This humorous blueprint, for apprentice and master teachers alike, discusses the essential implements of the craft: the chalk, the chalk eraser, the marking pencil, the wastepaper basket, and more. (JN)

Puppets can be used in the classroom to teach, to tell stories, to introduce new students or books, and to develop children's cooperation, creativity, and coordination. Instruction on how to make and manipulate puppets, plan puppet plays, and locate information on puppetry are given. (PP)

Booklets that explain how to grow a peanut plant, save the bald eagle, or make jewelry from rice are available free or at minimal cost to schools. Seventeen sources of materials are listed. They cover such diverse topics as geology, wildlife, the sea and water, food, and crafts. (PP)

Background information, learning activities, and educational resources for a lesson unit on food additives is provided. Advantages and disadvantages of additives are discussed. (PP)

A teaching kit on coal as an energy source provides background information, ideas for activities, and educational resources needed to start a class project on this contemporary issue. Information about coal, coal mining, electricity production, and environmental-versus-consumer needs is provided. (PP)

Children need to understand the role forests play in human life and ecology, and the competing claims of industry, recreationists, and conservationists for this resource. Class projects and discussion topics are suggested to bring these issues to life in the classroom. Other sources of information and children's books are also listed. (PP)

Issues teachers should consider before introducing the subject of nuclear arms into classroom teaching are raised, and tips for dealing with this sensitive subject are given. Sources of curriculum materials are listed, and problems with prepackaged curricula are pointed out. (PP)

The notion that Indians are curiosities of the past tends to be reinforced in many classrooms, particularly at Thanksgiving. Resource materials and classroom activities are suggested to help dispel myths about Native American culture and history. Concentrating on present-day Indian customs and handicrafts is recommended. (PP)

Learning activities to help encourage students' consumer awareness and develop their consumer skills are suggested. Objectives include teaching students to: (1) distinguish between wants and needs; (2) understand advertising; and (3) read labels and compare prices. Other information sources and reading materials for children are listed. (PP)

Exemplary teaching aids--games, workbooks, student and teacher resource books, reading materials, and records--are recommended by subject area and grade level. Materials include an ice cream cone game for mathematics, a "Life Skills Reading" book on telephone usage, a "Dictionary of Recent American History," and many other items. (PP)

Lesson units on teaching young citizens about contemporary issues can be used to start class projects that explore how the communications media present information about national issues in different ways and for different purposes. Classroom activities are suggested. Reproducible worksheets and a list of information resources and books for…