The uses of random number generators are illustrated in three ways: (1) the solution of a probability problem using a coin; (2) the solution of a system of simultaneous linear equations using a die; and (3) the approximation of pi using darts. (MP)

The author recommends allowing elementary students to use pocket calculators, so that they may concentrate on the sense of a math problem without getting bogged down in computation. He presents calculator activities on place value, estimation, and arithmetic operations, suitable for grades 1-6. (SJL)

Reponses to four letters from parents and a teacher of gifted children, relating to truancy in a gifted teenager; development of a regional gifted program; strategies appropriate for a primary gifted program; and instructional activities for a parent to use with her preschool age gifted child. (SBH)

A study was undertaken to determine whether five blind children could learn to use a spatial sensor to enhance their interaction with the environment. The results of the study, in which the teaching occurred in game format, was that four of the Ss were very quickly able to use the sensor. (PHR)

Described is an activity designed to maintain a good working environment during the difficult last week and first week of school. It is a letter-writing unit that has graduating eighth graders recall their feelings about junior high school for the fall's incoming seventh graders. (KC)

Teaching strategies to involve students in discovering practical applications of the First Amendment are described. Activities include opinion surveys, court simulation, and role playing. (KC)

Contends that the teaching of mathematics permits expansion of the personality and furthers development of intellecutual independence. (Author/DB)

Described is a "joke center" where elementary school students not only learned about various kinds of humor and practiced language skills but had a terrific week of laughter as they shared favorite jokes and made up new ones. (Author/KC)

Presents a variety of approaches to help students develop understanding and positive attitudes toward the complexities of electronic sounds. (Part of a theme issue on aspects of contemporary music.) (Author/SJL)

Includes brief reports by classroom teachers on the following topics: (1) combining book reports, arithmetic, and economics; (2) vocabulary development programs; (3) an uninterrupted sustained silent reading program; (4) sex bias in textbooks; (5) expanded reading activities; and (6) a community book fair. (FL)

Two metric measurement activities that also develop other mathematical skills are given. (MK)

Suggests that innovative teaching methods such as simulation gaming be used to teach high school and college students about international relations and modern diplomacy. Demonstrates how the simulation technique was used to teach students in schools and colleges in Israel about the Middle East conflict. (DB)

Describes an experiential lesson plan for using garden snails in secondary English. Shows how the observation of snails can be tied into reading, writing, and dramatics activities. (DF)

This article gives many suggestions for using drama in the foreign language classroom. (CFM)

Describes preparation and implementation of a lesson using student activity, material in the textbook, and the concept of the time line to teach the chronological order of events in history. The lesson is designed for use by junior high school students during one class period. (CK)