Suggests that students create "mind maps" and wall charts to help them make and review economic connections. Recommends starting with a picture or question in the center, printing, using color, redrafting, and keeping the chart simple. Includes samples of charts produced by students. (DK)

The study of acid rain provides ample opportunities for active, interdisciplinary learning. This article describes 12 hands-on activities designed to expand students' understanding of acid rain. Background information on acid rain is included. (LB)

Presents learning activities such as planning and building a sailboat, manufacturing cellular phone cases, and designing and building emergency shelters. Includes the context, the challenge, resources used, objectives, materials needed, and an evaluation. (JOW)

Provides a framework for developing family literacy programs. Explains the characteristics of effective family literacy activities. Shares a compilation of family literacy goals and activities recently developed by a group of Ohio teachers. (RS)

The geodesic dome concept was presented to 25 eighth graders through reading and a hands-on group assignment and to 25 via reading and lecture. Pre/posttest results showed that organized hands-on activities increased learning and retention of technological concepts. (SK)

Describes a variety of activities for improving students' social studies vocabulary. Groups the activities under the principles of LURE: (1) Linking the new word to a known word or words; (2) Using the new word in speaking and writing; (3) Revisiting new words immediately and often; and (4) Enjoying the fun and power of knowing new words. (SG)

Presents activities from "Box-It or Bag-It," a popular mathematics program designed to make elementary students think. The activities are based on the belief that children construct mathematical understandings by playing games, manipulating concrete materials, investigating problems related to personal experiences, and discussing ideas.…

Describes a Nevada elementary school's yearly Oceans Week program with schoolwide activities and integrated curricula focusing on the ocean. Each grade emphasizes different ocean habitats, and all subject areas support the theme. Hallways are decorated to look like assigned habitat, and PTA volunteers supervise activity stations. (SM)

Baltimore Learning Network is a community-based coalition embracing the aquarium, science center, and zoo; museums; libraries; government agencies; voluntary organizations; and individuals. The network's aim is identifying interests and talents in young people and nurturing them for lifelong learning. The network plans to integrate schoolwork and…

Discusses the integration of various learning activities in preschool children's study of trees. Activities include taking field trips to wooded areas, exploring the ways people use wood, studying one particular tree, and doing art projects. (BC)

Children from three elementary schools share what they like and do not like about school. Solicited letters and drawings praised teachers, field trips, and attractive surroundings. An unsolicited letter signed by seven fifth graders complained about yelling teachers and deficiencies in the fun and food departments. (MLH)

Describes a math activity that uses mirrors to teach students about circles and angles. Following the activity, students are asked to write about their observations. (HTH)

Describes activities using students' names to teach concepts of counting, measuring, and predicting. (HTH)

Suggests several hands-on materials for teaching primary students more concretely the concept of fractions. (HTH)

Presents activities involving equal sharing, weighted averages, mean, median, mode, average cubes, and iterated averages, the last of which involves the use of a spreadsheet or graphing calculator. Includes reproducible student worksheets and questions for discussion. (MKR)