Asserts that children's literature is an effective tool to access and present sophisticated social studies concepts in the elementary classroom. Maintains that realistic fiction can integrate the social sciences with philosophy and religion. Presents a bibliographic essay including children's books and teacher resources. (CFR)

Argues that Western civilization's use of formalism in art criticism is hierarchical and eurocentric. Suggests a more anthropological approach in which production of art is considered in the context of its native culture. Recommends emphasizing the human meaning in art over consideration of form or design. (MJP)

Presents thematic webbing in which students choose a theme and create major branches by brainstorming and the teacher compiles activities that connect the major branches while covering mathematics topics. Discusses implementation and assessment within the thematic webbing approach. Uses bears as an example. (MKR)

Diverts from the traditional approach to teaching ecology and moves toward a more interdisciplinary approach by engaging students in a field trip to the Rocky Mountains. Using examples and insights, the author describes and identifies opportunities for promoting knowledge, understanding, and awareness of the environment and its surroundings. (ZWH)

Maintains that writing is one of the most important skills students can acquire. Asserts that social studies teachers can help students learn the writing process through a variety of written formats, such as essays, diary writing, and letter writing. Describes a classroom activity using letters and editorials. (CFR)

Reports on interviews with three music educators about interdisciplinary teaching methods. Asserts that students' musical curiosity must be satisfied to help create well-rounded musicians. Includes a teaching example demonstrating the three basic physical characteristics of sound. (CFR)

Emphasizes that educational technology seems ideally suited for reinforcing constructivist theories in learning. Defines constructivism and asserts that it moves away from the traditional objectivist approach to learning. Provides five characteristics of a constructivist lesson. (CFR)

Reports on experiences and events during an educators' study tour to Vietnam. Maintains that teaching about the Tet holiday can help explain Vietnamese culture and art. Includes an annotated bibliography of 10 recommended teacher resources. (CFR)

Examines effective lesson-planning under the integrated curriculum approach. Proposes a seven-step plan of writing, discussing, and revising proposed plans. Suggests that using the writing process in lesson planning as a team creates a multidisciplinary, integrated curriculum with organized, power-packed lessons and activities, offering a…

The University of Houston's master's degree program in social work with concentration in political social work is described. The debates surrounding political social work education, which is a social-change-oriented curriculum, the importance of political actors and context in development of the program, and the nature of the program's integrated…

Describes a collaborative project involving teachers, administrators, university faculty, and museum staff that developed two interdisciplinary instructional kits. Includes four lesson plans combining social studies, language arts, science, and mathematics with art instruction. Also includes four full-page, color photographs of art objects. (CFR)

A step-by-step guide to designing interdisciplinary courses is presented. Underlying theoretical rationales and expected educational outcomes are explored, and concrete suggestions and examples are offered. Steps include assembling an interdisciplinary team, selecting a topic, identifying disciplines for inclusion, developing the issues underlying…

Presents a thematic project on the diversity of bread around the world designed for children from four years old to seven years old. Proposes ideas for integrating children's literature, science, social studies, math, language arts, and cooking into a set of lessons about the wide world of bread. Suggests that this project can be an exciting…

Discusses the debate on curriculum content and quality for children with profound and multiple learning difficulties. Points out that new and imaginative patterns of teaching and learning need to be explored across those children's lifespans. Suggests that through high quality early intervention and an innovative curriculum, educators must ensure…

Addresses effects of the (UK) Education Reform Act of 1988 on three linked components of outdoor education: outdoor pursuits, outdoor studies, and residential experience. Argues that curriculum changes completely fragment the cross-curricular value of outdoor education and fundamentally undermine the role of perhaps the most significant process of…