Briefly describes a computer fair conducted by the Winn Brook Parent Teachers Association in Massachusetts in order to raise funds to purchase microcomputers for elementary schools. Over 50 computers were available for hands-on demonstrations and several vendors exhibited computer software. (JJD)

Describes the evolving functions of an in-house art gallery at a Milwaukee, Wisconsin elementary school. Teachers used the gallery exhibits extensively as an educational resource and as the basis of their classroom activities. Exhibit themes always involved at least two curriculum areas. (AM)

Describes a special St. Patrick's Day exhibit, with games and decorations, designed to get students into the school instructional materials center. (SJL)

This book presents a selection of articles published in "Science and Children", "Science Scope", and "The Science Teacher", all journals published by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), that cover all grade levels from elementary through secondary education. It describes how to organize and conduct a successful science fair. Contents…

Suggestions for organizing a science book fair are provided, focusing on planning activities, book displays, publications/publicity, and evaluation. Factors discussed related to book displays include: size and scope of selection, where to obtain books, and how they will be displayed. (JN)

This sourcebook prepares students for a visit to the "Prehistoric Journey" exhibit at the Denver Museum of Natural History. The exhibit opened October 23, 1995, and offered a dramatic exploration of 3.5 billion years of life on Earth. Dioramas and "enviroramas" depict seven critical points in life's history. In addition to the chronological…

Relates how a classroom can support and house a mini-museum of natural science. Describes the various types of exhibits and the range of activities that can be developed from them. Explains student involvement in exhibit design and use. (ML)

A teacher's guide to affordable field trips with tips on where to go, what to do once the class arrives, and how to cut costs with careful planning is provided. Suggestions include: local must-touch museums; miniexhibits in the class; in-school excursions; and invite-an-expert seminars. Related writing activities are also listed. (JMK)

Practical technical information and procedures for display are given in this book. An implicit theme recognizes school environments as distinct socio-cultural contexts in which children learn and develop. This environment should provide comfortable private and public places that recognize the complex social needs of students and teachers. Patterns…

A "children's festival" can be an exciting and meaningful alternative to the traditional school carnival, which often emphasizes competition rather than cooperation and learning. Ideas for such a festival that can generate money, provide fun for adults and children, encourage cooperation, and provide learning experiences are presented.…

Discusses workshops featuring an interactive exhibit program for elementary science teachers. Science is learned in an inquiry-based mode and science teaching props are developed. Describes the interactive science exhibits, needs assessment, and workshop programs. Provides evaluation results of the workshop. (YP)

Two elementary teachers present plans, procedures, and activities used in organizing a two-day, schoolwide estimation and measurement fair. This event inspired enthusiasm for math by offering 40 indoor and outdoor activities concentrating on estimation in capacity, length, area, duration, and weight. (SM)

Learning magic tricks permits behaviorally and emotionally handicapped children to become magicians in the eyes of adults, their peers, and themselves. The self-contained classes of handicapped boys in grades 3 through 6 have put on numerous magic shows since 1984. Program objectives include building self-esteem, teaching team cooperation,…

Elementary teachers can increase public awareness of the value of social studies by having students conduct a sidewalk fair in a local shopping mall. One exemplary fair used the "Revolutionary Times" in American history theme; students read stories, showed filmstrips, and sang songs. Considerations for implementing a fair are discussed. (RM)

A Smithsonian exhibition was developed that looked at invention in an innovative way. It aimed to encourage visitors to make connections between their own lives and abilities and those of inventors. The role of play in the invention process was examined. Play is a universal and familiar activity and can help people find the link between their own…