Describes two learning activities: (1) high school students design and construct a wind powered monohull vessel to travel a predetermined distance in the least amount of time; and (2) sixth graders learn about energy by doing gas and electric meter reading. (Author/JOW)

Provides insight into the exciting future of robotics. Includes a student quiz and possible student outcomes. (JOW)

Through corporate support, a bird-watching program was implemented at a summer camp for underprivileged New York City children. The program featured oversized flashcards containing color photos and facts about each bird, instruction on use of binoculars, and a hands-on experience in which campers used binoculars to identify bird cards placed in…

Describes important concepts about linear measurement, gives suggestions for integrating measurement into program activities, and presents several measurement activities. (MKR)

Focuses on electronic mail topics relevant to business communication. Argues that students need training in understanding electronic organizational hierarchy and electronic communication volume and costs; selecting the appropriate media; and evaluating message permanence, security, ownership, and privacy. Appends 11 exercises. (SR)

Describes classroom activities for elementary school students that (1) encourage geographical knowledge of the United States and other countries; (2) stimulate interest in inventions and the invention process; (3) encourage learning about snakes and their habitat; and (4) get students to be attentive. (MDM)

Suggests procedures for using foreign money as a tool for teaching about other cultures. Explains that this group activity allows students to observe writing systems, illustrations, and designs to hypothesize on the perceived importance of the items. Includes a sample handout and teacher's key showing a Korean banknote. (DK)

Lists five key elements of cooperative learning. Shares some ideas on cooperative learning successfully used in the language arts classroom. (RS)

Discusses the use of primary resources in the teaching of middle school social studies. Describes a lesson in which students were given a copy of the Declaration of Independence, written in everyday language, and were asked to discuss and evaluate it. Suggests another activity based on Thomas Jefferson's writings. (SG)

This article offers suggestions for how parents of children with disabilities can increase opportunities for the child to practice communication skills in the course of daily activities. Five basic principles (such as not anticipating the child's needs) are explained. (DB)

In one Colorado fifth grade classroom, math period begins with Mathematician's Chair, an activity allowing students to share their problems with entire class. Using this technique, students became adept at writing math problems, solving their own and peers' problems, using math-related writing as important medium of social discourse, and making…

Discusses the American Indian concepts of taking only from nature what you need and practicing the disciplines of silence and using your senses. Suggests activities for elementary school children to develop the concepts. (11 resources) (MDH)

Investigates factors contributing to instructional planning decisions of 274 randomly selected Alabama secondary school teachers. Draws conclusions from Teacher Planning Questionnaire responses and testing of null hypotheses. Experienced teachers were influenced more than inexperienced teachers by facilitating student learning factor. Teacher…

Suggestions for motivating gifted underachieving secondary students include independent study projects for credit, science fair projects, curriculum compacting, the use of adult mentors, and other approaches which emphasize building on student interests. (DB)

Notes emphasis of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics on children's ability to explain math processes. Describes classroom activities that will help children use and become comfortable with the language of mathematics. (HTH)