Presents a class activity on the history, causes, and consequences of World War II. Focuses on the development and deployment of the atomic bomb. Utilizes a Video Encyclopedia Program for historical background. Divides the class into groups that are responsible for researching and preparing a videotape on a World War II topic. (RW)

Poster and group activities help students understand the concept of wetlands. Activities involve students in classifying, defining, and depicting wetlands. (MDH)

Describes a decision-making lesson where students rank genetic defects and syndromes from least to most severe. Students are then asked to draw a line in the continuum where they would not feel obligated to support the life, or in the case of an in utero life, maintain the pregnancy. (PR)

Provides six fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in reading and language arts, art, mathematics, science, and social studies. Library media skills, objectives, grade levels, instructional roles, evaluation, and follow-up are described for each activity. (LRW)

Presents the experience of an English instructor who worked with members of the Physics Department to revise a technical physics class. Discusses the impact of learning communities at Henry Ford Community College (Michigan) on faculty development, student performance, and institutional culture. (VWC)

Discussion of distance education in the United Kingdom focuses on how teachers in primary and secondary schools can develop teaching strategies to adopt and implement distance learning practices. Topics include lifelong learning; social support; the use of technology; homework activities; teacher access to computers; and learning strategies. (LRW)

Readers' theater engages students in reading and writing activities that offer both affective and cognitive rewards. Students can develop their own scripts that introduce books, replacing the traditional book report with creative participation and active peer recommendation. Appendices provide two sample scripts. (AEF)

Discusses students' use of multiple sources for research and describes an automated system, "Super TOM Jr.," designed for middle and junior high school students, that includes citations, indexes, and full text of magazine and newspaper articles and selected reference sources. Research activities relating to Memorial Day and World War II…

Describes an assignment where students are given the task of using a computer-authoring system to develop a multimedia lesson on DNA and RNA molecules. (PR)

Utilizes students' immediate surroundings (neighborhoods, homes, communities) to illustrate the five basic themes of geography. A list of 35 questions requires students to conduct their own research and relates to basic themes such as location, movement, and regions. Includes suggestions for extending the lesson. (MJP)

Argues that literature-based social studies provide personal perspectives for examining essential social studies concepts and generalizations. Includes lesson sequences utilizing trade books to teach about poverty, hope, and involuntary relocation for primary, middle, and secondary school students. Briefly describes the books mentioned and…

Provides a more in-depth look at selected historical fiction from the "1995 Notable Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies." Includes learning activities for middle school students constructed around several of the books. The historical works address diverse subjects such as the African American experience and World War II. (MJP)

Summarizes the "Free to Learn, Free to Teach" program which draws linkages between considerate and compassionate behavior relevant to young children, and democratic values. Various charts and activities illuminating class, school, and safety rules also instruct the students in such democratic concepts as compromise and consensus. (MJP)

Presents three works of art that examine issues of exhibition, display, culture, and access in contemporary museum practices. The works include four black mannequins dressed as security guards, a room-size installation consisting solely of objects related to the artist, and a poster highlighting the general exclusion of women artists. (MJP)

Provides an interesting introduction to the military units, tactics, and campaign strategy used in the Civil War battle at Antietam (Maryland). Recommends a walking tour of the site and offers suggestions for discussion questions and related topics. Includes selected quotes from letters and memoirs of participants. (MJP)