Teams of ninth-graders (n=172) in Israel designed and constructed models of hot-air balloons with tissue paper. The short, open-ended technological task promoted teamwork and high motivation. Most teams functioned without a leader. Teachers were challenged by the need to transfer autonomy and responsibility to students. (SK)

Discusses the importance of having students pose their own questions and write problems. Proposes a subject related to the heart, blood, and the life-giving potential of blood. Provides related internet sites from which teachers can get information. (ASK)

Describes a learning activity that stimulates recollection of nursing students' experiences of loss and grief, helping them examine personal responses, recognize cultural differences in responses, and develop skills for caring for those who are grieving. (SK)

Offers a model which relates student learning by gifted students to the use of technology. Four learning modes are identified: acquirer of information, retriever of information, constructor of information, and presenter of information. Provides examples of appropriate technology for each mode, as well as integration of learning modes and…

Describes how one kindergarten class in Illinois remembers class studies through students' artwork. Discusses the creation and benefits of a "Memory Wall," on which students' art helps make concrete the value of remembering, sharing discoveries, and revisiting prior knowledge. The Wall also offers another window into assessing and…

This article describes a literature-based unit on mythology taught to 85 gifted middle school students. It identifies project objectives, gives examples of the grouping of myths according to broad themes, and provides more detail about one of the themes, assessment activities, and long-term effects of the project. (Contains six references.) (DB)

This article offers suggestions for using biographies of famous women aviators with gifted students. Aviators suggested include Ruth Law, Jacqueline Cochran, Bessie Coleman, Beryl Markham, and Amelia Earhart. Teaching suggestions include creative book sharing, integration with map work, and student projects based on these lives. (Contains…

This article describes a learning activity in which preschool children learn cooperative skills and metacognitive strategies as they master sharing strategies guided by leaves on a "sharing tree." Leaf colors (red, yellow, green) cue the child to stop, slow down and think about sharing and playing with others, and go ahead with a sharing activity.…

The Directed Spelling Thinking Activity (DSTA) is a method of teaching spelling to students with learning disabilities by encouraging active thinking and analysis of word patterns. With DSTA, students compare and contrast words that fit different but related spelling patterns. Words illustrating 37 spelling patterns are listed. (Author/DB)

Describes public key cryptography, also known as RSA, which is a system using two keys, one used to put a message into cipher and another used to decipher the message. Presents examples using small prime numbers. (MKR)

Describes the use of string figures to help students develop intuitive concepts about shape and space. (MKR)

Examined advance organizer research to determine its implications for instructional designers planning learning activities and instructional media, particularly the relationship between the forms of advance organizer and media. Found few studies comparing forms of organizers or the relationship between forms or organizers and media, indicating a…

Discussion of Russian folktales suggests a structured approach to introducing the characters, settings, and motifs in an elementary classroom. Highlights include beginner-level texts; connections to Russian culture; writing connections; activities; and an annotated bibliography of 32 titles. (LRW)

Describes projects and learning activities on photography that are useful for elementary and secondary school teachers. Highlights include Web sites; workshops; two specific projects; lesson plan sites on the Internet; photography contests; and trends relating to photography. (LRW)