Presents activities to find Pythagorean triples using the TI-83, a graphing calculator. (KHR)

Examines 8th grade units from the Connected Mathematics Project (CMP). Identifies differences in older and newer conceptions, fundamental objects of study, typical problems, and typical solution methods in algebra. Also discusses where the issue of what is new in algebra is relevant to many other innovative middle school curricula. (KHR)

Notes that beginning teachers mimic the teaching of their college instructors; however, not many of the strategies students observe and mimic are supported by recent reform efforts. Proposes that college and university science instructors must recognize their impact on science teacher education and adjust their strategies to be consistent with the…

Explores the utility of focus group methodology as a tool for community service and student community-based learning through a service learning college course. Concludes with a discussion of how the group's focus aids student comprehension of sociology. (Author/KDR)

Discusses an orientation to the local environment as the lens through which to detect global change. Discusses how students can relate to a structure that includes the intertemporal, interspatial, intergenerational, and interspecies realities of place leading to a comprehensive view of biology. Discusses the existential tensions intrinsic to…

Presents a case study on sustainability using the concept "Ecological Footprint" to focus on the Biosphere II experiment. Discusses the increasing rate of population growth and Earth's capability of sustaining humans with its limited natural resources, material consumption, and pollution and how to measure sustainability. Includes…

Recounts historical experience with testing efforts. Recommends that in any testing program, the limitations of testing must be kept in mind in order for the tests to benefit student achievement. (DDR)

Ponders whether the testing industry can meet the needs of states as they develop intensive testing programs in reading, mathematics, and science as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act. (DDR)

Introduces naturalist writers who discuss environments and natural resources, the issue of human population growth and its impact on the environments, and the nature and history of science. Includes activities addressing the interpretation of naturalist writing geographically, chronologically, and by the environment. (KHR)

Presents research on different techniques to determine the level of understanding among middle school students regarding the phases of the moon. Quotes student responses to provide some insight into students' level of understanding of general knowledge about the moon, moon phases, and modeling the phases. Presents implications for teachers. (KHR)

Notes case study evidence that points to some success in using writing frames to encourage pupils to both develop and express their procedural understanding in science. Suggests that fundamental to the success of such frames in encouraging pupils' expression of understanding is the teacher's active promotion of learning as a social process in…

Discusses the advantages to using on-line assessment for both the instructor and the learner. Reports on the use of an online assessment tool that provides interactive feedback to students learning linear algebra. Measures success in terms of improved pass rate and students' satisfaction with the flexible learning opportunities that the tool…

Explores connections between naive epistemology and everyday instructional practice. Reviews examples of naive epistemologies as made up of fine-grained, context-sensitive resources. Presents strategies designed to help students tap those resources for learning introductory physics. Reflects on this work as an example of interplay between two…

Describes an inquiry-based approach to researching in the intermediate grades. Presents detailed minilessons intended to provide students with strategies for writing effective research reports. Notes that hyperlinks in the article carry readers to examples of these strategies and to student applications. (RS)

Identifies the new literacies of the technological age: technological literacy; visual literacy; information literacy; and intertextuality. Explores a variety of tools available to teachers, such as: digital imaging technologies; World Wide Web based technologies; and global collaborative projects. Provides an example of a teacher who chose a…