Based on one middle school teaching team's curriculum improvement project, this monograph makes a case for actively involving students in all aspects of the teaching/learning process by means of a student-oriented curriculum. The goal of the project described was to provide an opportunity for students to study thematic units, working cooperatively to integrate all subject areas within a daily block of time. The monograph provides an account of the project undertaken and the successes and lessons learned, and aims at encouraging and guiding those who seek to empower students and integrate learning. Following a brief introduction, the second section of the monograph, "Preparing for Implementation," addresses how to start a similar project. The third section, "Team Building," addresses overcoming years of instructional passivity. The fourth section, "The Environmental Unit," presents a case inquiry project. The fifth section, "Assessment," addresses measuring student learning. The sixth section, "Inclusion," addresses special needs students in this project. The seventh section, "The Crime Unit," presents a second case inquiry project. The eighth section, "Expanding the Integrated Block," further addresses thematic units, while the ninth section, "The Future Unit," addresses still another thematic unit. The tenth section, "The Survival Unit," describes the final unit of the year. The final section, "Lessons Learned," presents 16 lessons derived from the year-long experience. (SD)