Examines the use of the garden as a metaphor for cultural diversity and respect for individual differences in children's literature. Identifies and discusses major concepts concerning culture and community in such books as "The Secret Garden"; "Miss Rumphius"; and others. Includes suggested extension activities. (MJP)

The "Topic Game" offers teachers in Great Britain a way to plan schemes of work, lessons, and activities for special needs students organized around themes and subthemes, and to build banks of cross-curricular projects cross-referenced with National Curriculum attainment targets. (Author/JDD)

Outlines several methods for students at elementary levels to use cut-out lettering. Describes a name creation project, a scrabble bulletin board, and methods to teach the language arts. Maintains that, if students use their own letterforms in the classroom, they will be more involved in learning. (KM)

Presents a three-activity lesson plan based on Weir Farm, home of Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Includes three student readings, three maps, and a tabular chart. Outlines step-by-step instructional procedures and a list of books for further reading. (CFR)

In this interdisciplinary unit for grade six, kids' natural fascination with heroes is channeled to a consideration of the values and actions needed to solve global problems. Students are exposed to positive, nonviolent role models, creative thinking, problem solving, and creating artwork that expresses thoughts on environmental issues. (LZ)

Discusses ways science can be included in every activity of the preschoolers' day. Describes four characteristics of young children that are important to remember when planning science activities. Provides guidelines for developing and evaluating science activities. Presents a preschool unit on insects and offers suggestions for incorporating…

This lesson plan with background information about Native American uses of trees provides suggested activities, projects, location, and physical characteristics of a variety of trees. (MCO)

Eight field trip suggestions for the school grounds with activities to enhance such skills as observing, comparing, describing, drawing conclusions, investigating, mapping, developing vocabulary, sequencing events, inferring, interpreting, and writing for all grades and ages. (MCO)

Describes two interdisciplinary programs developed for middle school students that focus on mummies and vampires and include social studies, art, language arts, creative dramatics, and media production skills. Content, multimedia, new and interesting information, and student participation are emphasized. (11 references) (LRW)

Described is a "stock market" game in which students can strengthen many mathematical concepts and skills while learning more about economics and world events. Background information on the stock market, directions for playing the game, a worksheet, and ways to integrate other curriculum areas are included. (KR)

Describes an integrated thematic unit for children from kindergarten to third grade. Explains that the unit incorporates reading, speaking, writing, science, mathematics, social studies, and art into the study of whales. Suggests learning activities on echolocation, migration, measurement, scrimshaw, history, and human interaction with the…

Using a unit on earthworms, this article shows how science and language arts can be successfully integrated in a middle school classroom through hands-on observation, interviewing, and writing exercises. The integration process engages students, uses class time more efficiently, encourages dialog, and improves outcomes and appreciation of the…

Describes the background and development of the Activities and Readings in the Geography of the United States (ARGUS) project. Indicates that the project is part of a cooperative effort with geographers and educators in other nations. Includes a content outline of the project and four illustrative maps. (CFR)

Utilizes a letter by J. Dewey Soper as an example of how archival documents can be used in the social studies classroom and explains that in the letter Soper reported on his exploration of Baffin Land (Canada) to the acting director of the Geological Survey. Addresses possible activities and discussion questions. (CMK)

Discusses the project approach in early childhood curriculum, a natural, teacher-supported companion to teacher-directed activities that develops basic skills and recognizes the child's need for hands-on experimentation to make learning meaningful. Describes the three phases of project approach: investigation, fieldwork, and display. Offers…