Presents an activity that enables students to learn how to read a fertilizer label, to understand the components of fertilizers, and to compare natural and man-made fertilizers. Includes background information and student worksheets. (DDR)

Presents a science activity that enables students to carefully examine the root system of a plant and to understand that roots-specifically root hairs-are needed so that water and nutrients can be absorbed. Includes student data sheet and extension activities. (DDR)

Three articles (1) present case studies that show how CD-ROM encyclopedias take ordinary lesson plans in core curriculum areas to exciting new spheres; (2) give an overview of available electronic encyclopedias; and (3) provide educators' views on how multimedia encyclopedias have affected the learning process. (AEF)

To help students understand that references are tools used to locate specific information, one librarian has her third-grade students create their own reference toolboxes as she introduces dictionaries, atlases, encyclopedias, and thesauri. Presents a lesson plan to introduce print and nonprint thesauri to third and fourth graders and includes a…

A survey of 205 special education teachers investigated how lesson plans were developed, what components were included, and what recommendations they had for beginning teachers. Results indicated the majority did not write out their lesson plans but recommended that beginning teachers write out lesson plans. (CR)

Describes a study of elementary school students grades three though six that compared two methods of keyboarding instruction, one that used a tutorial computer program and one that involved the teacher and lesson plans. Results indicate the more teacher-intensive method was more efficient and effective than the computer program. (LRW)

Presents a strategy for health and home economics teachers to use in evaluating secondary students' eating and nutritional patterns. Students keep two-day food journals then complete a colorful personal food pyramid with the results. This creates a personal pyramid of food choices that lets students explore their eating habits. (SM)

Describes an investigation-based, lecture-free first-year algebra course in which students are responsible for compiling their own textbooks. Discusses the purpose and procedures of the activity. Includes student worksheets. (KHR)

Points out the importance of socioscientific aspects of laboratory activities for the development of understanding of different cultures' contributions to science. Describes a lesson on gene splicing using the 5E Learning Model. (YDS)

Presents guidelines for educators using the Internet in elementary education: (1) secure administrator support/participation; (2) settle for less than perfect; (3) make online friends; (4) be selective about activities; (5) be selective about class levels; (6) be flexible in activities planning; (7) allow flexible student groupings; (8) schedule…

To teach computer skills to kindergartners, classroom teachers and library media specialists can take them on a multimedia field trip to the zoo. Provides a lesson plan that lists library media objectives, resources, instructional roles, activity and procedures for completion, class instructions, evaluation, and follow-up. (PEN)

Investigates students' ideas about gravity beyond the earth's surface. Presents a lesson plan designed to help students understand that gravity can act beyond Earth's atmosphere. Also helps students gain a more adequate intuitive understanding of how natural and artificial satellites stay in orbit. Reports that this strategy changed some students'…

This article explores some of the key issues associated with the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in the classroom. To illustrate ICT integration, a teaching project on dinosaurs, which has been developed with students ages 10-11, is presented. A detailed scheme of work and lesson plans is included. (Contains 4 references.)…

This article discusses differentiating social studies curricula and instruction for gifted students. It explains the following variables of differentiation: open-ended structure, development and presentation of separate lessons rather than units, the teaching of universal social studies concepts, motivational segments, and use of appropriate…

This article describes how teachers can develop an array of learning experiences that address varied interests and abilities of gifted students by integrating basic social studies concepts and universal themes that provide a structure for in-depth learning. It provides a social studies concept web, a thematic web, and sample lesson. (Contains 4…