Recommends the use of meteor scenarios in the classroom and describes how to conduct this activity. Discusses how to integrate mathematics, language arts, and social studies into the science curriculum. (YDS)

Explores folktales from China, Africa, and Russia suggesting ways to utilize them in the social studies classroom as a means to teaching children about other cultures. Warns that when using folktales it is important to explain that the folktales do not bear a one-to-one relationship with present-day societies. (CMK)

Describes a unit for third-grade students where they learn about the Pilgrim's experiences on the Mayflower. Explains that in order to bring history alive for the students, each student is assigned the name of a Pilgrim child who was on the Mayflower and assumes the identity of that child throughout the unit. (CMK)

Describes implementation of concepts of collaborative learning, learning communities, and interdisciplinary learning to help students integrate into college life and improve retention at Portland Community College (Oregon). Also summarizes implementation of these concepts at six other institutions. (DB)

Discussion of Michigan State University's future reviews its history as the first land grant university and suggests that the 21st century institution will center around four dominant features: (1) information technology; (3) economic competitiveness; (3) quality of life; and (4) outreach. Urges focus on multidisciplinary nature of research…

Explains that a goal of symphony orchestra education programs is to enhance the attainment of concepts associated with the elementary music curriculum, but there is little evidence of student learning as a result of these programs. Finds one exception is the assessment component of the Arts in Community Education Partnership (Milwaukee,…

Discusses the outcomes of research on best practices in middle school education. Explores middle school grade configuration, interdisciplinary teaming, curricular standards, and teacher preparation and certification. (WRM)

Discusses science education reform and changes in teaching and learning processes. Compares higher order cognitive skills to lower order cognitive skills in learning, and gives rationales for advocating higher order cognitive skills. (Contains 38 references.) (YDS)

A survey of one region in Scotland attempted to identify the number and characteristics of children with dysgraphia, multidisciplinary and inter-professional services and relationships, and the role of electronic keyboards or word processors. Among detailed findings was that 20 percent of children had stopped using keyboards with the most frequent…

Integrating nutrition into elementary mathematics curricula can help students develop skills for healthful food choices that will prepare them for healthy adult life. Nutrition science incorporates numerous mathematical concepts and procedures. Curriculum integration provides a framework for children to apply knowledge from several disciplines and…

Describes how one urban middle school teacher uses young adult literature to encourage lively class conversations, to develop students' fundamental skills, and to sharpen their abilities to connect literature with their own lives. Discusses parent/guardian permission and interdisciplinary connections, supplementary readings, literature…

North Carolina recently developed a licensure program requiring teacher training to include the three strands of child development, early childhood education, and early childhood special education. This article describes the new licensure, explains its effects on both preservice and inservice teacher education, examines efforts to help higher…

Explains the development of an interdisciplinary unit in which students learn basic chemistry and laboratory techniques while practicing English, mathematics, art, social studies, and leadership skills. Includes details about lab activities, assessment strategies, and science extensions. (DDR)

Identifies and criticizes eight myths of curriculum integration. Points out the high, real, and certain costs of curriculum integration relative to the low, vague, and difficult-to-measure benefits. Questions the ability of curriculum integration to improve achievement, facilitate accurate accountability, and generate appropriate curriculum…

Explores a creative middle-school structure that provides a block of about two hours in the school day when one teacher has a group of students engaged in a variety of interdisciplinary activities. The concepts of learning circles and group-dependent projects are discussed. The core of the proposed middle school is constructivism. (SLD)