Postulated here is the notion that the exploration of number patterns with calculators is a valuable mathematical learning activity that should be commenced in the primary grades. Various activities are presented that make use of the constant function key, which is available on many of the inexpensive four-function calculators. (JJK)

This chapter from a forthcoming book on teaching students economic concepts presents a series of activities focusing on zoos. Zoo resources are examined and categorized, including land, capital, entrepreneurs, and human resources. Zoo careers, business decisions, and investment causes and effects are also studied using worksheets, projects,…

Focuses on literacy and mathematics and shows how fourth graders worked through "My Travels with Gulliver," an innovative unit that integrated literature, writing, and mathematics so that children could learn concepts across the curriculum. (MG)

This article uses a science learning activity to demonstrate how Key Stage 3 of the British National Curriculum in science can be made accessible to students with special educational needs. It explains 11 steps of instructional development that help in identifying differentiated learning objectives and allow for appropriate assessments. (DB)

Experience at the reference desk motivated this librarian to redesign a library skills course to meet the basic and practical needs of undergraduates. Activity-based rather than conceptual, this "crash library survival course" resulted in increased student success and enthusiasm. (EA)

Presents a collection of teachers' ideas on instruction for musical improvisation. Includes suggestions for ascending grade levels, spontaneous composition, and creation of sound maps. Recommends making technique training fun and creative through improvisation. Suggests that children be taught to think in sounds and to experiment with variations.…

This article introduces general concepts of carry-over and then offers a collection of activities to foster carry-over of newly trained speech skills of students with hearing losses to natural communication situations. Activities vary from high to low structure and are based on either reading, pictures, objects, or interactive communication.…

Presents two classroom lessons designed to integrate language arts and art education into primary and intermediate grade social studies instruction. Provides step-by-step procedures and one student handout sheet. (CFR)

Ecological, interdisciplinary, and interconnected laboratory lessons focusing on magneticism: (1) producing electric power; (2) magnetics and magneticism; (3) electomagnetism (2 parts); and turbines (2 parts). Lessons, designed as precursor for students to make choices in electricity production, use a directed inquiry approach. (MCO)

Describes a method for integrating writing into history classes. Suggests keeping writing assignments short and simple, rather than assigning a long paper that will be a burden to the instructor during grading. Discusses journal writing, pretest writing exercises, and microthemes written on a single index card. (DK)

Offers eight projects and activities designed to make elementary students wiser television viewers and better thinkers. The activities help students get more out of television, determine what is questionable, and develop visual literacy and thinking skills. Children become active consumers of television and other visual media. (SM)

Discusses situated learning and instruction. Topics discussed include situated cognition theories; prescriptions for instructional design; adapting instructional design to situated learning; evaluating situated learning; situated cognition and the role of the teacher; different types of problem-solving activities; and the work of the Cognition and…

Describes the creation of a high school general music class by a university methods professor, a graduate assistant, and a high school choral director. Explains that the class used university methods class students to serve as guest lecturers and performers in the high school course. Discusses evaluation, benefits, and suggestions for creative…

Describes learning activities and teaching methods for history and social studies classes in use at different schools. Includes contests, games, field trips, role playing, and student research and writing. Explains that the activities deal with racism, tolerance, self-esteem, and the role of decision making in history. (DK)

Presents five essential strands that should be spiraled through social studies curriculum. Argues these strands suggest concepts that need to be developed. Lists key concepts and presents a way to teach ideas and concepts to intermediate-grade students. Outlines a teaching/learning sequence for concept development and illustrates how the concepts…