This report details the development and implementation of a Tennessee Valley Authority-funded demonstration environmental education project and the utilization of a mobile laboratory for conducting studies. Instructional materials were developed that are interdisciplinary in nature and activity oriented in approach. A discussion of the design and…

This article describes a technique for fingerpainting that is similar to one used by law enforcement agencies. A list of easily obtained materials is included, along with related photographs. (MA)

Examines the role of ecology in science instruction and offers suggestions for integrating it into an existing curriculum. Discusses the value of field work and explains the different approaches and difficulties associated with ecological field studies. Highlights the advantages of using the local environment. (ML)

Examines educators' preoccupation with aims and objectives and the impact of product-oriented education on school and curriculum organization. Considers alternative view which defines education as a lifelong process of helping people make sense of the world in which they live. Lists nine characteristics of process-oriented curriculum. (LFL)

This book presents architectural design activities for students to utilize skills in mathematics (geometry, measurement, estimating, and scale), science (materials and engineering), and social studies (surveys, contracts, community planning, and social interaction) to create a playground and to clearly express their ideas about space and play. The…

This paper discusses the value of merging real-life events with content instruction and provides six sample lessons to illustrate such instruction. A brief review of the literature notes historic recognition of the importance of applied learning, the issue of retention and transfer of learning, the approach of using content relevant experiences…

Outdoor education, or adventure education, is any educational experience which takes place outside the confines of a predetermined area. Critics of outdoor education point to its potential danger. Outdoor education activities demand physical, intellectual, emotional, and psychological involvement. The lessons learned are cooperation, sharing,…

Sponsoring an interdisciplinary program (over 30 lecture hours of geology, ecology, anthropology, ethnology, and agriculture of the Yucatan and Meso-America), Queens College and the University of Connecticut provide expeditions to Mexico and study of local geomorphology, stratigraphy, climate, topography, soils, archeological sites, flora, and…

Since young children are natural scientists, early childhood educators should view science instruction as an ongoing part of the total curriculum, easily woven into daily activities and routines. Established standards for science literacy reinforce the idea that children best learn science through hands-on, meaningful, and relevant activities.…

Describes an inquiry-based scooter activity in which students learn the mathematical concepts of measurement and proportionality and the science concepts of force, motion, velocity, and acceleration while using their problem solving skills. Explains strengths and weaknesses of the activity and includes suggestions for assessment. (YDS)

Presents four stories on humane education that can be used with lessons. Provides directions, teacher notes, and story cards on copyable sheets for students. (RT)

Described is a lesson in which the midpoint of the measuring stick (center of gravity), the balance point of the stick (fulcrum) and the arithmetic mean are assumed to be the same point. Provides content background, lesson outline, procedure, evaluation, teacher notes, and diagrammatical representations. (RT)

The Learning Cycle Model presented is an attempt to build an articulated sequence of instructional activities that foster in-depth understanding of a complex natural phenomenon through many direct experiences that include student-generated inquiry, involve student-generated explanation and interpretation, and enrich the developed network of ideas…

Presents three aspects of multi-professional shared learning. Discusses the levels of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that comprise a learner's "readiness" for Inter-Professional Learning and describes the design and implementation of a multi-professional shared-learning course. Identifies the educational principles underlying shared…

The Sierra Institute offers field studies courses across the environmental studies spectrum from sciences to humanities, seeking an interdisciplinary approach to ecological literacy. Field studies hone critical-thinking skills by combining academic inquiry with group problem solving and discussion, experiential learning of wilderness skills, and…