Offers a descriptive theory of the nature of classroom tasks. Describes the interplay among (1) the conditions under which tasks are set; (2) the cognitive plans students use to accomplish tasks; and (3) the products students create as a result of their task-related efforts. (SKC)

Examined classroom task environments and their relation to elementary students' task-related beliefs. Found two dimensions of teachers' practice associated with desirable patterns of student beliefs: (1) extent to which information is structured to make it predictable and comprehensible; and (2) frequency of opportunity for students to regulate…

Describes the flour beetle, "Tribolium confusum," and its life cycle, habitat, culturing requirements, and some possible uses of this beetle as a classroom animal. Discusses what children could learn from flour beetles. Explains how to get rid of beetles found in foods at home. (CW)

Suggests practical activities which can be introduced into the training of Swedish nursery school and compulsory school teachers for the purpose of improving the organization of technology classes. Explains how simple inexpensive materials can be used in imaginative ways to intrigue and involve children, especially girls, in technical activities.…

Provides four learning activities for upper elementary grade level students. The activities are designed to help students learn about the history of South Africa, learn the meaning of apartheid, understand how apartheid would affect their lives, and practice citizenship participation skills by writing either a government official or a U.S. company…

A poster from the National Archives that intermediate grade and secondary social studies teachers can use to teach students about race relations in the military during World War I is presented. Background information concerning the ill treatment given blacks and teaching activities are also included. (RM)

Develops and explains a format for a workshop which focuses on soap films and bubbles. The plan consists of: a discussion to uncover what children know about bubbles; explanations of the demonstration equipment; the presentation itself; the assembly of the workshop kit; and time to play with the bubbles. (ML)

Practice on computation is provided using new and novel situations, with discovery of number patterns a bonus of the computation. Activities with disguised addition and multiplication tables for whole numbers and integers are presented for varying levels. (MNS)

Presents recommendations for the topics and organization of preservice and inservice teacher training activities based on (1) a literature review on staff development for computer-assisted instruction, and (2) on opinions of successful microcomputer-using teachers in elementary and secondary science and mathematics instruction. (31 references)…

Ways international students, including both foreign students and American students who have lived overseas, can contribute to the enrichment of K-12 social studies courses are described. The success of these activities depends on advance planning, careful selection of international students, and adequate preparation of the class and the…

This article suggests several proven strategies to help students move beyond the knowledge-telling stage of writing to the knowledge-transforming approach, which involves not only putting one's knowledge into words but the reflection upon, revision, and improvement of that knowledge. Eleven references are listed. (DCS)

A New Jersey elementary school's new instructional program, based on a holistic concept of brain function called Proster Theory, is described. Attendant changes in class organization and teacher roles are discussed. (MCG)

Children's drawings from the People's Republic of China can be used in the social studies classroom to help students understand Chinese values and make inferences about political and social changes that have taken place in China. Specific examples of art are provided and discussed. (RM)

This fantasy unit focuses on C. S. Lewis's "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Through the unit's 17 lessons (which correspond to the book's 17 chapters), students will read and analyze the text, using the literary elements of characterization, setting, plot, theme, character, climax, and resolution. The unit offers an overview;…

The National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) is the largest conference of its kind in the world. This document is the Proceedings from the 23rd annual National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) held in San Antonio, June 17-19, 2002. Included are: general information; schedule of events; evaluation form; and the program. Information…