A case study is presented of a science class for 10 underachieving gifted intermediate grade students. The paper describes how a focus on overcoming underachievement might conflict with the need for active, hands-on science activities. Suggestions are offered for integrating the goals of raising self-concept while developing skills of inquiry and…

Advocated is a participatory, problem-solving-oriented science education with a strong emphasis on the impacts of technology. Some of the insights and ideas that emerged through a Project 2061 Technology Panel Report are discussed. (KR)

Suggests that a discussion-based approach focused on experiences of actual environmental issues, encountered problematically, should characterize environmental education activities. An ecology exercise dealing with organic pollution of a river provides a context for the educational principles and ecological concepts included the study. (24…

Describes a qualitative study that explores students' perceptions of their own learning. Document review, participant observation, and open-ended interviews were used to gather and triangulate data. Factors that were perceived as helpful were woven into a theoretical model. The uses of the model are discussed. (Author/KR)

Outlines six steps for creating meaningful student projects using experiential learning: (1) make learning relevant; (2) make knowledge useful and creative; (3) get the students involved; (4) limit dead-end projects; (5) have students apply what they are learning to life; and (6) maximize community involvement. Describes model projects. (MJP)

Troubleshooting is a common form of problem solving. Technicians (e.g., automotive mechanics, electricians) and professionals (physician, therapists, ombudspersons) diagnose faulty systems and take direct, corrective action to eliminate any faults in order to return the systems to their normal states. Traditional approaches to troubleshooting…

As part of the education reform movement seeking change in both teaching and teacher education, a graduate teacher education course at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, "Integrating Museum Resources into Classroom Instruction," offers teachers a chance to engage in problem solving for their own students through varied…

This Peace Corps Nonformal Education (NFE) training module provides training ideas for volunteers. This module contains 10 sessions, each designed to fit into a 3-hour period: (1) What is NFE? (2) adult learning; (3) helping people identify their needs; (4) facilitation skills--part 1; (5) facilitation skills--part 2; (6) NFE materials…

This book is intended for use as a student guide. It is about human problem solving and provides information on how the mind works, placing a major emphasis on the role of computers as an aid in problem solving. The book is written with the underlying philosophy of discovery-based learning based on two premises: first, through the appropriate…

Numerous scientific concepts and principles underlie the operation of all manufactured products. Increasingly, teachers and science educators are coming to realize that students need more investigative "hands-on" activities and they need to see some rather immediate relevancy of what they are studying if they are to study science with enthusiasm.…

Microcomputer-based laboratories (MBLs) are believed to have significant potential for improving laboratory experiences in science classrooms. A study funded through a grant project called STEPS to Better Science sought to broaden the knowledge base by examining MBL use by teachers and students in a variety of science classrooms in six high…

This manual was designed for use in conducting staff development sessions for elementary teachers of mathematics in Mississippi in grades K-6. The four topical areas treated in the document are: (1) measurement and geometry; (2) fractions; (3) procedural errors in arithmetic; and (4) problem solving. The number of instructional hours necessary for…

A description is given of a course, oriented around traditional foundations of education concepts, designed to prepare regular teachers for teaching handicapped students in their classrooms. The course's philosophy is that education students should have an opportunity to apply concepts and relationships drawn from other disciplines to current…

This board game encourages junior and senior high school student analysis of the German campaign against the USSR and gauges student decision-making skills. The World War II Russo-German Front is simulated in a standard board game format. A key element of the game is its analysis and results form. Using this form compels students to analyze and…

A student-suggested project at an elementary-level mathematics laboratory using an adding machine to print a million twos is presented and described. Questions, problems, and activities that took place as the project was carried out are described. The process of producing twos presented all children with the necessity of gauging time intervals and…