Describes a vocabulary instructional unit and the repeated encouragement, modeling, and review that helped seventh and eighth graders use context clues to learn the meanings of new words. Discusses characteristics of the instruction that contributed to its effectiveness. (SR)

This teaching guide contains the Discovery Curriculum which was extensively field tested at The National Arbor Day Foundation's Discovery Camp. The Discovery Curriculum is designed to promote wise environmental stewardship through relevant, active learning opportunities. Goals for each participant include: (1) be aware of and able to cite examples…

Presents an 11-lesson mini unit overview on wild and domestic pets. Lessons contain teacher preparation information and student activities. Skills, discipline orientation, and the humane concept associated with each lesson are also outlined. (ML)

Describes how a middle school teacher used the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia (CBNERRVA) Web site to provide scientific data for a unit on recycling. Includes sample data sheets and tables, charts results of a Web search for marine debris using different search engines, and lists selected marine data Web sites. (PEN)

Presents a unit of study for middle school mathematics that investigates number bases and their emerging patterns as a means to revisit the base-10 system. Describes how the unit incorporates recording, viewing, discussing, and journaling aspects. (SR)

Contract teaching can renew interest and add excitement to a physical education unit or program. Students are motivated by personal attention, independent practice, establishing goals, and tracking their own progress. Samples of a training schedule, task sheet, and unit contract are included for a track and field unit. (IAH)

Pupils may well enjoy studying and writing poetry if quality methods of teaching are used. A student teacher taught a unit of study on the writing of poetry to a class of sixth grade pupils who had previously shown no interest in poetry. Active involvement by learners was stressed throughout the unit. Student interest was piqued with a bulletin…

This six-lesson unit is designed to familiarize sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students with air traffic safety and the individuals who make air traffic safety possible. Each lesson consists of a statement of the concept fostered, a list of objectives, a brief discussion on the focus of the unit, and instructional strategies for lesson topics…

Describes a unit of study for the middle school which involves students in simulating the writing of the United States Constitution. Students work in small groups and pattern their own Preamble and Bill of Rights after the originals. (JDH)

Describes a history unit for middle school students focusing on their own communities. Describes getting organized, introducing the unit, and possible student projects. Adds a note of caution. (SR)

Describes a curriculum enrichment activity for gifted middle school students. Students design a long-range space travel vehicle and plan for colonizing a discovered planet. Students contact people in science and industry and produce a handbook for space travel and colonization. (DB)

The six lessons contained in this guide provide students with a basic understanding of the scientific and environmental principles that govern modern package design and development. By completing the activities that accompany each of the lesson plans, students will be able to: (1) define a package and describe its functions; (2) differentiate…

Intended to help teachers and librarians stimulate middle school students' reading curiosity, this book provides practical and useful units for the study of literary genres that include stimulating, enjoyable, and meaningful activities. The book contains nine chapters. Chapter 1 presents a curriculum planning blueprint for teaching literature for…

An example of a unit of study in social studies for the middle school using learning center experiences to enhance and enrich the learning process is provided. In the learning center approach to individualizing instruction, the teacher facilitates and guides, but the students are ultimately responsible for their own progress. This unit, intended…

As an example of strategies that middle grade teachers can use to teach about a country using a standard textbook, a lesson on Canada is presented. The lesson is made up of four parts: geographic overview of Canada, identification and simplification of landscape, exploration and settlement, and elements of Canadian culture. (RM)