Investigating the origins of place names provides pupils with a wealth of language arts experiences in vocabularly, research, and writing. Activities based on place names are suggested. (MT)

Plans for science units on mold and other fungi are presented. Tasks for primary and intermediate pupils are included. (MT)

Suggestions for decorating pumpkins using paint and other materials are offered. Many imaginative pumpkins are pictured. (MT)

A researcher investigating first-grade reading instruction found that students and teachers viewed the purpose of seatwork very differently. Suggestions for making seatwork more meaningful are offered. (MT)

With adolescents as the most likely victims of suicide, students can become the first line of defense. This article outlines reasons for suicide, warning signs and behaviors, and ways to help. Activities that enable students to view suicide as a desperate act which can be understood and prevented are suggested. (MT)

Ten special education teachers describe innovative activities that have given their students enjoyment and feelings of success. Approaches include teaching emotionally disturbed students to use social skills in a teacher-student interaction setting, using a checker format to enourage multiplication skills, and teaching a variety of skills through…

Students have experiences, during the school year, which enrich their understanding and knowledge of each other. Activities are described to enhance students' abilities to recognize and recall and to provide enjoyable, meaningful memories for students. (CB)

An activity in which bean plants are grown, measured, and graphed provides a practical application of math processes while developing a high level of student interest. (CL)

A literature unit is based on three books with major characters to whom gifted students can relate: "A Wrinkle in Time" by M. Engel, "The Mark of Conte" by S. Levitin, and "Very Far Away from Any Place Else" by U. LeGuin. (CL)

In lieu of the traditional term paper, students in this Shakespeare class can form a production company and videotape scenes from one or more plays. (BD)

Many instructors are concerned with creating a community in the classroom. Although there are numerous published "ice-breakers," many of these techniques are not specific to psychology courses or have been used so much that the students see them as redundant and cliche. Icebreakers are better if they have relevance to a specific class,…

Article details a method for making overhead transparencies from glossy magazine photographs, using Con-Tact sheeting and water. (PD)

An introduction to microcomputers should be included in a capstone preparation course for secretaries. Typical classroom activities that do not require the purchase of a microcomputer include introduction to secretarial careers, office equipment/supplies, displaying business data, and work simplification. (SK)

Two activities are described in which special education students focus on skills needed for completing job applications. The first activity includes worksheets on lettering practice and the second helps the student develop a work brochure with personal data incorporated. (CL)