Much criticism exists concerning a lack of focus on real-world problem-solving in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) infrastructures. Many of these critics say that current educational infrastructures are incapable in preparing future scientists and engineers to solve the complex and multidisciplinary problems this society…

Parent participation in the construction of a playground is related here. Four criteria were considered in the process: exercise, social interaction, safety and durability, and availability of materials and labor. (DS)

Constructed and experienced by students engaged in an outdoor education class at East Stroudsburg State College in Pennsylvania, the "Owl Trail" is a self guided rope trail (600 yards in length) employing such devices as sensory corrals, bridges, and "go to" ropes (ropes attached to the main rope which provide side trip…

This manual is intended to guide developers, site planners, and builders in designing residential developments so that access to sunlight is maintained for planned or potential solar collectors. Almost any housing development can be designed to facilitate the use of solar energy. Differences are not in costs but in planning. Described in this…

Guidelines are presented regarding the planning, layout, construction, and maintenance of outdoor playing fields for physical education. Consideration is given to the dual use of playing fields by the school and the community, the planning of hard surface playing areas, and specifications and bills of quantities. Maintenance costs of grass playing…

An international congress was devoted to a contemporary examination of the existing relation between building costs and building quality and of possible ways of influencing this relation positively. Key-note papers by members of CIB and of other international organizations discussed the following topics--(1) human requirements of buildings, (2)…

A conservation instructor describes the educational values (for conservation students in a vocational center) of being involved in the construction of community day camp sites. (JT)

A course for second-year medical students at Wright State University covers the construction of physical facilities for the delivery of health care. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive orientation to the subject and to develop an appreciation for the complexities involved. (MLW)

This booklet describes a project involving the planning and construction of an outdoor play area for a child day care center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Participants in the project sought to increase community awareness of the value of outdoor activity and to construct an outdoor learning area which would incorporate provisions for a variety of…

The environmental impact of construction activity has gained increasing importance in the last few years and become a key subject for civil engineering education. A survey of Portuguese higher education institutions shows that concern with this topic is mostly directed at the impact of large construction projects and especially focused on their…

This book is a guide to setting up playgrounds from junk materials--used tires, cable reels, inner tubes, and railroad ties, among others--that are child-oriented rather than created primarily for the convenience of adult superintendents. Interwoven with many photographs and plans showing how to use the materials is the author's commentary--part…

A discussion of the reasons for communities to work together in planning and building a playground opens this resource guide. Following are practical considerations involving dealing with bureaucracies, acquiring playground space, raising funds, locating materials, and beginning construction. In the nuts-and-bolts sections of the book the options…

This manual, developed by the Agency for International Development and used by the Peace Corps, explains how to build homes made of earth. Information came from reports, books, and articles from many countries, coupled with research by soil engineers at Texas A & M University. It is presented in the most nontechnical format possible. The…

A staff member of the Outdoor Adventures Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln relates his experience in supervising the construction of the first low ropes course in Yucatan, Mexico. During 1994, two staff members visited Yucatan to explore trip possibilities for the program and to inquire about a future conference location. While leading…

Twelve informational lessons and eleven manipulative lessons are provided on foundations as applied to the building trades. Informational lessons cover land measurements; blueprint reading; level instruments; building and site planning; building site preparation; laying out building lines; soil preparation and special evacuation; concrete forms;…