Describes an approach of two elementary school teachers in combining instruction in reading and science. Students brainstorm a list of things they know about a topic; then they generate a list of things they wish to find out. Students read and conduct science activities to find out what they wish to know. Then students summarize what was learned.…

Describes activities with organisms from freshwater ponds and ditches. Several experiments involve predation, some involve habitat choices, and one addressees the role of sunlight in supporting plant-eating animals. (PR)

Describes a drama where students play the parts of NASA employees in charge of planning a space mission to one of the planets. (PR)

Vertical learning environments (vertical surfaces covered with two- or three-dimensional detachable objects that provide opportunities for perception, manipulation, interaction, construction of knowledge, and representation) offer children rich, interactive learning environments at eye level. Discusses vertical learning environments in a Piagetian…

Challenges the thinking about planning activities for children around holidays in Head Start programs. Discusses the role of holidays as family events and the difficulties surrounding teaching preschoolers the meaning of holidays. Suggests ways to use holidays as an opportunity to truly expand children's knowledge using child development…

Surveys existing checklists and investigates the extent to which they enable the expression of useful assessments for software selection. Problems and limitations are noted, with an emphasis on predominantly technical attributes of packages at the expense of consideration of broader classroom environments and activities, learning processes, and…

Describes the planning, organization, and implementation of a reference workshop offered as a continuing education option for reference librarians at the Queens Borough Public Library (New York, NY). Participant evaluations are analyzed, recommendations for future learning activities are presented, and assignments and the evaluation form are…

Utilizing three exemplary problem-solving tasks within an arithmetic framework, this article discusses the four focal components deemed necessary for the improvement of mathematics teaching, namely task appropriateness, avenues of classroom discourse, the intellectual climate within the classroom, and proper and effective methods of analysis. (JJK)

This paper on conducting teacher training workshops concerning the use of simulations with gifted students defines a simulation, explains why simulations are effective in helping gifted students to learn, describes how a simulation works, and outlines the steps in teaching simulation strategies. (JDD)

This article provides a rationale for using the outdoors as a way of enriching the learning that takes place in the classroom for hearing-impaired learners. Specific examples of activities include examining the microworld, conducting a hypothetical interview with an animal, and making a map of community energy sources. (Author/JDD)

Described is a strategy that allows students to experiment with probability without applying formulas to solve problems. Students are able to intuitively develop concepts of probability before formal definitions and properties. Sample problems are included along with BASIC programs for some of the problems. (KR)

Two articles discuss elementary school mathematics. One focuses on data collection, suggesting a children's counting book, "How Many Feet in the Bed?", to initiate several possible problems. The other offers a measuring activity for finding average heights and a survey activity to determine the characteristics of an average student. (SM)

Presents low-cost learning activities to help teach elementary students about the earth's magnetic field. One project has students make a model of the earth's magnetic field. Another has them experiment with magnetism. (SM)

Provided are tips on note taking for students. Suggestions for changing instruction designed to aid students in their note taking are discussed. (CW)

Presented is an activity which examines an arithmetic concept from a geometric point of view. Objectives, prerequisite learning, and procedures are discussed. Four worksheets are provided with answers. (CW)