Using Central Conceptual Structure theory as an heuristic, learning sequences in the acquisition of number knowledge are described in three forms that bridge theory and practice: as a four-stage theoretical progression, as items on a developmental test created to test the theoretical progression, and as learning objectives in a curriculum designed…

Describes a teaching experience with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students who participated in a project designed to give students opportunities to use a variety of mathematical skills while creating a peaceful community of friends. Concludes with ideas for adapting the project for other occasions and involving other mathematics skills. (KHR)

Defining "curriculum" is difficult, because, as a multidimensional term, it has been given a variety of definitions throughout the years. Although the curriculum field has deepened and diversified impressively during the past decades, it still seems unlikely that any definition will ever fully capture all the meanings, characteristics,…

Presents a trade book that can be used in teaching the life cycle of butterflies. Includes sample activities and Internet resources. (KHR)

Describes a camping experience and its activities created for girls entering 6th grade who wanted to learn science and explore science-related fields. Indicates that the camping experience for girls promoted positive attitudes toward science learning. (KHR)

Describes how 4th grade students thought like mathematicians and illustrates their thinking through classroom vignettes. (KHR)

Presents activities that have been proven to teach young learners to sort and classify objects that contain more than one attribute. The activities require that students employ the use of sorting hoops and attribute blocks to create Venn diagrams, the assembly of which requires practice. Includes cross-curricular uses of these learning tools.…

Discusses the topic-based approach for primary classroom curriculum. Focuses on the appropriateness of the approach for the acquisition of language and literary skills by children with learning difficulties. (RJC)

Reports the results of three studies conducted to determine the efficacy of the Early Literacy Project in improving the reading performances of elementary students with mild disabilities. Results indicate the program has been effective in accelerating literacy learning and can be integrated into the general education curriculum. (Author/CR)

Facilitating Effective Learning and Teaching (FELT) is a program that involves the systematic analysis of learning by students. It identifies the processes of reflection and making implicit knowledge explicit in changing one's understanding of learning. The present investigation examines the prediction that students can enhance their…

Presents cooperative classroom projects using science as the initial basis for the study of bears. These projects may also involve other areas of the curriculum such as mathematics, art, and music. "Black Bear" activities include following a park ranger to study our National Parks and researching and building a full-sized brown bear…

Describes how to use a well-known book, "Caps for Sale", with children as a springboard for mathematical problem solving. Presents patterning problems, problems created by the student, problems with a known total and unknown parts, and problems with known parts and an unknown total. (KHR)

Presents procedures for weather studies as exciting and relatively simple research projects for students to perform. Expects that students gain an accurate view of the scientific process in addition to real-world experience as they face challenging setbacks and make unexpected discoveries along the way. Includes cross-curricular applications.…

Considers the setting of priorities for making decisions about school curriculum. Demonstrates how curricula in three schools reflect philosophies and priorities for learning which the schools have established. The evolution of elementary school curriculum is discussed in light of political, social and economic forces. Problems in setting future…

Describes a shared reading experience with a student. Focuses on making connections and the student's engagement with mathematics. (KHR)