This article describes an interdisciplinary classroom project in which ninth graders simulate a "World Council on Genetic Technology." Students in small groups take on the persona and interests of individuals from specific countries in the group effort to develop a covenant for regulating the use of biotechnology. The benefits of having gifted…

Analyzes teacher-fronted and pair interaction involving two learners of Japanese as a second language in an intermediate class. Shows learner-learner collaborative activity between these students of differing levels of proficiency that results in creative interaction that creates a positive learning environment. (57 references) (Author/CK)

Hypothesizes that exploring the mathematical ideas behind mathematical terms enables children to gain insight into the structure of a number system and provides a basis for powerful playing with this structure. Describes visualizing mathematical ideas for exploring aspects of mathematics. Offers rectangular numbers to link and explore structures…

Discussed is the study of mathematics as a cultural product. The Perimeter-and-Area Project and the Graph-Theory Project are described as well as the affective outcomes of both projects. The importance of broadening the mathematics curriculum multiculturally is discussed. (KR)

Discussed are reasons why games should be included in the mathematics curriculum at all levels. Presented are arguments for this position and ways of enhancing the use of games in the learning of mathematics. Included are a definition of a mathematical game and types of mathematical games. (KR)

Presents the Two-Level Cooperative Group Learning Model, a small-group instruction technique, developed at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and based on the Jigsaw II approach. Outlines a sample unit, showing how student expert groups teach their home teams. Demonstrates the technique's benefits: greater student motivation and interaction,…

Uses the "Westside Community Schools" case that involved religious freedom to illustrate using mediation as a form of conflict resolution. Provides instructions to the teacher and a sketch of participants' roles in simulation role-play exercise. Lists additional resources on religious freedom and conflict resolution. (DB)

Describes an art exercise that helps students understand the abstract concept of line. Working in groups, students list things that can be found under the earth and then individually create layered earth drawings. A writing exercise follows that encourages analytical thinking and gives students a chance to explain what they discovered. (GG)

Describes a two-day forensic science course that is offered to eighth grade students enrolled in Science, Mathematics, and Technology Magnet Schools. Provides sample student activity sheets for the course. (Author/RT)

Students are to learn an explicit definition for fractions and then use it to illustrate and solve problems. All computations involve whole-number operations, and may be used with students in grades five-nine. Two transparencies and four worksheets are included. (MNS)

Described is a four-month social studies unit allowing for the integration of mathematics and language arts in grade one. The unit focuses on the concept of shelter; mathematics emerges as the key investigative tool used to facilitate and broaden the children's view of where they and their classmates live. (MNS)

Asserts the importance of incorporating art criticism into art instruction to achieve quality art education. Presents and discusses art criticism formats. Includes three figures illustrating a typical student's written art criticism, that same assignment after teacher evaluation, and an example of a student gradebook. (CFR)

Discusses the Pocketful of History project, which uses historical fiction and biographies to fill in gaps in student knowledge and engage children in meaningful learning experiences. Presents examples of seven historical figures featured in the project. (CFR)

On Fridays, rather than changing classes, the students at one middle school spend all four team periods with one teacher/adviser as they pursue intensive, independent quarterly learning projects in either science, math, social studies, or English. A program evaluation showed improved student engagement, independent learning, thinking skills, and…

Maintains that art museums have developed new strategies and resources to provide services to art teachers, other educators, and students. Presents four classroom lessons utilizing paintings and other exhibits from the Art Institute of Chicago (Illinois). (CFR)