A simple lesson on magnetism can foster childrens' natural enthusiasm for science and set the stage for discoveries that parallel those of famous scientists. (JD)

Elementary school children need hands-on experiences to understand science concepts. Computers can be used to store and analyze data collected by students, but educators seem to agree that students need to manipulate data themselves to really comprehend their discoveries. (DF)

Describes Math Safari, a mathematical, scientific, geographic, informational adventure for fourth grade students. It integrates all curriculum areas and other skills by using information children must find in books to pose math problems about animals. It encourages cooperative learning, critical reading, analysis, and use of research skills. (SM)

Rather than emphasize specific facts, teaching science should help develop the whole person. Children learn science best when they are able to choose what they want to know. Suggestions for "living science" rather than parroting facts are offered. (DF)

Activities are described for helping students not just to recognize the historical significance of the Mayflower voyage but also to understand the actual courage of its passengers, through reliving the planning, principles, motivation, technicalities, and conditions of the voyage. (CB)

A teacher who once relied on a reading skills program describes her conversion to an approach that emphasizes the reading of books. A substantial part of each class period is set aside for free reading time. A sampling of book projects used to focus students' efforts is included. (PP)

By introducing students to the idea of inventing their own celebrations, teachers encourage creativity and help them sort out values and make decisions. Students can savor a sense of community as they share discoveries with classmates. Examples of several invented celebrations are recounted. (MT)

A teacher describes an incident involving his fifth-grade class and an angry elderly woman. He points out that the event became a learning experience in standing up for one's rights, tenacity, respect for others, compassion, and responsibility for the elderly. (JD)

Presents one teacher's classroom techniques for teaching responsibility through real-world learning experiences. Wall charts rotate everyday jobs. Students apply for challenging jobs. A lottery system determines who gets favorite jobs. Students vote on who organizes special events. (SM)

Ways in which to use literature to teach science are suggested, with examples given of reading materials for teaching about spiders and eyeglasses. Selected books about seasons, nature, and other scientific themes are listed. (CB)

With some children, teachers can't work the usual way; they have to do strange things. By accepting his hatred, using military manuals as textbooks, and employing an unorthodox reward system, the author helped a difficult child learn to read at his grade level. (MT)

The impact which standardized mathematics tests have upon classroom instruction--content, sequence, pacing--is explored, and harmful consequences are discussed. Four suggestions are offered for enabling teachers to minimize "teaching for the tests" and to present a mathematics curriculum appropriate for their particular students. (DG)

The Boothbay Writing Project was developed by a group of teachers interested in discovering how writing should and should not be taught. Through self-research, teachers gained insight into how they had learned to write and how they could best help their students become competent, confident writers. (DF)

Information and resources are provided for teachers in developing a unit to help students become smarter consumers and understand the purposes of merchandise packaging. (DF)

A four-week third-grade class study of the Summer Olympics is described. Activities for studying the host and participating countries were incorporated through map, social studies, art, mathematics, and language arts activities. (CB)