The focus of this research project was to examine how problem- based learning (PBL) impacts students' interest and knowledge in computer science (CS) at the elementary level. By focusing on a problem that emphasizes social activism, we hypothesized that PBL CS could increase interest for students. We employed an iterative design-based research…

Curriculum materials for use in the vocational guidance of students in grades five, six, and seven are presented. These materials are based on several vocational development theories. The goal is the utilization of learning activities in the classroom to show students the processes through which career decisions may be made. (NS)

Designed to provide teachers with a set of goals, activities, and supporting resource materials that will assist them in providing students with opportunities to acquire computer skills, knowledge, and understanding, this document presents major concepts and related assignments for a proposed computer curriculum. Topics covered include: the…

Describes a three-year collaborative project, Investigating Our Community, involving teachers and fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Focuses on moving from mandated curriculum that defines inquiry with known outcomes to inquiry that explores the unknown knowledge and stories of their school's neighborhood. Finds that a community investigation…

This curriculum unit, intended for students in grade 6, covers the Mayas, Mayan history, and ancient civilizations. The unit was developed using Roger Taylor's collaborative team model "Connecting the Curriculum: Using an Integrated, Interdisciplinary, Thematic Approach." The unit addresses multiple intelligences, brain research,…

Achievement test results, in combination with other data, are used to help guidance counselors plan students' future educational programs to the extent that such data assist school personnel in grouping students for optimal instructional benefits. Implementation of such plans may require fitting the curriculum to the student. Two types of schemata…

Examines the impact of one unit of a curriculum module for sixth grade from the Model-based Analysis and Reasoning in Science (MARS) project. Provides an overview of this unit on mass and discusses three aspects of the evaluation of the unit. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

This curriculum guide seeks to contribute vision to the values and goals of outdoor education and to show their relevance to all curricular areas. Direction is provided for developing and implementing a dynamic curriculum in outdoor education. The guide is divided into three sections. Section I addresses the informational needs of administrators…

During the last 10 years, cognitive science researchers have produced research findings that have great potential for increasing students' understanding of science. However, commercial publishers continue to produce textbooks and teacher's guides in traditional ways. This project developed a prototype unit which used an alternative approach to…

Designed to support curriculum and to facilitate instruction and learning at the sixth grade level, this annotated bibliography contains materials found in the library at the Brawley Middle School in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. To foster cooperative planning between teacher and librarian, the bibliography provides sample activities and lessons…

This paper describes the development of a sixth-grade "Matter and Molecules" unit using a new curriculum development model based on conceptual change research, the field testing of this unit in 15 classrooms and the field test results. The development process and the resulting unit are contrasted with the unit's predecessor, the "Models of Matter"…

Describes a project of a Speech Communication Association Task Force that culminated in developing a list of major speaking and listening skills for elementary school students. Covers background, specific skills, their assessment, and ways to teach these skills. (PD)

The historical Gilgamesh was a Sumarian king of Uruk around 2700 B.C. Sumarian fragments of the legend that grew up around him have been found dating back to about 2000 B.C. These lesson plans on Gilgamesh were developed during the Office of Resources for International and Area Studies (ORIAS) summer institute on history through literature, in…

Grades four to six in three school districts representing rural, suburban, and urban school settings were exposed to a nutrition program. Results disclosed that students having access to the nutrition unit significantly out-performed students lacking access and that teachers needed to receive pre-implementation inservice education regarding the…

Describes a collaborative curriculum program developed by the library media specialist and classroom teachers for a sixth-grade unit on space exploration at a North Carolina elementary school. Staff development, shared activities of teachers and the library media specialist, and special activities in the library media center are described. (LRW)