Provides a rationale for the use of science fiction materials to teach socialization and presents a list of resources for teachers, curriculum directors, and supervisors for use in developing lessons in this area. (FL)

Describes six alternatives to the one-year chronological survey course on world history in secondary grades. The alternatives are topical or thematic courses, conceptual or generalization-centered courses, world regions or world cultures courses, problems approach courses, case study courses, and depth studies or patch-work courses. (RM)

Presents a variety of elementary games and learning activities for language arts, reading, math, and science which all relate to the theme of dinosaurs. (SJL)

All disciplines are potentially useful for fuller interpretation of reality. Interdisciplinary instruction should emphasize cooperation, rather than conflict, among disciplines. Topics can include objects and processes (a horse or a river), events (the fall of Rome or migration), and issues (alcohol, crime, sports, or self and society). (DF)

Uses the experience of one of the authors in teaching a class in an alternative high school as an illustration of how themes are used in teaching. Elaborates upon the thematic approach to organizing educational experience. (Author/RK)

Describes two approaches to the study of the book "Black-Eyed Susans," which presents characters reflecting the qualities of complexity, diversity, and a depth, thus showing the unique and competent way in which black women writers have handled their major preoccupation--the black woman. (JM)

Outlines some strategies used in primary schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to teach science. Teachers wanting to investigate freshwater conducted experiments and drew concepts for reuse, recycling, and conservation. Presents two case studies using these activities to show how this theme can be used to introduce and consolidate a…

A teacher of upper elementary deaf students describes a multidisciplinary study unit focused on the Alaskan dogsled race, the Iditarod. Activities included studying Alaskan geography and history, following specific racers (mushers) through daily updates faxed from Alaska, writing letters to mushers, calculating math facts related to the race,…

Outlines the author's experience as a dancer and choreographer artist-in-residence with third graders at a public elementary school, providing a cultural arts experience to tie in with a theme study of the rain forest. Details the residency and the insights she gained working with students, teachers, and theme. (SR)

Focuses on the consequences that the structural configuration of lexical knowledge has for the timecourse of parsing. Discusses reduced relative clauses and proposes a new lexical-structural analysis for manner of motion verbs. The article examines consequences for frequency-based models and all models whose difficulty derives from the ambiguity…

Considers those key concepts in geography that contribute to the teaching of history. Outlines strategies that teachers can use to combine and complement the two subjects. Discusses specific examples of these strategies focusing on the Erie Canal and Bunker Hill. Includes maps and illustrations. (MJP)

Describes an integrated thematic unit designed for readers in grades 8 to 10. Contains a four- to six-week plan that encompasses reading strategies, inquiry projects, and assessment tools and includes an activity map (based on Jennifer Armstrong's "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World: The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and the…

Notes the author vowed to prove to herself and to her students that they could meet and exceed the state standards, that they could succeed on any test, and that they could do it while engaging in authentic, context-based reading, writing, speaking, listening, thinking, viewing, and visually representing. Discusses units of study based upon a…

Green Elementary School (MI) is recognized as an outstanding school. Community involvement, including an active core of parent volunteers, contributes to the school's success. Several school activities are outlined: school-wide themes, theatrical performances, and activities to enhance staff harmony. (IAH)

A teacher describes activities sparked by the cycles of nature, "round trips," which become evident in autumn. This round trips concept is used to teach sequencing skills in reading, to hone observation skills in creative writing, and to spark interest in animal behavior. A reproducible story-writing sheet is included. (IAH)