Introduces lesson plans on cycles designed for middle school students. Activities include: (1) "Boiling and Evaporation"; (2) "Experimenting with Evaporation"; (3) "Condensation and the Water Cycle"; and (4) "Understanding Cycles". Explains the mathematical applications of cycles. (YDS)

Introduces a unit on the brain and learning styles in which students become aware of their own cognitive styles. Studies the connection between the three senses--sight, touch, and hearing--and three types of learning styles--visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. (YDS)

Presents an inquiry-based science activity on pulse rate. Includes observations; developing a research question; constructing the hypothesis; designing the study; collecting, summarizing, and analyzing data; and interpretation stages in the activity. Presents information on how to use standards and benchmarks in this activity. (YDS)

Shows that poetry performance in the elementary grades is an effective method that links oral and written language, aids in conceptual vocabulary development, enhances comprehension, and increases oral reading fluency. Discusses ways to properly apply poetry performance within the elementary classroom. Presents a nine-step lesson plan that…

Describes a lesson plan in which students apply their mathematical intuition to determine win-loss possibilities of teams in a sports league and develop a formula for calculating the magic number for clinching first place. (YDS)

Presents a problem and a variety of proportional reasoning strategies used by students to solve the problem. (YDS)

Presents the "Food for Thought" problem and discusses different approaches used by Algebra 1 students to solve the problem. (YDS)

Explores the mathematics of flight. Also contains a student worksheet. (YDS)

Describes how the human body can be used to make sense of various number patterns and relationships. (YDS)

Outlines a lesson on the Fibonacci and Lucas sequences that captures student interest by presenting the opportunity for computation practice, mental mathematics, and proof for algebra students. Discusses an extension for solving simultaneous equations. (YDS)

Presents classroom activities in which measurements of various components from the legend of Paul Bunyan are used to focus on scale factors in distance, area, and volume. (YDS)

Describes a two-week unit based on calendars and births designed to be used in January at the start of each new year. (YDS)

Draws on recent events in Major League Baseball to illustrate the relationship between experimental and theoretical probability. (Author)

Describes a project in which students explore the Inka data recording system of knotted cords called quipus to reinforce understanding of place value. (YDS)

Teacher educator returns to eighth-grade classroom. Despite student learning, realizes that something is missing from lesson plans: no relationship with the students. Makes conscious effort to improve relationship. Finds classroom teaching experience provides best education as teacher educator. Recommends that all teacher educators return to the…