The Challenger Center for Space Science Education is a not-for-profit educational organization founded in 1986 following the Challenger 51-L space shuttle tragedy. This packet contains a variety of separate sheets and brochures providing information about the activities of the Challenger Center. Challenger Learning Centers provide hands-on,…

To better understand the turn-of-the-century United States, this interdisciplinary lesson (covering 6-8 weeks) integrates use of primary resources with historical and literary analysis. Students work in groups and express themselves creatively through a multi-media epic poem. The artistic models for the students' multi-media epic poem are Walt…

Suggesting that every child has the right to know first-hand the power and possibility that comes from being a literate individual, this textbook offers prekindergarten through primary education preservice teachers the opportunity to participate in the thinking and decision making that face teachers of young children. Selected theoretical…

The Health Sciences and Technology Academy (HSTA), administered through West Virginia University, provides professional development to science teachers who partner with higher education faculty in a science and math enrichment program for financially disadvantaged African American students. This program focuses on human nutrition and has…

The often-competing issues that accompany high-stakes testing pose challenges for even the best and most experienced principals. For example, time allotted for teaching test-taking skills and practice is sometimes "stolen" from science and social-studies courses. Some parents are concerned that students are missing out on a critical part of their…

Formal and informal assessment of interdisciplinary courses in learning communities indicate that communicating across disciplines is a problem that can diminish the effectiveness of these courses. A new discipline called the Science of Creative Intelligence (SCI) has been used for 27 years at Maharishi University of Management (Iowa) to…

Offers a detailed description of a unit designed to explore the effectiveness of communication through the media that emphasizes all modes of communication--listening, speaking, reading, and writing. (AEA)

If technology is to have more than a modest impact on curriculum design, educators must embrace a new paradigm integrating technology in the classroom. Describes LoTi (levels of technology implementation), an instrument to measure the degree to which computers are used to support concept-based or process-based instruction, consequential learning,…

This article contains three parts and revolves around the theme of canoeing. Owners of an outdoor outfitter explain how they use mathematics daily in their business and in trip planning. Also describes the life of fur traders before 1850. Suggestions for teachers include advice on planning a canoe trip with mathematics students. Contains planning…

In the past, algorithm animation has yielded mixed results as a teaching tool in computer science. This article presents a study in which undergraduates at George Washington University (DC) viewed algorithm animations and then programmed the same algorithms. Results suggest that combing the two is an effective way to use animation and to produce…

A high school library media specialist advises teaching search engine skills by incorporating them into existing instructional units. Describes how search engines were introduced in an eighth-grade computer literacy class. Presents class activities, and provides tips for teachers. Includes addresses for eight search engines and three sites…

Describes a computer mentor program that was developed by the University of Maryland and the Prince George's County Public Schools (Maryland) to help teachers learn to integrate computers into their instruction. Topics include a course for the mentors, school administrative support, and results of program evaluations. (LRW)

Examines gender differences in computer use, citing male- oriented software as a possible reason girls are turned off, and highlights traditionally feminine and gender-neutral games. Describes ways of encouraging females: all-female computer and math classes, pairing students, mentoring, integrating technology into content areas, early…

This paper presents theoretical principles of the whole language approach and its historical interdisciplinary influences. Suggestions for implementing whole language intervention with language-disordered children are presented, such as using theme building to achieve long- and short-term objectives, using scaffolding strategies, and using…

Explains how a world civilization course at Butler University (Indiana) was significantly enhanced after a geographic perspective was used to introduce students to various cultures. Describes the units on China and pre-revolutionary Russia. Outcomes included a better understanding and appreciation for geography by both students and teachers. (GG)