Discusses the counterproductive trap of teaching children about ecological problems and environmental abuse. Theorizes that children may be overwhelmed by these problems and may develop an ecophobia based on classroom studies. Suggests appropriate topics and activities based on student ages, primarily to get children to bond with and love the…

This article suggests using drama activities to teach target vocabulary words to students with limited vocabulary development. It presents specific drama activities to implement when introducing new vocabulary, conducting guided practice, facilitating cooperative learning groups, and assigning independent practice. Suggestions are also offered for…

A physics teacher in a technical high school describes how he teaches outside the book through lab involvement, student projects, and thematic lessons. Describes a roller coaster construction project. (JOW)

Describes a game using synonyms designed to build students' vocabulary by developing concepts for new words and by repeating exposure to the new words. (RS)

Argues that writing parodies of poetry is a productive, nonthreatening introduction to the creative effort of poem making. Provides several suggestions that may help in the parody-writing process. (RS)

A description is given of a course project which required college students to examine presidential candidates' positions on a variety of health issues. (IAH)

Using an ABAB design, two procedures for requesting a change of activity were compared for their effect on the stereotypic behavior of a man with autism. One procedure requested immediate change of activities, whereas the second procedure gave advance notice of a change. Less stereotypy occurred when advance notice of change was given. (Author/DB)

Suggests that students create "mind maps" and wall charts to help them make and review economic connections. Recommends starting with a picture or question in the center, printing, using color, redrafting, and keeping the chart simple. Includes samples of charts produced by students. (DK)

Presents activities from "Box-It or Bag-It," a popular mathematics program designed to make elementary students think. The activities are based on the belief that children construct mathematical understandings by playing games, manipulating concrete materials, investigating problems related to personal experiences, and discussing ideas.…

Describes a Nevada elementary school's yearly Oceans Week program with schoolwide activities and integrated curricula focusing on the ocean. Each grade emphasizes different ocean habitats, and all subject areas support the theme. Hallways are decorated to look like assigned habitat, and PTA volunteers supervise activity stations. (SM)

An exercise which relates particle scattering and the calculation of cross-sections to answer the following question--"Do you get wetter by walking or running through the rain?"--is described. The calculations used to answer the question are provided. (KR)

Discusses the uses of videodisks and laserdisks in the elementary classroom. (MG)

Classroom modifications used successfully by teachers of mainstreamed students with handicaps are described. General guidelines for dealing with daily assignments and activities are outlined, followed by specific guidelines concerning worksheets, textbook/end of chapter questions, study guides, notetaking, tests, and grading. (JDD)

Describes a seventh grade language-arts unit on playwriting that provided an outlet for the drama, energy, and creativity inherent in all adolescents and proved to be a highly successful and enjoyable program of study. (MG)

Describes an exercise for the first day of courses in introductory sociology. Includes four objectives: (1) telling students what they will be able to do by the end of the class; (2) exposing them to the social construction of reality; (3) showing the power of the sociological imagination; and (4) changing students into participants in their…