Presents reviews of five computer packages: (1) "Algebra Attack" contains games and tests; (2) "Bootstrap Stats" requires learners to write programs while studying probability and statistics; (3) "Geometry and Microcomputers" contains 13 lessons on mathematics and graphics; (4) "Math Grapher" is an algebraic…

Describes how "The Odyssey" is taught to fifth graders as a part of a study of ancient civilizations. Beginning with a storyteller's version of the tale, the children hear, read, discuss, and write about parts of the story. Learning activities and resources are described. (LMO)

Describes a game developed to provide medical education students with opportunities to discuss questions concerning health education issues. Indicates the materials needed for constructing the accompanying game board and provides the questions that are addressed by participants as they play the game. (TW)

This issue of Keying In, the newsletter of the National Business Education Association, focuses upon teaching young adults how to develop both investment strategies and an understanding of the stock market. The first article, "Sound Investing Know-How: A Must for Today's Young Adults," describes how young adults can plan for their own…

It is not always easy to get a naturalist to visit schools and it is often difficult to transport school groups to a state park. Hence, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Recreation developed Portapark to provide teachers with educational activities, techniques, and ideas. These activities are aimed specifically…

Reports results of the Energyport Project, which involved sixth graders of all performance levels in energy study. The project was designed to demonstrate the relationship between energy sources and their economic impact on the community and increase student awareness of the effects of different energy sources on the environment. (CS)

Operational gaming techniques that are permeating the architectural profession are used to: elicit user needs, represent architectural realities in the classroom, understand the rationale behind complex design decisions, and model decision environments at many levels with coarse or refined data. (MLW)

Describes a game designed to impress upon undergraduates the difficulty of economic mobility for minorities. The game involves two groups, "Majorities" and "Minorities," and their efforts to build a simulated social network with string. Minorities receive shorter lengths of string and cannot leave their seats. Discusses follow-up exercises. (MJP)

Provides a step-by-step process for designing effective and interesting simulations. Explains and gives examples for the four steps: defining teaching goals, constructing the simulation, running the simulation, and debriefing. Asserts that simulations develop critical thinking and other skills. Examines possible means of assessment. (MJP)

Recommends turning some of the more tedious aspects of elementary instrumental rehearsals (particularly playing scales) into games. Describes a number of educational games that can be constructed around these activities, including a "Wheel of Fortune" parody. (MJP)

Explores elements of game design: entertainment, fantasy, nonthreatening reality, objectives, rules, opposition, hazards, outcomes; a rationale for using games in courseware; advantages of World Wide Web Instructional gaming: asynchronous learning opportunities, process data gathering, real-time interaction across geographically dispersed…

Discussion of the use of microcomputers by special education students highlights a study that compared the effects of a drill and practice program with an instructional computer game on the acquisition of multiplication skills among junior high and high school learning disabled students. (22 references) (LRW)

Three groups of secondary school teachers received different types of training with regard to teaching at-risk students. Teachers who learned techniques of experiential cooperative gaming for use with at-risk students demonstrated an increase in self-confidence in dealing with at-risk students, while teachers who received only information…

Three articles present suggestions to help elementary teachers promote student development. The first describes games that encourage a sense of community. The second deals with making parent teacher conferences a positive experience. The third discusses how to give confused children who are involved in custody battles an alternative to acting out.…

Describes a library media skills unit for middle school mathematics that identifies specific subject material, develops questions based on the sources chosen, addresses student motivation, involves cooperative learning, and culminates in a "Jeopardy"-style game. (LRW)