Although rich in theoretical constructs, American Indian Studies is not considered a discipline because it lacks a core assumption or paradigm. The concept of peoplehood could be that core assumption because its elements--language, sacred history, religion, and land--make up a complete system that accounts for particular behaviors of people…

Describes a lab that introduces agarose electrophoresis techniques and basic information on proteins to middle school and high school students. Insists that, built around a scenario in which students must solve a crime, the lab has real-world applications that should spark student interest. (KHR)

Since young children are natural scientists, early childhood educators should view science instruction as an ongoing part of the total curriculum, easily woven into daily activities and routines. Established standards for science literacy reinforce the idea that children best learn science through hands-on, meaningful, and relevant activities.…

Introduces the Apple Ocean activity which teaches about the diminishing natural resources of the earth including drinkable water, habitable land, and productive areas while working with fractions, ratios, and proportions. (YDS)

In learning communities, the learning experience is a shared process as teachers and students work together through negotiation toward a common goal. This article identifies critical features of learning communities and presents highlights from community building experiences in a Hawaii kindergarten classroom. Shares insights gleaned from the…

Presents a detailed design for a content-based unit, the focus of which is the film "Caravaggio." The unit also includes readings in art history and film and is part of a specialized English for academic purposes/English for special purposes reading comprehension course for first-year students majoring in art history and in a…

Presents science activities that mirror real life issues relating to plants and sustainability. Describes how to turn seed growing activities into an environmental simulation. Discusses the advantages of cross-curriculum learning opportunities. Includes student references and notes for teachers. (KHR)

Discusses the reasons why the use of integrated curriculum has returned. Examines three ways for integrating the curriculum: (1) connection; (2) correlation; and (3) integration. Addresses how to create a thematic unit where the teacher selects a theme, determines the big questions and discipline-specific questions, and chooses the methods of…

Focuses on the three areas of concern related to integrated instruction: (1) theoretical concerns; (2) curricular concerns; and (3) instructional concerns. Believes that another concern that should be taken into account, when using integrated instruction, is the preservation of quality of each individual discipline. (CMK)

At Balboa High School (San Francisco, California), the Wilderness Arts and Literacy Collaborative (WALC) is a 2-year environmental education program that takes an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach to learning. WALC integrates regular weekend camping trips in wilderness areas with lessons in American history, literature, and environmental…

This article discusses the observations and experiences of a multidisciplinary team at the Blind Childrens Center in Los Angeles, which works specifically with children from birth to 5 years of age who have been diagnosed with optic nerve hypoplasia and may have septo-optic displasia. Strategies for educational interventions are explained.…

A study investigated the causes, educational continuity, and parental perceptions associated with 19 students with multiple disabilities transitioning from school to hospital. Sixty-one percent of hospitalizations were for emergencies and only 1 in 46 hospitalizations had a transition plan to deliver educational services while students were absent…

This article favors providing both gifted and advanced placement programs for students. Three components of a unique gifted program are identified: (1) interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary courses; (2) character development; and (3) independent study. Advanced placement program objectives can be added to gifted programs but should not replace…

Describes how sketch journals help students make connections in their learning across the curriculum through drawing and writing. Also called observation journals, the journals provide students with a tool for observation and a place to practice writing, respond to literature, take notes, solve problems, express themselves, and think in words and…

Considers how the domains of mathematics education and history of mathematics may interact in the process of mathematics teaching. Focuses on the teachers' role and explores the relationship between research in mathematics education and the history of mathematics. Contains 24 references. (DDR)