Article discusses the four elements of good elementary science programs and offers ideas for creative hands-on science and across-the-curriculum activities (e.g., a please touch science center, curriculum planning chart, and getting to know you water activity). It notes science-related events and describes four science reference books. (SM)

Presents an annotated bibliography of ERIC materials on critical thinking instruction, focusing on general approaches, and critical thinking approaches linked to developmental education, writing instruction, and other disciplines. (DMM)

This article describes a drama program developed at Reading University (Great Britain) for special education students and teachers at the secondary level, which sought to develop initiative, leadership, ability to think for oneself and adapt to change, and ability to work as a team member. (DB)

Hampshire College (Massachusetts) offers an introductory, interdisciplinary course on the effects of drugs on the body to get students to think creatively and critically about science. It is hoped that, by becoming scientists for a term, they will experience both the power of science and its fallibility. (The course syllabus is included.) (MSE)

This article describes "Thinking Actively in a Social Context," a multiphase model to assist in the development of problem-solving courses based on student needs and experiences. An example of such an interdisciplinary course (simulating a new settlement on another planet) for high ability children in grades five, six, and seven is detailed. (DB)

Drexel University (Pennsylvania) will overhaul its first- and second-year curricula by using extensive team teaching, designing interdisciplinary courses, introducing students to their majors earlier, and having students work in small groups. A pilot program in engineering has been successful. Goals are to improve education and boost retention.…

This article presents general information on visually impaired children with progressive, terminal neurodegenerative disorders including implications for the classroom, specific techniques to help the child live and learn, and the development of multidisciplinary support systems including both professionals and family members. (DB)

Young adolescents have diverse learning needs. If teachers accommodated the complete learning cycle by designing instructional units that began with romance activities, led to precision opportunities, and culminated in generalization projects, students could develop their diverse talents while avoiding boredom with uninspiring precision…

This article reviews the evolution of collaboration and consultation as they relate to special education and considers the current status of these approaches to serving learners with mild handicaps. Future trends are thought to include increased societal emphasis on collaboration and alternative school structures and approaches. (DB)

Describes instruction in language arts, mathematics, computers, physical education, sciences, and social studies at O'Farrell Community School. Notes that students are taught by interdisciplinary teams of six teachers. (PRA)

Examines issues surrounding socioethical topics. Argues that professional responsibility operates at three distinct but interconnected levels: individual (moral-philosophical), professional (sociological), and societal (multidisciplinary). Argues that the nature of sociology inevitably leads to facing ethical issues as professional rather than…

Describes a term paper assignment where students are allowed to pick a topic that interests them based upon the course focus and course format. Authors have found that, if students are interested in a topic and it is relevant to them, some of the onerousness that students associate with writing can be significantly reduced. (PR)

Article presents suggestions for motivating elementary students to learn by combining science and writing. The strategies include planning the right environment; teaching the scientific method; establishing a link to literature; and making time for students to observe, experiment, and write. (SM)

The "Villette" classroom approach involves week-long stays in settings dedicated to the exploration of a particular theme in science. The combination of French language and science education is being tried in several countries and at intermediate and advanced levels of language competence. (CNP)

Describes Project Marco Polo in which students, teachers, and staff from "National Geographic" and the U.S. Navy traveled to Japan. Reports that they studied Japanese culture, oceanography, and natural science while on the trip. Includes excerpts from field journals kept by the participants, photographs of the trip, and a map. (DK)