Described are methods that secondary students can use in social science research projects. They include case studies, interviews, questionnaires, and participant observation. (RM)

One difficulty in teaching service courses such as psychology of adolescence is maintaining the interest of nonmajors without sacrificing course-relevant content. Described is a project that overcomes this problem by requiring students to observe some type of media (e.g., television) and determine the extent to which particular themes occur.…

Repetition of a historical experiment in a school project threw new light on the question of absolute rest. The student experiment investigated whether a particular direction in space could be singled out by a purely terrestrial procedure, while the original experiment investigated the drag coefficient of a solid medium. (JN)

The "Great Brain" project motivates elementary school students to participate in educational projects by encouraging inquiry, interaction, and identity. Students use research and creative skills to study and report on a topic, interact with parents and peers in developing and presenting the report, and receive wide recognition for their efforts.…

Students at Jones Middle School (Upper Arlington, Ohio) became involved when a nearby radio telescope was threatened by a land sale. Students not only learned about the basics of telescope use but also wrote to various local and national officials to "save the telescope." (DH)

Two teachers describe their junior high school's involvement in National History Day. Participation in History Day provides students with the thrill of competition and the satisfaction that comes from really getting into a topic of their choice. (RM)

Describes a student science exposition which includes individual research and team competitions, noncompetitive student exhibits, films, tours, workshops, and social events. Indicates that this combination of activities makes the exposition a real science "fair." (JN)

A project for a seminar course in macroeconomic policy which involved students in writing, presenting, and discussing a position paper on a specific policy issue is described. Students rated the exercise very highly. (RM)

Geotechnics (which encompasses soil and rock mechanics, engineering geology, foundation design, and ground engineering methods) is a major component of virtually all civil engineering courses. Show how mini-projects are used to teach this subject. Format of projects, development of presentation skills, and assessment considerations are discussed.…

An 18-week economics course for high school students is described. Students develop and present a group project that explains and justifies an economic policy for the United States, develop their own economic seminar consisting of student-invited speakers from the community, conduct economic research, and simulate a community business. (RM)

In response to growth of microelectronics and changes in microchip design/manufacturing technology, universities are supporting class projects for students. Approximately 50 schools now conduct such programs which have resulted from earlier National Science Foundation sponsorship. Major advantages for the students include designing experience,…

Using colored construction paper, students trace around their shoes and cut out two forms. Students then pick and research an event from the time period in history under study and write a report on the representations of shoe soles. The reports are taped, in order of occurrence, around the classroom. (RM)

Provides a rationale for using group projects as a teaching method in technical writing classes. Includes a description of such projects, materials, and funding, as well as evaluation methods and guidelines. (HTH)

Describes a student project in which paper planes were designed and flown to investigate the effect of the wing area to mass ratio on aircraft performance. (GS)

Students at the Monett Junior High School in Monett, Missouri learn to make lamps inexpensively and with their own designs. (RK)