In a perfect world, what would a good classroom strategy look like? It would have to work for any teacher at any grade level in any discipline; be backed by current research in learning theory; be elegant and simple to facilitate but differentiate for each student; be cost effective but use a diverse selection of materials; and be active and…

Describes a partnership between the Museum of Natural History at Wilson College and an elementary school, in which the museum provided the school with access to its services and facilities, a newsletter, teacher workshops, and access to educational resources, while the school's obligations included administrative support and access to the faculty.…

Reports on a school project that focuses on a lake's ecosystem and engages students in data collection and analysis. Data are shared with the local government to assist with the monitoring of water quality. Includes tips on group cooperation and assessment. (DDR)

Describes two model water education programs. The River Ecology Program teaches students basic ecological concepts related to rivers, explores the impact of human activities on rivers, and helps students develop an attitude of stewardship for rivers. The Wetlands Watch Program has students conduct studies related to local wetlands and respond…

Describes a partnership project in which sixth-grade students researched the controversial topic of how the feral horses at Cumberland Island National Seashore are affecting the island's natural habitats. The students met actual scientists, and made the research topic one of local concern. (JRH)

Recently, the authors engaged in a collaborative inquiry with a sixth grade science class to explore mind mapping, a graphic organizer that can be used to generate ideas, take notes, develop concepts and ideas, and improve memory (Buzan 1979). With a very limited body of research available on how to best use mind maps in the classroom, the authors…

Explains the use of student reflections as a way of promoting instructional scaffolding. Concludes that scaffolding helps students develop skills through a structured practice of those skills within a specific subject matter, electricity. (SOE)

Presents an interdisciplinary activity that combines math and science and enhances cooperative learning skills. Enables students to learn about the scientific method by designing an original research project, collecting and interpreting data, and drawing conclusions based on their research. (JRH)

Describes a partnership project where each fourth and fifth grade classroom of an elementary school has a "buddy class" at a neighboring middle school. Elementary and middle school students work together in solving scientific or mathematical problems. Helps students at both schools improve their math and science skills as well as their…

Describes a partnership project between a school and the local community that aimed at transforming the school campus into a beautiful multipurpose area that serves the entire community. Provides students with an in-depth integrated study of plants and gardening and increases awareness of ecological conservation and environmental interactions.…

Vertical connections, constructed using inquiry, give students the skills to reach new heights in both their academic and local communities. In this article, the authors present inquiry projects, developed by middle level teachers, to ensure that students use higher-level thinking skills to improve the community. Each project is connected to the…