Characterizes students' understanding of the rock cycle system. Examines effects of a knowledge integration activity on their system thinking. Interprets answers to an open-ended test using a systems thinking continuum ranging from a completely static view of the system to an understanding of the system's cyclic nature. Reports meaningful…

Explores the nature of critical thinking through a discussion on the use of logic, the role of the critical spirit, dialogical reasoning, assessment of criteria, the relationship of content, and the relationship of caring and connections with criticism. Includes references. (CMK)

Introduces basic principles of coding and decoding including the use of letter frequencies to decode secret messages by using the radio premium codes of Little Orphan Annie and Dick Tracy. (KHR)

Proposes that reading researchers and teachers must acknowledge that contemporary new readers have no other way of learning about reading except within the context of a background of vast textual experience across many media and through multiple forms of address. Suggests educators need to take a broad view of the complex context in which texts…

A study examined the relationships among 109 children's creative performances in three domains and the relationships between those children's general creative thinking skills and their creative performances. Three case studies also examined domain-specificity of creativity. Results found considerable intra-individual variation in creativity…

Describes how probability is treated in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) "Principles and Standards of School Mathematics". (YDS)

Presents a lesson that teaches number patterns through the Vedic matrix found in Vedic mathematics from India. (KHR)

Looks at the use of Web-based resources in intermediate Japanese classes and argues that resource-based learning expands students' learning environments. Suggests that in order to be successful in resource-based learning, students need to develop strategies to deal with authentic Web resources and to use information searching skills and critical…

Describes the successful use of a computer algebra system (CAS) with a student as he worked on a problem involving functions far more difficult than he had previously encountered. (Author/NB)

Guides students through the process of designing a window. Allows them to use technology and a variety of representations while maximizing and minimizing the dimensions based on cost and light. Includes activity sheets. (Author/NB)

Describes an activity, The Spaghetti Problem, that shows how statistics could be used to introduce many topics in the secondary mathematics curriculum. (KHR)

Explains the place of science process skills in a quality science program. Introduces activities for the basic and integrated science skills that will lead to an understanding of the basic element of scientific literacy. Describes definitions, activities, and assessment techniques for developing interpreting data, controlling variables,…

Reports research that examines children's models of seed. Explores the conceptions held by children (N=75) of germination and seed formation. Concludes that children hold a restricted meaning for the term 'seed'. (DDR)

A study involving 31 adults with Down syndrome investigated their ability to reason. Results found they did not differ from typically developing children, matched on expressive and verbal ability, in transitivity and non-verbal analogical thinking; however, they did differ in categorical reasoning, classical verbal analogies, and short-term…

Concept mapping, which requires learners to plot concepts and their interrelationships in a meaningful organizational network, was compared with an established curriculum approach. The usefulness of the technique is discussed in terms of its ability to individualize and raise the quality of learning. (JD)