For homework assignments to be effective, they must serve to develop skills and help students gain a sense of accomplishment. Suggestions for developing interesting, positive homework assignments that use contracts and skill cards are offered. (DF)

Intuitive ideas of probability are introduced through real-life situations. Discussion topics and activities are both included. (MNS)

Children develop enthusiasm for learning about the states when they become "tour directors." Activities to help students learn about various states and then convince others to "visit" these places are offered. (DF)

Students need to learn about the real-world issues our nation faces. They need to understand how concerned individuals gather information, consider opposing opinions, come to conclusions, and act on their beliefs. Background information, resources, and classroom activities are provided to help students understand the importance of voting. (DF)

Describes a picture game for beginner level students of English as a second language. Describes the preparation of the master bingo card and explains the game rules. This game differs from other bingo games in that there is an increase in the complexity of linquistic terms practiced throughout the game. (SED)

Describes five computer-oriented activities suitable for middle grade students. Activities focus on use of spreadsheets to record nutrition data, programs that cause lights to twinkle on a Christmas tree and balloons to burst, an arithmetic problem, and a mathematics exercise using a spreadsheet. (JN)

Developing a classroom environment where students share their ideas, feelings, and perceptions can be a challenge for the teacher. Language acquisition begins in the home and many teachers are finding ways to incorporate key aspects of the home environment into communication activities in school. Computer software that may expand the communicative…

Comments on the history of negative numbers, some methods that can be used to introduce the multiplication of negative numbers to students, and an explanation of why the product of two negative numbers is a positive number are included. (MNS)

A social learning model focusing on intrinsic outcomes of vocational programs is proposed. It would assess technical skills and knowledge, communication skills and literacy, and personal skills and attitudes. Instruments should be devised to measure characteristics of the learning setting, learner involved activities, and nature of consequences of…

An examination of writing as communication for one's self and for other audiences outlines four essentials to a successful writing-process program: (1) adequate provision of time, (2) child choice of writing topic, (3) response to child meaning, and (4) establishment of a community of learners. Study programs, as well as additional reading…

The climatic water budget model provides an analytical framework to help geography students examine the processes shaping the environment. Examples illustrate how the model can be used in geography classes. Two flow diagrams are presented to help students master quantification of water budget variables. (RM)

Describes exercises designed to teach students the differences between one-word and two-word forms. (HOD)

A study of family history is suggested as a catalyst for motivating middle grade students and for effecting learning simultaneously. Numerous activities for adding interest and for expanding learning opportunities are offered. (DG)

Artists and writers from Maine were asked to develop creative activities for a sixth-grade class. Students were encouraged to observe nature, investigate their ancestors, design logos, and think about the impossible. Several of the activities that could be adopted to relate to other states are presented. (DF)

Argues that many of the pragmatic concepts set forth by John Dewey might be modified and used in science education. Explains how this can be done. (FL)