This column provides background science information for elementary teachers. When the author was young he used to think that the ideal design for a concert hall would contain walls that were composed of sound-absorbing material, like foam or egg cartons or such. He noticed, though, that this was not the case. Most concert halls contain curtains…

The United States is dependent on innovations in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields for the growth of its economy and improvements to quality of life, but too few students are prepared for them. To help meet the challenges in filling the STEM pipeline, teachers of gifted elementary students can nurture important talents,…

This paper describes how an intelligent chip architecture has allowed a large cohort of undergraduate (UG) students to be given effective practical insight into integrated circuit (IC) design by designing and manufacturing their own ICs. To achieve this, an efficient chip architecture, the "Superchip," was developed, which allows multiple student…

Students sometimes find introductory drafting and design a boring subject. They must learn the basic skills necessary for drafting and architecture and this may require repetition in order to reinforce those skills. One way to keep students interested is to have them draw objects they encounter in their own lives instead of abstract machine parts…

Art education can provide students with a fundamental way to take the first steps in creating their own dream house. This document describes an art lesson plan that encourages students to use their imagination to draw a house that reflects their own personal and family needs.

This book presents findings of a 1993 study of how design in the curriculum helps students achieve national educational objectives. It also explores opportunities for expanding the role design can play in students' academic lives. Results of the 1993 study reveal how the use of design experiences in classrooms provides teachers and students with a…

Examines the need for the study of architecture and product design in the K-12 curriculum. Describes a model for an integrated design studio that promotes creativity. Recommends ways that people from the community can help in the classroom and suggests ways that art teachers can be trained. (KM)

Instructional units with suggested resources and appropriate activities for teaching environmental design to students in grades 6-12 are presented. An overview of program goals and suggested environmental awareness exercises and projects is followed by six illustrative units. The first unit (grade 6) focuses on environmental awareness and…

Presents four lesson plans designed to teach about Frank Lloyd Wright's "Hollyhock House" to primary, intermediate, and secondary art students. Provides an overview describing the history and design of the house, including its relationship to Mayan architecture. Includes nine photographs and original drawings of the building. (CFR)

Design and the built environment are subjects of concern to Maine communities. State mandated town planning, new school construction, and the Department of Transportation plans to rebuild roads and bridges elicit public discussion. The study of design encourages elementary students to enter this public forum as informed citizens. The study of…