Addresses whether or not science laboratory activities should become a thing of the past. Discusses the impact of the curriculum reforms of the 1960s and 1970s, physical restraints which cause teacher overload, rationale, and objectives of laboratory work. (RT)

Two questions concerning assessment of supervised work experience (or sandwich courses in Britain) are: What should be assessed? and How should it be assessed? The first question involves issues of defining practical experience, measuring experiential learning and competence, and considering the relationship of theory and practice. Evaluation…

Describes a project in which third and fourth graders in a special education writing skills class learned how to design a house and make blueprints. Discusses the project's beneficial effects on student writing and public speaking skills, vocabulary, telephone skills, and effective peer interaction. (SV)

Describes a multidisciplinary unit which uses 12 varieties of apples. Explains activities for observing, predicting decay, art and science, the process of fermentation, and group and individual projects. Information on description of apples and labeled diagrams are included. (RT)

Presents a sequence of hands-on activities to help students understand the concept of arithmetic mean and gain experience in using mathematical models. Students create models in the process of solving problems and communicate to the class the meaning attached to the models. (MDH)

Discusses how experiential education can address the developmental needs of gay and lesbian youth; describes a successful Outward Bound program developed for gay and lesbian youth; and explores reasons why educators and program administrators must be proactive in developing programs for this specialized population. (LP)

Student teachers can become obsessed with classroom management issues if preservice programs do not prepare them adequately for classroom realities. The paper looks at one student teacher's struggle with classroom management issues and recommends teaching student teachers management issues and providing corresponding opportunities to experience…

Discusses the role of middle-school children supported by the community in organizing a project to feed needy children: running the project, and providing an educational activity prior to each meal. Describes academic outcomes of project, such as developing skills in language arts, math, and creative problem solving; and learning about nutrition.…

The science curricula in grades K-6 in 4 school districts from 4 states are analyzed and compared. Two districts employ a content approach using textbooks as the dominant medium, whereas the other two employ a hands-on approach using manipulative activities and thematic units. Implications for students with disabilities are considered. (Author/PB)

Two reviewers present divergent points of view concerning a book that provides a comprehensive overview of the field of wilderness therapy. The first reviewer sees the book as valuable in bridging the gap between the mental health profession and outdoor experiential education, whereas the second reviewer suggests that the book gives ambiguous…

Discusses the philosophy of science and education, based on interviews with instructors at Wrigley Corners Outdoor Education Centre (Ontario). Uses hand feeding of chickadees as functional and metaphorical gateway for exploring importance of human contact with nature. Discusses how the personal transformative aspect of outdoor education challenges…

Describes a framework for social studies curriculum in Navajo schools that fosters critical citizenship through student research into the physical, historical, economic, political, and cultural dimensions of community life. Aims to promote social studies that reflect the human environment in which Navajo students live and also arm students with…

Tells a first grader's story of his struggles learning to read in a traditional school setting, where he experienced significant reading anxiety, and highlights the ease with which he learned to read at home and in the community as he proceeded through his day. (SM)

One Hawaiian school, which serves gifted and dyslexic students, created the Mentorship Program for high school students and certain students in grades 5-8. The program sends students into the community with mentors experienced in various fields, teaching them real world skills in real world environments. Evaluation shows that everyone in the…

Examines an eco/social studies approach to environmental education. Suggests that this approach allows students to become nature sensitive and aware of the surrounding environment as they learn about conflicts, issues, and problems related to natural environment; develop knowledge about ecology; understand the relationships between humans and…