The writing and art program described in this lesson plan employs scientific observation, descriptive writing, sketching, reading, investigation, and poetry writing to train middle school students to use their senses and focus their attention. During the four 45-minute lessons, students will: make careful observations of natural objects; write…

The shared writing program described in this lesson engages K-2 students in thinking about the process of learning and the behavioral and community needs which support a productive classroom environment. During the two 30-minute lessons, students will: participate in group discussions about learning; identify and agree on classroom goals and…

This curriculum supplement aims to bring cutting-edge medical science and basic research discoveries from the laboratories of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) into classrooms. The supplement was designed to complement existing life science curricula at both the state and local levels and to be consistent with the National Science Education…

These curriculum materials have been designed to help upper elementary students in England make a successful start at secondary school. These transition units consist of one unit involving 10 lessons at the end of Year 6 and a second unit of six lessons at the beginning of Year 7. The units use teaching objectives drawn from the primary and Key…

Maritime history is an important part of this country's past and provides a critical foundation for understanding the settlement and development of the North American continent over the past five centuries. Teachers, historians, and maritime experts have worked together to create this manual, providing educators with materials to incorporate the…

In 1893, in just 184 days, 28 million people, about one-third of the U.S. population, visited the World's Colombian Exposition in Chicago (Illinois). This lesson focuses on petitioning the federal government, peaceably assembling, and exercising freedom of speech and religion, all of which are protected by the First Amendment to the U.S.…

Long before he was a Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin was world famous for his work in electricity. He challenged the prevailing idea that there were two distinct kinds of electrical fluid, proposing that there is one kind of electricity and two charges. He invented the lightning rod which is still used today and so found a highly practical use…

Designed for preservice elementary and/or middle school teachers, this methods and resources volume compiles well-researched information on social studies education. It uses the standards recommended by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) as a foundation, thoroughly discussing the core disciplines and thematic strands. The book…

This report is one in a series of reference documents designed especially to assist educators who are directly involved in the revision and improvement of content standards. It presumes a basic understanding of the purposes for standards and the process of standards review and evaluation. This document is intended to be a desktop reference volume…

The concepts and principles of biomechanics are familiar to the teacher of physical science as well as to the physical educator. The difference between the two instructors, however, is that one knows the language of science and the other provides an experientially rich environment to support acquisition of these concepts and principles. Use of…

This article is the first of a two-part review of research on children's and adults understanding of gravity and on how best to teach gravity concepts to students and teachers. This first article concerns free fall--how and why objects fall when they are dropped. The review begins with a brief historical sketch of how these ideas were developed in…

This document presents the results of the project to develop an assessment framework and specifications for a planned 1996 Arts Education Assessment. The purpose of the project was to develop and recommend a framework and other design features for an arts education assessment that includes the areas of dance, music, theater, and the visual arts.…

This publication provides information to art educators, administrators, and concerned citizens regarding new national standards in education. A massive reform effort is taking place that requires strengthening areas and uses the "Visual Arts Standards" as a basis for five areas: (1) developing state frameworks, local curriculum, and teacher…

"Tora no Maki" or "Scroll of the Tiger" is a teacher's guide designed to aid in teaching appropriate standards for social studies content and skills, using a contemporary focus on Japan's culture and economy. Topics of the 22 lessons include: group culture, school population, economics, geography, the Internet, family values,…

Mercury is a naturally occurring and widely used element that can cause health and ecological problems when released to the environment through human activities. Though a national and even international issue, the health and environmental impacts of mercury are best understood when studied at the local level. "Mercury: An Educator's Toolkit"…