This USMES unit challenges students to find ways of developing and maintaining a well-run classroom. The teacher resource book for the Classroom Management unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of the USMES "challenges"…

This USMES unit challenges students to find out what information helps most in accurately predicting the weather. The teacher resource book for the Weather Predictions unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of the USMES…

A survey was conducted with 104 seventh-grade students in four classrooms participating in EQUATIONS tournaments. The tournaments had been taking place on a weekly-basis for several weeks. The study compares four basic pedagogical assumptions behind the tournament structure with student opinion of the tournaments. Student responses to the survey…

Presents practical teaching suggestions selected from commercially available materials and also submitted by readers that can be easily adapted to different grade levels. Includes seven computer-based activities on topics such as map-making, word games, database logic, concatenation, and one-line programs. (ML)

Suggests ways that colleges can improve the problem-solving skills of chemistry majors and acquaint them with the realities of industrial research. Describes two projects in which undergraduate chemistry majors performed research and development work for a local chemical company. (TW)

With caseloads often exceeding 500 students, counselors cannot afford to spend countless hours on traditional approaches to individual problems. Solution-Focused Brief Counseling (SFBC) offers counselors an effective approach that leads to rapid, observable change in students. This guidebook combines step-by-step instructions with vivid case…

This paper describes one model of school reconstruction, which includes a professional development school, being implemented at Celebration School in Celebration, Florida. The description highlights the educational practices and daily learning experiences of students at Celebration. The narrative provides a picture of the philosophical foundation…

Three large, unstructured workshops (500-800 people) demonstrated how large groups of people can participate together and collectively choose ways of action aimed at satisfying all. Particular significance given to participants' shift away from looking for outside sources of answers, values and standards to discovery of strengths and answers…

Custom mapping, an experiential learning strategy used in adventure education, provides a general metaphoric activity and then requires the group to customize it into their own "meta-map." This approach encourages collaboration, gives the group a high degree of autonomy in developing creative solutions, and has the potential to generate…

An activity for grades 6-10 designed to allow students to explore a hundred chart to discover patterns is presented. Discussed are materials, objectives, and procedures. Three worksheets with answers are provided, and an extension activity is suggested. (CW)

Presents nine hands-on discovery and inquiry type activities which penetrate the student's immediate world, integrate other curricular areas, involve group cooperation, excite, motivate, and encourage creative thinking. (RT)

The indictment of science education for failing to provide a scientifically and technologically literate citizenry is discussed. A description of successful models used in introductory chemistry classes are provided. The purpose and goals of Project Kaleidoscope and other educational initiatives are discussed. (KR)

Four activities which illustrate the use of manipulative materials and computers in problem solving at the elementary level are presented. Each activity discusses large group activity and a computer activity. (CW)

Presents the following guidelines to consider before, during, and after hands-on inquiry: (1) plan and prepare; (2) create problem intrigue; (3) give students the responsibility of solving the problem; (4) offer feedback and guidance; (5) debrief; and (6) anticipate, prevent, monitor, and adapt. (PR)

Indicates the importance of preparing prospective teachers who will be elementary science teachers with different methods. Presents the theoretical and practical rationale for developing a constructivist-based elementary science methods course. Discusses the impact student knowledge and understanding of science and student attitudes has on…