Presents a classroom activity where students vote on topics of interest and then discuss the top ideas through the use of science roundtable discussions. (PR)

Presents a laboratory activity for use during the first or second week of school that engages students in the basic principles of the scientific method. (PR)

Describes an interview-a-scientist assignment for preservice elementary teachers. Preservice teachers realized that scientists frequently repeat experimental work, that science is not neat and tidy, and that science requires patience and perseverance. (PR)

Describes using the aquatic plant, duckweed, for open-ended investigations and learning about factors important in photosynthesis. (PR)

Describes activities in which students learn that it takes teamwork, problem solving, and personal commitment to save the environment. (PR)

Proposes that schools declare April as "Earth Month." Explains how to get started and ways to get students excited. Describes environmental lessons and integrated activities. Provides the addresses of six sources for environmental education resources.(PR)

Describes how spreadsheets can be used for helping students learn about direct current electrical circuits. (PR)

Explains how tradebooks can be used in science instruction. Presents lists of tradebooks for teacher use to (1) lower abstraction, (2) develop skills and talents, (3) enhance self-esteem and social skills, and (4) measure mastery through alternative assessment activities. Also presents lists of tradebooks for student use. (PR)

Explains how the "three D's" of ecology; diatoms, density, and diversity; can be used to generate student enthusiasm and spur investigations that can be conducted during student's own time. (PR)

Introduces students to biological classification by having them classify music. (PR)

Describes a 12-year program in which learning-disabled students visit an ice cream making company in Providence, RI. Provides instructional objectives and procedures for the activity. Includes suggestions for postactivity discussion and student evaluation. (CFR)

Defines inquiry, a student-centered discovery process, and introduces Pathways to Knowledge(TM), an information process model that provides stages and strategies for anyone interested in gathering, using, and evaluating information. Describes the six stages of Pathways: Appreciation, Presearch; Search; Interpretation; Communication; and…

Presents a lesson plan that introduces students to the tort system of law and the responsibilities of the civil jury. The lesson involves student research and a mock jury trial establishing legal responsibility for a fatal automobile accident. Includes a list of objectives, classroom procedures, and handouts on jury deliberations. (MJP)

Describes two classroom activities that introduce critical-thinking skills into social studies instruction. One is a debate, followed by position papers, on the contribution of Christopher Columbus. The other is a simulation of a Constitutional Amendment conference. Discusses which parts of the lessons specifically focus on critical-thinking…

Presents a unit approach that utilizes Howard Gardner's seven intelligences (Linguistic, Logical/mathematical, Spatial, Music, Kinesthetic/body, Intrapersonal, and Interpersonal). Students are given a list of activities and make a contract to complete a certain number on the list. A sample unit for fifth graders on the bodily systems is provided.…