Suggestions are given relating to having plants and animals in the classroom to stimulate development of the understanding of the concept of being alive, a concept not really understood by children under age nine. The research reviewed promotes firsthand experiences to help form concepts of living and nonliving, of identity and causality. (EB)

Explains a leaf project on the classification of plants for fifth through eighth grade students. Integrates technology into the unit and studies the subject as an electronic file. Recommends incorporation of metacognitive strategies into students' learning processes. (YDS)