Describes two approaches to connecting literature and problem solving with mathematics. One approach is to focus on a particular strategy of problem solving, then find a storybook related to the strategy. Another approach is to find a favorite children's book and develop the problem-solving portion of the lesson from the book. A resource list and…

Explores the reasons why higher education must incorporate gender and multicultural scholarship and perspectives into the curriculum. Argues for the type of multiculturalism that focuses on identifying and deconstructing privilege and hierarchy. Discusses teaching strategies for multiculturalism as critical thinking. (CMK)

Addresses two issues confronting teachers who use theme immersion in their classrooms: integration of content through theme, and inquiry-based curriculum. Discusses the challenge and justification for each issue. Notes that inquiry teaching means constantly searching for better ways to support children' s own inquiry processes. (BAC)

This article describes an integrated program in marine biology. The program was implemented in a nongraded inclusive setting with second- to fourth-grade students whose abilities ranged from gifted to learning disabled. The program integrated science, art, music, language arts, and research and computer skills. (DB)

Describes Apple Computer's Early Language Connections (ELC) program. Designed for K-2 grades, ELC integrates Macintosh computers, children's literature, instructional software, and other curriculum materials, including sample lessons constructed around thematic units. The literature-based product uses a whole-language approach (with phonics…

The Results-Based Education Model is an outcomes-based program that unifies instruction, learning, and assessment while building in the greatest possible margin of student success. Delivery is via thematic, integrated, performance-based instructional units. This article explains how R-BEM transformed an impoverished school district in South Bronx,…

Various learning activities in language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science are presented, using the theme of favorite foods. Sample activities include thinking of similes and metaphors related to food, calculating calories eaten in a day, and listing foods associated with specific countries. (JDD)

Discusses the design and development of an in-depth study project curriculum for toddlers. Offers examples of the use of the spiraling curriculum in toddlers' and two year olds' classes. Provides guidelines for conducting in-depth study projects with toddlers. (BB)

Illustrates how science fiction can encourage students to reflect on the interaction of science, humanism, and literature, and on how this interplay causes permutations in human thought. Suggests thematic teaching approaches based on writings dealing with ethics, biological determinism, science and society, and science and the humanities. (RDS)

Tazewell Express leaves after lunch and returns to campus at midnight, as three educational administration instructors from East Tennessee State University travel to teach a cohort of teachers aspiring to become school leaders. The cohort will complete six themes developed from skills and competencies inspired by the National Policy Board for…

Proposes as a unifying theme for high school biology the question of "how chromosomes determine what we are." Describes a sequence of lessons in which students learn about proteins, enzymes, and amino acids. Includes three dry laboratory exercises to demonstrate the DNA sequences for sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. (MDH)

Describes a program investigating the history and technology of space exploration. Students work in space mission teams and assume the identities of the mission's astronauts. The unit includes a press conference simulation and integrates science, language arts, library skills, and cooperative group activities. (PVD)

Twelve African American and 12 Caucasian preschool children were administered items from the Preschool Language Assessment Instrument under standard conditions and in thematic interactions. The African American group earned significantly higher test scores when items were administered in the thematic mode, with major score increases on the more…

Following corporations' lead, school districts' annual reports have become glossier, but also more substantial and sophisticated. They focus on what communities want to know, articulate a vision, and describe its implementation, displaying hard numbers and trend projections. Winners in a National School Public Relations Association contest are…

Describes a study of tolerance (in a fifth-grade bilingual classroom) organized around literature about the Holocaust. Identifies specific classroom practices that enabled students to interact with texts and to construct and revise meanings of tolerance. Traces steps taken by one student, Matthew, as he moved from limited responses to a proactive…