emphasizing the aesthetic and economic…

Presented is the third part of the K-12 unified science materials used in the public schools of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Detailed descriptions are presented for the roles of students and teachers, purposes of bibliography, major concepts in unified science, processes of inquiry, scheme and model for scientific literacy, and program…