Describes a student-conceived, student-executed class research project carried out in a high school English class in which students investigated the issue of teenagers and the law. Notes the enthusiastic work contributed by students otherwise largely hostile to school, some of whom skipped all of their classes except English that term. (SR)

Presents a lesson plan in which students use an encyclopedia to research a famous person. Identifies library media skills objectives, curriculum (subject area objectives), grade levels (4 and 5), resources, instructional roles, activity and procedures for completion, evaluation guidelines, and follow-up activities. Includes a sample worksheet.…

Defines project-based learning as an instructional method that emphasizes learning activities that are student-centered, interdisciplinary, and integrated with real-world issues and practices. Discusses the use of technology; the need for a strong assessment system; considers rubric assessment and performance-based assessment; and includes an…

Discusses principles to use in evaluating online university courses, including student-faculty contact; cooperation among students; active learning, including course projects; prompt feedback; time on task, including the need for deadlines; high expectations; and respecting diverse talents and ways of learning. (LRW)

Argues that few studies have investigated the value that students place on the use of peer responses. Describes a study that found that students did not place much value on the activity and highlights a pilot course that allows students to choose to use peer responses or not. (14 citations) (MAB)

Explains production techniques involved in making student documentaries on video. Highlights include student research; script writing; narration; the use of interviews; incorporating visual materials such as maps and photographs; camera techniques; demonstrations; editing; and time limits. (Contains six references.) (LRW)

Describes activities that utilize the school grounds as a context to study environmental problems. Activities include surveying the grounds, map making, tree identification, study of plant and animal life, soil studies, and conservation and beautification projects. (MDH)

Describes an intensive three-week experience for 10th and 11th graders in a National Science Foundation Young Scholars Program. Two weeks of biology instruction precede one week of field research. The curriculum includes life histories of birds in the Chesapeake Bay area, reproductive ecology, aquatic ecology, entomology, and statistics. (DDR)

Describes a class project where New York City second graders worked with the community board of transportation to rename a street for an African American woman. The students succeeded in renaming 134th Street in honor of Mary McLeod Bethune, an African American educator. (MJP)

Discusses technology use in secondary education and how to integrate it into the classroom. Topics include developing a cadre of teachers who are comfortable using computers who can then help others; time factors; constructivism; computer laboratories versus classroom clusters; student research projects; finding appropriate Web sites; and block…

Describes the University of Nebraska-Lincoln University Libraries' high school users program, which has grown from a small operation into a well-developed program. The resources of a large academic research library are made available to students so they may complete their high school coursework with a wider range of resources, and possibly, gain…

Applications of project-based learning are illustrated by examples of projects involving music, art, history, a partnership with a hospital, Native American plant remedies, roller coaster design, and making a "talking book" (CD-ROM) in English and Lushootseed (language of the Tulalip Tribes). Project learning can meet standards while involving…

Describes projects in Lawrenceville, New Jersey schools that incorporate multimedia networks into the curriculum. Highlights include digital video projects with English as Second Language students; strategic planning; use of new technology by other groups, including the school board; broadband issues; new vendor relationships; and intellectual…

A science teacher at a Portland (Oregon) parochial school has made the school a major contender at local, state, and national science fairs. He instills confidence in his students through high expectations. Science projects are 25 percent of a student's grade, and through public presentation of findings, they learn public speaking skills and…

Describes "occupation" as a Montessori term, which the Hershey Montessori Farm School, in Huntsburg, Ohio, has adopted for any task arising from the needs of the farm that then generates a scientific or historic study. Includes lists of occupations pursued during 2000-2001 and samples of record forms students used to manage their work.…