"Situational interest" is a short-term form of motivation which occurs when a specific situation stimulates the focused attention of students (e.g., a spectacular science demonstration could arouse transient interest amongst nearly all the students in a class, even those who are not normally interested in science). However, there have…

Using mini-aquaria experiments, a learning unit on the effects of light period on aquatic ecosystems was developed for 7th grade students. This guided inquiry unit was aimed at helping students understand basic ecological principles involved in relationships among physical, chemical, and biological components in aquatic ecosystems. It involved…

This study examines possible connections between second language competency and frequency and type of gesture use (illustrators, compensatory illustrators, adaptors, emblems, regulators, and affect displays). To this end, 75 students enrolled in beginning, intermediate, and advanced college-level Spanish courses were videotaped while conversing in…

The aim of this study was to examine the views of pre-service mathematics teachers on the use of webquests in teaching and learning geometry with reference to a theoretical framework developed by Dodge in 1995. For this study the researcher identified four groups containing nineteen pre-service mathematics teachers, which were then assigned to…

Recommends the introduction of social studies/social science content into early childhood and elementary grade curricula. Gives examples of activities based on simple concepts in history, psychology, and geography. (AV)

The need to create a love for learning in children is discussed. (RC)

Phrases related to mathematics can be used in the popular word game Hinky Pinky. Examples are provided. (SD)

Article illustrated how a common and compelling theme can be developed by a teacher and then introduced into the classroom as a way of integrating the arts, science, reading, and math. (Author/RK)

An activity which involves the drawing of geometric designs on familiar number arrangements (such as the addition and multiplication tables and the hundred chart) is used to help students discover patterns and at the same time maintain computation skills. (DT)

The showroom of a button manufacturer was the site of a successful field trip for a New York City home economics class. Suggestions for field trip preparation are included as well as directions for making button jewelry. (EA)

Author used her childhood memories to help her kindergartners in Honolulu, Hawaii, many of whom are Chinese, to further understand and enjoy the Chinese New Year and its customs. Perhaps her experiences will become a springboard for individual or group investigations of other ethnic-centered festivals. (Editor/RK)

Step-by-step details are given for a classroom activity in which fifth and sixth graders construct original crossword puzzles. (SJL)

Presents six pages of suggested activities for kindergarteners, including activities on clowning, listening, cutting, left and right, nature, and Halloween. (JMB)