During their middle and early high school years, students generally finalise their attitude towards mathematics and their perception of themselves as students of mathematics, in terms of aptitude, motivation, interest, and competence. Therefore, giving them varied opportunities to foster a positive and successful approach to the study of…

This paper aims to introduce an activity for teachers to assist in meeting learning outcomes as defined in the earth and environmental science units of the Australian Curriculum. The focus of the classroom tasks is on a global ocean feature referred to as El Niño. This phenomenon is part of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, which is largely…

Student engagement during the development of a three-dimensional visual aid or teaching model can vary for a number of reasons. Some students report that they are not "creative" or "good at art," often as an excuse to justify less professional outcomes. Student engagement can be low when using traditional methods to produce a…

Students learning a defined subject only perform by learning of thinking based on the concepts forming that subjects. Otherwise, students may move away from the scientific meaning of concepts and may fall into conceptual errors. Students' conceptual errors affect their following learning and cause them resist change. It is possible to prevent this…

Molecular model kits have been used in chemistry classrooms for decades but have seen very little recent innovation. Using 3D printing, three sets of physical models were created for a first semester, introductory chemistry course. Students manipulated these interactive models during class activities as a supplement to existing teaching tools for…

This article describes a cooperative project between eighth graders and first graders called "Going Green in the Neighborhood." The project entailed the first grade students sketching home designs on paper to make a model community, and the eighth grade students taking those drawings and making them into 3D computer models and then…

The aim of this study is to test collaborative concept mapping activities using computers in a classroom scenario and to evaluate the possibilities that Elkar-CM offers for collaboratively learning non-technical topics. Elkar-CM is a multi-lingual and multi-media software program designed for drawing concept maps (CMs) collaboratively. Concept…

This paper discusses the use of interactive graphics to teach multivariate data analysis to Psychology students. Three techniques are explored through separate activities: parallel coordinates/boxplots; principal components/exploratory factor analysis; and cluster analysis. With interactive graphics, students may perform important parts of the…

Five software packages that can create party decorations, certificates, toys, comic strips, and other graphics are reviewed. Sources of the software are given. (MT)

Describes how to make hand puppets, marionettes, and rod puppets, using computer graphics programs in the initial designing stage of the process. Advocates using puppets at nearly any grade level and subject area as a way to integrate literature, writing, and computer technology. (SR)

Presents six computer-oriented classroom activities. They include: surveying a house for products using microprocessors, writing a program to display a flag, experimenting with LOGO's graphics capabilities, writing stories on the computer, using FOR/NEXT commands to create a blinking object, and teaching the Milton Bradley Big Trak to play…

Describes an activity for primary school students, combining writing with computer-art quilt-making. Provides a bibliography of quilt books. (MM)

Describes ways computers are used in the art education program of one elementary school. Illustrates how computers become centers where students learn to use the computer as a tool with which to experiment and make choices. The results of these experiments are then applied to their art work. (KO)

Presents the second article in a two-part series on HyperCard materials (computer software used to build structures that create patterns and connections) designed for English and language arts classes. Suggests assignments for use with early HyperCard software that can be adapted to a variety of nonverbal "stackware." (MM)

Reviews three computer programs for the classroom: (1) Kid Pix, a graphics program; (2) GROUPwriter, for online conferencing for students in third grade and above; and (3) Just Grandma and Me, an interactive version of a Mercer Mayer story. (LB)