With so many natural resources in peril today, people need to examine how they excavate an archaeological site on land or a Spanish galleon found buried in an ocean coral reef. In this activity plan for seventh graders, the task involves a letter from the National Oceanographic Association (NOA) announcing the opportunity for university marine…

This interdisciplinary two-week unit simulates a trip to South Africa as part of a U.S. delegation sent to observe what is happening politically, economically, and culturally in the post-apartheid transition. Students explore and experience a number of real-life events and situations which might be encountered on an actual trip. The tasks…

In this lesson, students create an African Art Museum. Student teams research the culture and art history of particular regions in Africa. They collect art images for the museum, studying aspects of each artwork's creation and its relation to the culture. Each team will give the class a guided tour of its wing of the museum. Teams consist of…

Meta-analysis was used to assess the effect of metacognitive instruction on reading comprehension. Twenty studies from the reading research literature were compiled and quantitatively synthesized. Results affirm the effectiveness of metacognitive strategies, especially for junior high school students. Textual inconsistency awareness,…

Provides a lesson plan that introduces students in grades seven-nine to artistic depiction of a specific time and place. Explores Joseph Mallord William Turner's "Burning of the Houses of Parliament" as both visual record and emotional interpretation. Lists instructional strategies for description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment.…

A survey study asked Australian experienced teachers during workshops to rate what they believed to be the most difficult aspects of mathematics in grades seven and eight. Problem solving, number sense, and rational numbers were rated as most difficult. The research question provided a catalyst for action in professional development programs. (MDH)

Describes a class activity in which students create word problems associated to specific arithmetic problems that are then edited in their English class. Using the computer laboratory and a word-processing program under the supervision of the media specialist, the problems are compiled in a booklet, printed, and distributed. (MDH)

Describes a simulation exercise used in a seventh-grade class to teach about the conflict between Mexican Americans and European Americans living in Texas prior to the Mexican War. Reports on student response to the activity. Asserts that student understanding and empathy for the Mexican Americans is a result of the lesson. (CFR)

This teaching unit celebrates the 15th anniversary of the twinning of the prefecture of Hokkaido (Japan) and the province of Alberta (Canada) by providing students opportunities to learn more about the two areas and their relationships. Coordinated to address objectives in the grade 7 program of studies on cultural transition, the activities…

This activity guide, developed to provide environmental education through a series of hands-on activities geared to Raven Rock State Park in North Carolina, is targeted for grades 5, 6, and 7 and meets curriculum objectives of the standard course of study established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Three types of activities…

Using primary sources, this unit explores the founding of the 12th and most successful of the English colonies in North America, Pennsylvania. Established by the Quaker civil libertarian William Penn, Pennsylvania was intended to demonstrate that a society founded on mutual respect, tolerance, and individual responsibility could flourish. The…

This unit is one of a series that presents specific moments in history from which students focus on the meanings of landmark events. To explore the African past it is necessary to examine African civilization before colonization and to expose students to the richness that this past reflects. This unit provides students with a taste of the African…

This paper examines theories of human development within the context of the models presented by the schools of cognitive learning, behavioralism, psychoanalysis, and humanistic views of growth. Stress is placed on the stages of human development that provides a means of better meeting the needs of students ages 10-14 in the middle school milieu.…

This guide contains 29 learning modules intended for use by technology teachers and students in grade 8. Each module includes a student laboratory activity and instructor's resource sheet. Each student activity includes the following: activity topic and overview, challenge statement, objectives, vocabulary/concepts reinforced, equipment/supplies,…

These guidelines for new and experienced educators conducting a career investigation program are the basis for revision of vocational education in Texas. Career investigation, a seventh- or eighth-grade semester course, combines vocational and business education courses and assists students in making meaningful and informed educational and career…