A seventh grade multimedia science curriculum, using a constructivist pedagogy, a thematic approach and a multidisciplinary organization of science has already been developed by the proposers under other funding. In this project compatible sixth and eighth grade curricula will develop which integrate material from earth science, life science and physical science, using four different themes at each grade level. The large ideas of science and science as a method of knowing are stressed. Each unit includes teacher lessons; student activities and bibliographic resources stored in software; a learning resource management tool, compatible with either IBM or MacIntosh computers, which allows teachers to choose, write and edit lessons, assign student activities, access videodiscs and review supplemental material; four videodiscs; eight hands-on activities; and pre- and in-service teacher models. Evaluation and teacher enhancement will be done in cooperation with nearby universities.
