Described is a interdisciplinary unit on space. During the planning of their projects, students become immersed in talking about ideas, writing, designing, and illustrating a space colony. The unit relates science to language arts, social studies, mathematics, art, and music. (KR)

Reports on several elementary and junior high schools which use mock trials; drama; a legal outreach program; and a teen court, in which teenagers assist in juvenile court cases, to help students learn about the legal system. Statistics show that this hands-on experience is more effective than classroom teaching alone. (SM)

Describes innovative ways elementary teachers turned watching and producing television programs into active, hands-on learning. Students created a videotaped student book review program, watched the weather channel, viewed public television's after school "Homework Helpline," and tuned into educational programs that could be linked to…

This chapter discusses the origins of the case method, looks at the question of what is a case, gives ideas about learning in case teaching, the purposes it can serve in the classroom, the ground rules for case discussion, including the role of questions, and new directions for case teaching. (MLW)

Four reports are presented including "Alternative Approaches to Assessment of Practical Work in Science"; "Introducing Multicultural Science Teaching to a Secondary School"; "A Case Study on the Relative Performance of Boys and Girls in Chemistry Part II"; and "An INSET Technique--Developing a New Consensus." (CW)

The communicative/experiential syllabus explores new ways to teach and learn language, addressing concerns that language instruction focuses narrowly on the analytical aspect of language learning. In the syllabus, the classroom is considered a rich and authentic environment for experiences based on content, not just language, contributing to…

Maintains that many educators have recommended that public school students need to develop social action skills and participate in community service programs. Discusses student volunteer participation in community food service programs. Provides recommendations for teachers about developing such programs. (CFR)

Describes a weekend residential trip at a British outdoor education center aimed at assessing primary students for the National Curriculum. Instructors constructed personal profiles based on assessment of math, science, geography, and technology and observation of personal and social skills. Formal assessment was conducted during structured group…

Asserts that traditional field study, widely regarded as an essential part of geographical higher education, is under attack because of high costs and poor administration. Describes a case study of an undergraduate program that combines training in field study with research and presentation skills. (CFR)

Using a unit on earthworms, this article shows how science and language arts can be successfully integrated in a middle school classroom through hands-on observation, interviewing, and writing exercises. The integration process engages students, uses class time more efficiently, encourages dialog, and improves outcomes and appreciation of the…

Students in an undergraduate political science course that integrated classroom instruction and community service (n=37) were significantly more likely than were those in traditional discussion sessions (n=52) to report that they had performed to their potentials, learned to apply principles, and developed a greater awareness of social problems.…

Presents an activity in which students model the processes of meiosis, fertilization, development, and birth using model creatures called reebops. Students breed reebops to analyze chromosome combinations. Makes recommendations for activity utilization and identifies the strengths of the activity. (MDH)

Discusses the inherent flaws in considering and using the epistemology of the natural sciences as equivalent to a pedagogic basis for teaching and learning in the natural sciences. Discusses the difference between practicing science and learning to practice science. Concludes with the presentation of three new motives for the use of laboratory…

Uses the metaphor of the experiential educator as midwife to illustrate the importance of creating a safe and nurturing educational environment. To accomplish this, teachers must manage logistics, guard the initial learning environment, serve as nurturer, establish relationships, acknowledge commonalities and differences, remain a learner, create…

Reports on an experimental program in which preservice education students worked as Junior Achievement consultants in elementary schools. Discusses successful results and aspects of the project that could be improved. Concludes that the program could be replicated successfully in teacher education programs throughout the country. (CFR)