Four successful programs to make media centers an extension of every classroom and a focal point for community involvement in schools are described. (MT)

A question-and-answer format is used to help teachers understand how children react to and deal with death, including discussions about grief, the death of a classmate, and when to seek professional help. Several resources are included. (CB)

The information explosion on the solar system has made old notions about space obsolete. This article offers information about the planets and suggests classroom activities and teacher resources. (DF)

Instructions are given for creating earth dyes in the classroom. These dyes be used in the teaching of social studies, science, and art. A chart listing sources of natural dyes is offered. (DF)

Several ideas are presented which can be used by teachers to arouse children's interest in birds and, at the same time, enhance skills in math, reading, writing, art, and creative thinking. A list of reading resources is included. (IAH)

A hands-on science project on watersheds helps elementary students understand the water cycle. The unit, which focuses on the fact that all living things need water and that watersheds are sources of water for rivers and streams, teaches students to observe, make inferences, predict, and draw conclusions. (SM)

Presents a variety of strategies to help teachers find and use community resources to enhance education. Ideas include bringing history to life at a local historical society, cultivating business partners, working with childrens' museums, and collaborating with local organizations. Tips for tapping into community resources are included. (SM)

This planning guide for efficient use of the last weeks before school opens offers ideas for interactive hall and wall displays, a guide to self-made math manipulatives, a materials checklist, a four-week task planning countdown, and a listing of teacher resource books and other classroom materials. (SM)

Presents electronic activities and strategies from teachers for teachers, including creating field-trip slide shows via a digital camera, going online to find resources for teaching units on the ocean, and using an online video library to find videos to support specific curricula. (SM)

Studying architectural styles is an exciting way to make history come alive and to help students feel a part of their community. This teacher's guide includes several classroom activities, a historical guide to American architectural styles, a list of resources, and a reproducible student worksheet. (IAH)

A plan-ahead guide offers teaching suggestions for fall 1992. There are three sections: the Columbus quincentenary (products and activities reflecting various historical and cultural perspectives); the 1992 election (teaching and resource suggestions); and international space year (resources and materials on space exploration). (SM)

Presents ideas from the Center for Research and Development in Law-Related Education for lesson plans to celebrate the Bill of Rights. The article offers projects, resources, and reproducibles that describe the Bill of Rights and how to teach elementary and secondary students about the subject. (SM)

An elementary level teaching unit that explores immigration helps boost students' thinking skills, command of history, and appreciation of the nation's diversity. The unit focuses on reasons for emigrating to America, understanding the past, immigration today, and bridging the past and present. Three reproducibles are included. (SM)

Sensory development, activities in language arts, problem solving, science, health, physical education, and art are listed along with resources for making students more aware of their senses and of visual impairments. (CB)

Several winter activities and resources about winter activities are described for adaptation by teachers, regardless of the particular climate of the area. Included are descriptions of activities in language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, art, motor skills, and outdoor education. (CB)