This article argues that the sciences and the humanities are experiencing a growing mutual isolation and polarization in the college curriculum, and that an integration of the two is needed. Arts and humanities course developers are urged to incorporate elements of science instruction, including the scientific method, history and philosophy of…

The effects of the knowledge revolution on the disciplinary structure of the humanities and social sciences are examined, particularly as they concern pedagogy surrounding the doctoral degree, the highest level of accreditation for university teaching. Potential changes in the doctoral dissertation are discussed in this context. Application of the…

Examines the benefits of flexible scheduling and the initial steps used in exploring this approach. Discusses the problem of loss of instructional time and the use of an independent research period as a solution. Presents results from an external assessment, ACT score data, and CTBS scores. (DDR)

Describes two activities to analyze unit-cell structures from a geometric viewpoint and invites students to apply their mathematical understanding to scientific phenomena. Students form models of the simple cube, a building block of crystalline structures, and a methane molecule. (MKR)

Presents samples of game-display board activities designed for junior high science classes. Employs ideas from traditional seatwork and end-of-chapter exercises such as matching, multiple choice, word puzzles, and summary tables. Activities require a vertical magnetic white board and magnetic word and picture cards. Facilitates classroom…

Discusses ways to increase enrollments in college foreign language courses and build full-service language departments, suggesting nine strategies to promote interest in foreign languages. The strategies encourage faculty to reach out to students and faculty in other departments, to the community, and to the region via public programs such as film…

Describes a team-taught, interdisciplinary college honors course on politics and literature, including the origins and theoretical underpinning of the course, issues related to the intersection of the disciplines, evolution of the teacher's role in the course, and outcomes. Concludes that despite the difficulties of interdisciplinary team…

Defines thematic teaching, also known as interdisciplinary or authentic instruction, as representing cross-disciplinary programs which integrate cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes. Highlights include integrating thematic teaching into elementary school classrooms, cognitive and social learning theories, motivation, cooperative…

This article describes a learning activity, the Texas History Walk, in which third- and seventh-grade gifted students learn about life in the 1870s on the Texas frontier. The younger students interact with the actors, seventh graders role-playing characters of the 1870s. Benefits of the activity include its interdisciplinary nature, the cross-age…

Discusses the role of middle school curriculum reform, including disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and integrated perspectives, that will improve students' social, intellectual, and personal development. (JPB)

Discusses ways to improve collaborative communication between core and exploratory curriculum teachers in interdisciplinary team-taught middle schools. Considers techniques of curriculum integration, homebase/advisory alliances, extended teams, core-exploratory liaisons, rotating team connections, exploratory teams, equalized assessment,…

Focus group research methodology was used to identify professional skills regarded by educational team members (N=30) as necessary to support students who used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in general education classrooms. All valued five skills, including the ability to work together collaboratively and to maintain and operate…

Introduces the course Javametrics 101: Mastering the Art and Science of Good Coffee which is designed for nonmajor science students. Emphasizes the scientific method in an integrated curriculum. (Contains 15 references.) (YDS)

Demonstrates a model system that recreates seasonal processes on Mars. Lists necessary materials and explains the construction of the demonstration. Provides discussion questions. (Contains 11 references.) (YDS)

Discusses assessment in a standards-based setting, focusing on the importance of assessing subject content in social studies and the tensions teachers experience when incorporating standards and assessment. Describes a personal retrospective assignment on the civil rights movement, provides scoring guides for the assignment, and includes a student…