Describes a project for professional writing classes that teaches effective persuasive writing, as teams of students research local nonprofit or campus service organizations, design projects to address their groups' main needs, and write solicitation letters for donations or volunteers. Discusses potential problems and how students benefit. (SR)

Describes an eighth-grade unit on World War II, in which students work in groups to create a research/presentation project. Discusses making the subject manageable, group responsibilities, evaluation of group presentations, steps leading to the lesson, results, and going beyond the subject. Offers an 87-item list of books and a 39-item list of…

Presents cooperative classroom projects using science as the initial basis for the study of bears. These projects may also involve other areas of the curriculum such as mathematics, art, and music. "Black Bear" activities include following a park ranger to study our National Parks and researching and building a full-sized brown bear…

The recognition that knowledge, competence, and contribution are stages on a continuum has major implications for assessment methods. Written examinations are thought convenient and cost effective, but if students are to be evaluated as future employees, assignments and examinations should have professional relevance. Students can be best…

Examination of the effects of difficulty level of academic tasks on the behavior of 2 subjects (ages 9 and 12) with severe behavior disorders found that difficult tasks were generally associated with lower percentages of time-on-task and higher percentages of time engaged in disruptive behavior than were easy task conditions. (Author/DB)

Presents an activity that reinforces concepts about plant and animal cells. Also gives students the opportunity to see how a battery works and how a series circuit operates. Allows students to be creative and makes them more receptive to learning about electricity. (JRH)

Describes a walkabout program that a sixth-grade teacher developed for her students from several models designed for older students. The program's basic structure revolves around five areas of personal development: adventure, creative expression, local inquiry, practical skills, and service. This voluntary program's success hinges on developing…

Presents an art lesson in which students used the spool knitting technique to create finger puppets. Describes the process in detail for creating the puppets. Lists the learning objectives and the materials needed for the project. (CMK)

Illustrates how math standards were integrated into the project approach in a community college-based child care classroom of 3- to 5-year-olds. Describes project stages and math skills used in the in-depth exploration. Lists practical strategies for meeting standards. Notes that the project provided hands-on learning opportunities and avenues for…

This interpretive study of a Year Six classroom in North Queensland, Australia focuses on how two contrasting groups of children designed ill-defined engineering structures. The collaboration processes within the research team are explored. Classroom-related findings are also reported. (AIM)

British student teachers in science visited industry partners and developed, implemented, and evaluated related projects in participating schools. They reported greater understanding of schools and their relationship with the community, and they gained experience in developing curriculum linked to real-world situations. (SK)

Traces the history of the project as a teaching method from the art academies of Renaissance Rome and Paris to European and U.S. technical universities, manual training and industrial arts, and the influence of Kilpatrick and Dewey in the early 20th century. (SK)

Provides a rationale for including biography projects in various secondary content areas. Describes a biography project assignment in a teacher education secondary content area literacy course. Provides examples of preservice teachers' work; makes connections to research about literacy and equity; and offers student comments about the assignment.…

Experience with student teams working on policy analysis projects indicates the need for faculty supervision of teams in the process of addressing complex issues. The problem-solving approach adopted in one policy analysis course is described, including assignments and tasks, issues and sponsors, team dynamics, conflict management, and the…

Presents an exercise that addresses issues of biodiversity, human ecology, and tropical forest loss which requires students to consider several factors surrounding three fictitious land-use scenarios. Stimulates students to first review and then openly debate situations that require the simultaneous consideration of many factors. (JRH)