Describes an inexpensive and sturdy model of protein synthesis that students can make in groups or that can be used by the teacher for demonstrations. (PR)

Presents instructions for students examining compost heaps to learn about the compost organisms and their place in the detritus food web. (PR)

Describes inexpensive hands-on activities for teaching about mutants and mutations in bacteria. (PR)

Science fairs can be used to advance a student's scientific knowledge, sharpen laboratory techniques, practice statistical analysis, and gain a better understanding of the process of science. This article describes an outline for developing a science fair that covers the objectives above and develops library and writing skills as well. (PR)

Presents a simple activity that simulates natural selection working on random mutations through many generations. (PR)

Aspects of impact crater morphology can be studied using a simple, easily constructed, and inexpensive apparatus. A sandbox is constructed and an iron ball dropped from an electromagnet from a height of at least 2 meters. Students can measure crater diameter, crater depth, and projectile penetration depth to investigate how each relates to impact…

Describes activities with a cartesian diver, a marginally buoyant float. (PR)

Uses survey responses from elementary-school students to discover types of activities they wish to have in English lessons. Clusters students according to their preferences for conventional classroom activities, unconventional learning activities, and related expressive activities. Reports findings and notes implications for teachers. (DSK)

Describes characteristics of mathematically gifted students and how teachers can identify, instruct, and assess such students through observation, conversation, classroom activities, and individual testing, using true mathematical problems geared for the specific student. Cross-curriculum indicators of talent, classroom structure, and…

Describes a four-level system for planning and implementing learning centers for gifted early-childhood classrooms. The levels are: teacher-planned/teacher-directed, teacher-planned/student-directed, student-planned/teacher-directed, and student-planned/student-directed. The philosophical, curricular, and instructional foundations for the…

'Structured Controversy' (SC) is a cooperative learning activity where students, working in small groups, argue one side of an issue and then another side of the same issue in two Rounds. Discussion includes: organizing the activity; evaluation; and positive results. Students reported a high degree of satisfaction with the SC activity and were…

This article describes the whole-language philosophy of teaching reading and writing and its application to teaching braille reading to blind children. It suggests activities that are effective for enhancing the development of early reading behaviors in children who use braille and that integrate the critical components of literacy learning with…

Presents simple outdoor activities to simulate the process of erosion and to show how various factors affect the amount of erosion that can occur. (PR)

The article presents technology projects that provide real-life reasons for students to learn geography. A variety of online networks take students on online field trips, linking them with scientists, zoologists, archaeologists, and explorers. Other interactive software is available to simulate trips to various locations around the world. (SM)

Encourages the appreciation of music through listening, responding with body movement, and sharing with children. Points out that early childhood educators and children who are nonmusicians can make and understand music. Identifies basic problems with preschool teachers' current practices in using music with young children and provides a list of…