This study explores the integration of Design Thinking into the Key Stage 3 Design and Technology (D&T) curriculum at a school in North-West England, focusing on fostering 21st-Century Skills alongside subject-specific knowledge. The research draws on a multiple case study approach derived from the 'Solving Genuine Problems for Authentic Users…

The study's purpose was to describe the processes, experiences, and beliefs of individuals involved in a collaborative action research project to develop a digital citizenship curriculum in Upstate Intermediate School. Teachers there did not systematically teach digital citizenship skills at the fifth- and sixth-grade levels. Facilitating the…

Cardiovascular fitness is an important aspect of overall fitness, health, and wellness, and running can be an excellent lifetime physical activity. One of the most simple and effective means of exercise, running raises heart rate in a short amount of time and can be done with little to no cost for equipment. There are many benefits to running,…

Fourth graders built a model windmill using a three-step process: (1) open exploration of designs; (2) application of a standard model incorporating features of suggested designs; and (3) refinement of preliminary models. The approach required math, science, and technology teacher collaboration and adequate time. (Contains 21 references.) (SK)

There are many reasons to consider the integration of science and language arts. The most compelling of these reasons is that there is evidence showing cognitive parallels between the two subjects. However, whether there is equal developmental progress in both areas is still unclear. The process skills that science and language arts have in common…

Curriculum integration is a systemic phenomenon that traverses both traditional and nontraditional territories. Scottsdale (Arizona) Public Schools' strategic plan includes curriculum integration elements in seven categories--community relations, curriculum and instruction, funding, human resources, management, communication, and technology. The…

Many teachers bring caterpillars into their class for their students to see the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. This is exciting and educational, but more can be done using Monarchs across the curriculum. This article describes an integrated butterfly unit for students in grades four to six that starts with identifying the Monarch…

About four years ago, a rural Maine middle school abandoned its computer classes and integrated computers into its curriculum. Now, instead of using educational software or spending lots of time on training, students are writing stories with word processors, illustrating science diagrams with paint utilities, creating interactive reports with…

Discusses the growing awareness of the important role of technology as it relates to both science and mathematics. Describes the Technology/Science/Mathematics Integration Project designed to integrate technology with science and mathematics at the middle school level. (JOW)

Biggest obstacle to Eugene, Oregon's plans to integrate middle school curricula is finding time to enable staff to develop a common vision of the future to build upon. Despite adoption of a flexible scheduling pattern, more time is needed for staff development, training, and cooperative instructional unit development. Creating teaching teams to…

Survey of 90 Virginia classrooms suggests there may be computer "crisis" in middle schools. Computers were not integral part of classrooms, teaching, or student learning. Teachers had low perceptions about computer use in classrooms and felt little commitment to increasing usage. Administrators must look beyond number of computers in…

Although lip service is frequently given to coordinated skill development in many schools, the reality resembles a mosaic patchwork of ill-defined, discrete skills taught separately by different teachers. Bucks County (Pennsylvania) Public Schools' Integrated Skill Development Project for intermediate grades is designed to promote a shared school…

Describes the practical application of interdisciplinary activities in a fifth-grade classroom. Twenty-eight students participated in a two-month unit which integrated database activities with mathematics, art, English, U.S. history, and public speaking. Illustrates that student leaders were able to understand and construct search strategies,…

Instead of trying to imitate high school programs, staff at many U.S. middle schools are working to transform school climate, become more sensitive to adolescent needs, and experiment with team arrangements, new schedules, advisory programs, and other organizational patterns. This article uses three case studies to illustrate new approaches to…

This handbook describes the curriculum and academic standards of the Edison Project's Junior Academy for students aged 11-14. The academy features a student-centered environment, daily meetings in advisory groups, family involvement, exposure to the "Greats"--world-changing ideas, outstanding works of art from different cultures, and key…