Describes the Science Enrichment Program (SEP), a multicultural summer program that aims at helping participants identify their special aptitudes and develop their particular interests through a multitude of hands-on experiences so that they can identify with an area of science. (JRH)

Presents techniques aimed at promoting a higher level of student-faculty interaction and active student participation in the learning process in introductory physics lecture classes. Discusses group problem solving, the use of flash cards, and assessment. (JRH)

Presents a hyperknowledge framework of decision support systems (DSS). This framework formalizes specifics about system functionality, representation of knowledge, navigation of the knowledge system, and user-interface traits as elements of a DSS environment that conforms closely to human cognitive processes in decision making. (Contains 52…

This study investigated several nontraditional identification methodologies for their efficacy in identifying both minority and nonminority gifted students. Sixth graders (n=433) were given drawing and problem-solving tasks. Peer and teacher nominations were also used. The assessments identified a proportionate number of minority and nonminority…

Describes classroom word games and reading activities that encourage students to think for themselves. These include word substitution drills, reassembling sentences, and spelling-related words. Notes that encouraging students to analyze, synthesize, and apply their knowledge teaches them the skills needed to succeed as independent learners. (MDM)

Reviews five computer software programs for students 3 to 14 years old: (1) The Graph Club (Tom Snyder Productions); (2) Kid Cad (Davidson Associates); (3) Kid Keys (Davidson Associates); (4) Math Ace (Magic Quest); and (5) Busytown (Computer Curriculum Corporation). Prices, supplier addresses, and hardware requirements are provided. (MDM)

Explains a generative theory of textbook design and describes three experiments that compared college students' solutions on transfer problems after reading science texts with illustrations adjacent to corresponding text and including annotations, and illustrations separated from text without annotations. (LRW)

Presents an integrated math/science activity in which families work together at an activity station and design and make a track for a marble to travel down using rules attached to a board. (MKR)

This framework for methodological issues in risk assessment in child protective service work addresses standards for determination of risk; types of data collected; sources of information; types of possible errors; incremental validity issues; cultural context of decision making; assessment of problem origins; selection of outcome goals and…

Provides three activities that help develop library skills for elementary school students. One describes a riddle card game that reviews research book terms; one explains a book report activity; and one focuses on cooperative problem-solving activities to find titles by favorite authors. (LRW)

This article is a reproducible page for students in grades four through six. The stated objective is the student will organize information about unfamiliar animals and infer other information. Students read clues about five newly discovered species and use a chart to organize this information in a more meaningful way. (PR)

Presents four investigations involving geometric sequences and series: folding a sheet of paper in half 8 times, stacking pieces of paper cut in half 50 times, snapping your fingers at intervals doubled in length for 1 year, and summing time intervals continuously cut in half. (MDH)

Discusses the implications of authentic activity as a model of learning, particularly in the design of computer-based simulations and project-based learning activities. Addresses the characteristics of problem-solving situations, educational simulations, and authentic learning activities; and identifies key guidelines in the design and development…

A new model for problem solving is broken down into four overlapping and interactive processes: Problem Posing, Problem Approach, Problem Solutions, and Communication. Figures illustrate the skills used in this new image of science problem solving, and a ninth-grade science investigation employing the processes is described. (LZ)

The use of creative dramatics in the library media center allows children to bring characters and stories to life, and encourages verbalization, experimentation, improvisation, and problem solving. Dramatic play activities are presented for grades two through six. (Author/AEF)