Describes having students write individual letters to learn about environmental issues and get students involved. With encouragement, students will learn that they can make a difference by addressing their concerns to people who have the power to direct change. (PR)

Describes using picture books and science activities in early childhood science instruction. Suggests titles of books and activities for the following topics: Time for Pets; Environmental Awareness; Dinosaurs Galore; Nighttime Science; Simple Machines; Insect Collections; Snowy Days; Water, Water, Everywhere; and Experimental Activities. (PR)

Provides seven fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in art, music, reading and language arts, and social studies. Library media skills, objectives, grade levels, instructional roles, evaluation, and follow-up are described for each activity. (LRW)

Presents a project in which students monitor their use of trash, input and analyze information via a database and computerized graphs, and "reconstruct" extinct or endangered animals from recyclable materials. The activity was done with second-grade students over a period of three to four weeks. (PR)

Outlines an instructional unit on the geography of Mexico, organizing daily lesson plans around geographic themes. The five themes of geography are location, place, relationships, movement, and regions. Each lesson plan includes objectives, materials, activities utilizing different learning strategies, and closure. (MJP)

Examines efforts by educators in Taiwan to implement the project approach in early childhood settings. Discusses observed changes and benefits of parental involvement in their children's learning; describes the activities of one project that was implemented; and outlines the strategies used by the teachers to promote parental involvement in the…

Discusses the "Epic of Sundiata" which chronicles the rise of the Empire of Mali in the grasslands of northwestern Africa in the 13th century. This work is a compelling drama that bears comparison to such other hero tales as "The Iliad" and the Arthurian legend. Includes suggested teaching activities. (MJP)

Explains that authentic teaching and assessment enable students to utilize their prior knowledge, recent learning, and critical thinking and problem-solving skills in real-world contexts. Describes examples of authentic teaching and assessment that use the "Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics" as a framework for economics…

A global recognition of students' rights requires school organizations to recognize, value and provide for diversity. The move towards more inclusive schooling in Queensland, Australia, requires schools to address professional development on two levels: reculturing of the school to reflect inclusive beliefs and values; and enhancement of teacher…

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies have begun to play an increasingly important role in the teaching of foreign/second (L2) languages. Its use in this context is supported by a growing body of CMC research that highlights the importance of the negotiation of meaning and computer-based interaction in the process of second language…

Many students doubt that statistical distributions are of practical value. Simulation makes it possible for students to tackle challenging, understandable projects that illustrate how distributions can be used to answer "what-if" questions of the type often posed by analysts. Course materials that have been developed over two years of classroom…

Recently, many insights have been gained into how to create powerful learning environments. The goal of learning how to teach in this way has important consequences for teacher training. Firstly, scholars indicate the necessity to work out a theoretical framework for the student-teachers which is sufficiently complete, but still manageable, and…

Many of the most talented authors and artists of the past and present have shared their thoughts and their gifts with young children through picture books. Many picture books allow young children to explore important ideas and to stretch their minds far beyond rote memorization. Young children absorb knowledge at a very rapid pace. In an age of…

Providing suggestions on how to develop an age-appropriate schedule for guiding children through daily transitions, this guide serves as an evaluative tool as well as a transition resource book. A transition is the movement of children between one activity or routine to another. Children are in transition during clean-up, while waiting for group…

This publication provides a snapshot of school health education in Wisconsin. The data were collected with two questionnaires, one for school principals on health education from an administrative perspective, and one for lead health teachers on health education from an instructional perspective. These two questionnaires were mailed in the spring…