Integrated STEM education within North America has become a popular pedagogy; however, teachers identify challenges that arise when planning for and implementing integrated STEM education. These challenges may threaten STEM teachers' capacity to balance disciplinary and integrated learning, a core feature of effective STEM education. The purpose…

Policymakers and industry leaders are calling for a 21st century education that is more interdisciplinary in nature, including the ability to solve problems and think creatively. Traditional teaching practices that present subjects as separate and distinct disciplines do not encourage students to make connections between subjects in school and in…

Teaching science via a socio-historical approach utilizing selected concepts related to the social and historical development of science and selected concepts related to atomic energy was found to be feasible. (Author/CP)

Describes knowledge for teachers as curriculum designers and a framework for interdisciplinary unit development. Includes an example of the framework in action. (Author/MM)

Examines middle school integrated mathematics and science education from the perspectives of theory and practice. A conceptual framework in the form of a mathematics/science continuum is included to lend clarity and precision to the phrase "integrated mathematics and science." Discusses barriers to integrating mathematics and science. (Author/SJR)

Discusses the nature of science and technology and provides a number of examples to illustrate the impact that science and politics have had on each other. Advocates the need for the development of courses which integrate science, politics, and social change. (JR)

Reform efforts have renewed attention to science and mathematics integration and brought to the surface varied definitions of "integrated,""interdisciplinary," and "thematic." In an attempt to clarify the meaning of integration, eight manuscripts are presented that clearly indicate that the inconsistent use of language continues to exist and has…

Presents a model for developing theme-based, interdisciplinary, integrated curriculum. Model includes a theme-creation phase and an activity-refinement phase. The integrated continuum model is intended to be used by curriculum developers to facilitate the creation of powerful interdisciplinary lessons. (Author/SJR)

An integrated physical science course of approximately 40 instructional hours for eighth graders is described. The materials and text were prepared in accordance with the overall program for secondary school science drawn up by the Israeli Ministry of Education. (Author/MK)

Discussed is the development of the science-technology-society (STS) rationale for curriculum and instruction. Presented is an effort to strengthen the rationale behind STS education by applying to it parallel theory and research taken for the wider curriculum field. (KR)

The history of mathematics and science integration in American schools is a continuum which runs from math for math's sake to science for science's sake. While examples of the integration of process skills are common, integration of content is not. Presents two lessons developed around radioactive decay and efficiency. Suggests that changes in…

Reports results of a study which identified differences between schools (N=64) which accepted, rejected, or made exploratory use of an innovative marine curriculum. Includes brief descriptions of course units and the study's implications. (DS)

Described is the relationship between a middle school and a medical school. Discussed are the background; selection, recruitment and enrollment of students; fostering teacher commitment and cooperation; curriculum design and implementation; student and parent involvement; and applicability to other settings. (KR)

Describes features and offerings of Project AIMS (Activities that Integrate Mathematics and Science) which relies on materials developed and written by teachers and uses inexpensive, easily acquired equipment and supplies. The focus is on hands-on mathematics and science. Includes a brief critique of the program. (MKR)

Describes a project that enrolled 36 secondary mathematics and science teachers to work cooperatively to plan a program to help integrate mathematics and science concepts. Thirteen ninth grade study units having a laboratory or demonstration component were developed, field tested, and evaluated. Teachers noted differences in using mathematics.…