Adventure learning has emerged as a promising technology forum that provides students with opportunities to explore real-world issues through authentic learning experiences. Despite these promises, Adventure learning has received little empirical attention. This study examined how adventure learning affects motivation and learning outcomes with…

The child population in the United States is rapidly changing and diversifying--in large part because of immigration. Today, nearly one in four US children under the age of 18 is the child of an immigrant. While research has focused on the largest of these groups (Latinos and Asians), far less academic attention has been paid to the changing Black…

According to the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), American students' math performance deteriorates during their middle school years. While our fourth graders compare favorably with fourth graders around the world, by high school only students in South Africa and Cyprus do worse in mathematics.

Compares the values of the Akan people of West Africa and African-American cultures and works of art that embody these values. Describes each artwork (Akan crown, African-American Head Wrap, Asafo Flags, and the Harriet Powers quilt) and provides questions and activities appropriate for middle school students. (CMK)

Examines how the unfolding events in one classroom lesson brought to the fore the extent to which schools and educators explicitly draw connections between the social and historical relationship of African Americans and foreign-born blacks. A personal accounting of journeys to Africa captures how the author arrived at using a sociopolitical lens…

Describes educational changes targeting the science curriculum in Africa in response to dissatisfaction with the educational system. Attempts to qualitatively analyze and reflect on the newly introduced chemistry curriculum for beginners at grade 7 (age 13) in Ethiopian primary schools. (Contains 40 references.) (Author/YDS)

Maintains that students need certain basic data about Africa if they are to appreciate and understand developments there in the present and future. Suggests, with this objective in mind, some cognitive ideas that might be reasonably expected to be understood and retained by middle schoolers. (Author/DB)

Rainsticks are African and South American musical instruments that recreate the soothing sounds of rain. They were originally made of bamboo or dried cacti tubes. Inside the tubes are small river pebbles and cactus thorns. The longer the tube, the longer-lasting the "music." This article gives instructions for making both a large and…

This study investigated: (1) the level of thinking of the Iteso Primary School children in Uganda; and (2) whether abilities involved in the Piagetian tasks of conservation, classification, and seriation develop at the same rate. The subjects, ages 6 to 13 (the period of the 7-year African primary school) were interviewed in their own language and…

These lessons were written by African social studies specialists for U.S. middle school students to stimulate interest in and develop a positive attitude toward Africans and their culture. Each lesson provides objectives, materials, teaching procedures, and is meant to be used as a textbook supplement. To promote understanding of young Africans,…

This collection of lessons about the geography, languages, and social issues of several African countries is intended for use with students in grades 6-12. The collection contains five lesson plans: (1) "Africa Physically" (Mark Stahl); (2) "Comparisons of Education in Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Oklahoma" (Rita Geiger) (Handout…

Argues that early African civilizations should be taught to ameliorate the problem of many African-American students first encountering related peoples in discussions of colonialism and slavery. Observes that the absence of materials for middle grade teachers reinforces this tendency. Promotes the authors' teaching packs on the ancient African…

This unit is designed to introduce upper elementary and middle school students to the traditional cultures of the people of Southern Africa, particularly the Swazi. Information on housing and family life covers family structure, marriage customs, respect for ancestors, male and female roles, employment, eating customs, and handicrafts. An overview…

This interdisciplinary unit is designed as an introduction to West African culture for both teachers and students who have little background about Africa. The unit provides basic concepts and a conceptual framework for learning more about West Africa. The unit is divided into four sections with 18 lessons. Several lessons are in each section.…

Presents three activities adapted from the "How Big Is Africa?" Curriculum Guide developed by the African Studies Center of Boston University. Includes activities designed to make students aware of the diversity extant in Africa and the vastness of the continent. Targets students at the upper-elementary and middle school levels. (DSK)