As science education shifts toward integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) approaches, guidelines for designing teaching and learning episodes that integrate curricular content and procedures from multiple disciplines become increasingly in demand. The existing plethora of conceptualizations of STEM makes difficult such…

Elementary school goals for instruction focus on developing literate readers and writers. Provides examples of integrated interdisciplinary and thematic instruction. Recommends the use of thematic instruction with an interdisciplinary focus to meet National Science Education Standards and National English Language Arts Standards. (Author/SJR)

Elementary education in China is mainly subject-based and courses are offered by discipline. Because of this, it is impossible to offer a special course in environmental education in elementary schools. This article explains that the best approach to teach environmental education to elementary schools is to integrate environmental education by…

This Digest focuses on the method of teaching foreign languages in Kindergarten through Grade 8 using content-based instruction. In this approach, the foreign language is used as the medium for teaching subject content, such as mathematics or social studies. In content-based instruction, students become proficient in the language because the focus…

Types of elementary social studies curricula can be categorized according to the amount of subject integration included in each approach. Individual subjects such as history, geography, or economics may be presented as separate and distinct, or these descriptives may be integrated fully within the presentation of social studies materials. Faculty…

Examines negotiated curriculum and the teacher's framing questions when helping students design curriculum. Offers examples from a multiage classroom of seven- to nine-year-old students. (SR)

Provides an annotated bibliography of 10 ERIC documents and journal articles that focus on the interdisciplinary approach to elementary school social studies curriculum development and instruction. Specifically includes information on integrating language arts, art education, and global education in social studies. (CFR)

Provides a description of five levels of curriculum integration at the middle level, specifically: departmentalization, reinforcement, complementary or shared units, webbed, and integrated themes. Discusses curriculum integration in relation to preservice and inservice programs, common planning time, team composition, time issues, and…

Describes the teacher preparation program at Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania), which integrates various disciplines across its academic program and field experiences. Notes the program's major concepts: reflection, collaboration, and conceptual thinking. (HTH)

A project was developed to establish improved educational methods, techniques, and tools as well as to provide the knowledge base for educational innovation and programs of integrated curricula in primary schools. This final report highlights work conducted during 1980-81 in seven member countries of the Asian Program of Educational Innovation for…

Describes how one teacher uses an integrative approach in making her day-to-day classroom decisions. A brief overview of the concerns and decisions characterizing this approach is followed by a description of how a third-grade teacher and her students mutually constructed a lesson about Japan. (BB)

This 1972 Distinguished Achievement Award Entry is the Art Education Program at Kutztown State College, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. The program leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Master of Education in Art Education degree. Courses are also available in special education. Admission to the undergraduate program is accomplished through a selective…

Noting the importance of agriculture in a developing nation, this manual provides primary school teachers with ideas for lessons and activities that can be taught in the school garden setting to improve students' application of skills acquired in class. The guide provides examples of specific lesson plans in science, math, social studies, and…

The supplementary curriculum guide is designed to assist elementary classroom teachers in presenting a career education program based on: recognition of student needs, integration of career oriented mini-courses into the curriculum, relation to job clusters, and development of guidance concepts and methods. Coordinated with CE 005 139,…

Asserts that students need opportunities to solve problems by making concept connections from many disciplines. Integrating mathematics and social studies can help. Includes 20 class activities and a chart recommending which grade levels are most appropriate for each activity. (CFR)