Children are active watchers of the world as they learn to be a part of their community. Field trips are a key component in addressing the 10 themes of the social studies standards through experiential learning. The authors recognize that in today's tough economic times, field trips that require additional funding may not be possible for all…

Whether playing outdoors or working on the farm, rural children acquire science and engineering skills throughout their daily lives. Although 11.4 million children in the United States grow up in rural areas, compared to 14.6 million in urban areas, relatively little attention is given to rural science education. This article demonstrates that…

Describes a course on teaching and learning resources which relied solely upon students borrowing instructional materials from outside organizations, and was designed to provide students with an exposure to a wide variety of instructional media and with skills in the selection and evaluation of instructional materials. (CMV)

Provides an overview of NATURESPACE, 4-H's new approach to environmental education. Explains its origin, philosophical orientation, and program possibilities. States how the goals of environmental literacy, personal resource management, citizenship, life-long learning, and career awareness are addressed through a variety of programs. (ML)

The possibilities for community-based learning at the secondary level are discussed. Experiential learning opportunities are perceived as legitimate experiences occurring in nonschool settings that may serve as alternatives to formal curriculum or as means for augmenting classroom learning. Practical suggestions are made for the teacher who wishes…

An experiential learning program for secondary moderate and severe mentally handicapped students allows them to learn practical skills and habits needed for adulthood. The program incorporates meaningful jobs within the school, on school grounds, and within the community. Components include a classroom store, practical reading lessons involving…

Provides a photographic essay describing the Los Angeles (California) Museum of Contemporary Art outreach education program. Describes three components of the program: (1) community outreach; (2) museum/artist studio visits; and (3) return visits. Outlines how participants engage in interactive discussions and art-making during the eight sessions…

Presents a career education project offering a real-world experience to sixth-grade students in a shopping mall. Describes development and implementation of the project which provided students with a one-time experience as quasi-store-employees. Discusses follow-up activities and feedback received from children and parents. (RC)

Community leaders employ a blend of tangible tools, but the effectiveness of these tools depends on leadership skills. Describes five leadership qualities (purpose, values, talents, resources, and vision), and presents questions on each for leaders to reflect upon and answer. Sidebar describes a community leadership activity based on an adventure…

Describes the support given by a Miami (Florida) area chamber of commerce to a group of junior high school students starting a school-based junior chamber of commerce. Visits by chamber members to the school and by students to chamber meetings and local businesses were part of the program. (PGD)

Reports from the second and third semesters of the operation of the Chicago Public High School for Metropolitan Studies, covering the year from July 1970 to June 1971, follow up earlier documents reflecting the content and philosophy of this alternative school. A chronology of second semester events opens the second semester report, followed by…

During the 20th century, the involvement of communities in education has deteriorated, and the school and the community have evolved into separate worlds. This chapter describes ways in which a typical high school has increased its interactions with its own community. Those interactions have two dimensions: to bring the community into the school…

Programs that educate students about their local community's history and ecology, and enable student interaction with the community through service and experiential learning are helpful to high-risk students, promote socially responsible citizenship, instill a sense of place, and can develop local funding and resources. Gives examples of local…

Describes a rehabilitation counselor training program, the Independent Living Project, that attempts to meet the needs of a community agency while simultaneously providing students with a paid work experience, direct client contact, and an opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills learned in counselor education programs. (Author/RC)

Describes a South Carolina family-science program featuring nongraded recreational weekend programs conducted by experts at their facilities. The format allows in-depth presentation of topics using community resources, lets elementary students experience real applications of science and see scientists as role models, and strengthens parent/child…