Identifies existing game and simulation resources that can be used by faculty in graduate programs in the field of higher education to provide students with experiential learning. Games and simulations are presented in three categories: organization and administration, budget and finance, and curriculum planning. (JJD)

A Canadian political role-playing sequence helps secondary students understand the workings of Parliament and clarify their own values. The issue under debate is abolition or retention of capital punishment. Article describes rationale, teacher's instructions, roles, related legislature, rules of Parliamentary debate, public opinion polls, news…

The nature and goals of classroom simulations are described, and sources of simulations are listed. Guidelines for selecting, adapting, or designing simulations are presented, and the roles of teacher and students in simulations are examined. (SD)

Scenario refers to specific courses of action/events occurring within computer simulations and attempting to recreate lifelike situations. This article identifies critical features and their elements in designing effective scenarios in computer-based instructional simulations: (1) sequence; (2) operating procedures; (3) characteristics of…

Investigates the effects of selected characteristics of a web-aided instructional simulation on students' conceptual change, problem solving, and transfer abilities. Conducts a two-pronged research study with (n=117) students enrolled in a beginning meteorology course at Iowa State University. Compares three groups--with-log group, without-log…

Presents a simple exercise to demonstrate how initial property distribution can affect final wealth patterns in developing areas of the world. Employs a variant of the Monopoly board game. Engages students in role playing different members of a market where each faces different rules of credit access and salary patterns. (RLH)

Using a simulation of the constitutional procedures on appointment of U.S. Supreme Court justices, illustrates how the separation of powers established by the Constitution affects all three branches of government. Provides an outline of the simulation procedure, a lesson plan, and a brief bibliography. (LS)

Presents five K-six lesson plans for law-related education. Mock trials by Gallagher and Michael R. Morris demonstrate a small claims court and apply concepts learned in the study of the constitution. Robey Alonzo and Steve Jenkins outline a brainstorming exercise while Katherine Zuzula offers exercises to help students understand immigration…

Discussion of the use of programming as a learning activity focuses on software-realized scaffolding. Emile, software that facilitates programming for modeling and simulation in physics, is described, and results of an evaluation of the use of Emile with high school students are reported. (Contains 95 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the implications of authentic activity as a model of learning, particularly in the design of computer-based simulations and project-based learning activities. Addresses the characteristics of problem-solving situations, educational simulations, and authentic learning activities; and identifies key guidelines in the design and development…

Four approaches are presented to teaching mathematics within a more mathematically relevant curriculum. These approaches include teaching mathematics through classroom routines and planning, children's literature, simulation, and other content areas. These approaches are felt to take advantage of the mathematical opportunities easily found in…

This paper uses the topic of rain forests to demonstrate how a meaningful and relevant Science, Technology, and Society program can be designed for intermediate-level students. Students create and immerse themselves in a tropical rain forest, explore the forest ecosystem and peoples, and consider solutions to the problem of deforestation. (JDD)

The functional skills activity, "On Your Own," provides an opportunity for adolescents with mild disabilities to apply cognitive and academic skills in the program's four phases (choosing a career, finding an apartment, furnishing the apartment, and learning to budget) involve direct instruction, hands-on activities, small-group discussions, and…

Findings from a study investigating students' reactions to a hypermedia program used to analyze real-life interactions indicated that pragmatic awareness can be developed in virtual culture contact situations. Similar interactive software in combination with ethnographic activities may be more effective in culture teaching and learning.…

Computer-based simulations of scientific phenomena provide learner-centered environments within which students can explore systems, manipulate variables, and test hypotheses. Explains how simulations fit into the big picture of instruction and offers recommendations for developing a written guide for students, determining student accountability,…