Discusses an art project for fifth and sixth grade that was inspired by a Laurel Burch plate with a jungle motif. Explains that students choose a project name, make lists of images associated with their chosen name, and use those images in their round designs. (CMK)

Demonstrates the connections among authenticity, technology, and geography by discussing the use of the Internet and a Geographic Information System (GIS). Describes an online community-based project in a three-step process (research a local issue, create a Web site, and submit the site to an online community). (CMK)

Tells the story of three African American children's responses to literature by and about African Americans, showing the importance of connecting literature to the lives and interests of children. (SR)

Examined administration method (standard written administration versus oral administration by an examiner) as a variable influencing children's self-report test scores. Subjects included 139 students in grades 3-6, randomly assigned to an administration condition. Results suggest that method of administration did not affect test performance. (JBJ)

Describes a program where fifth and sixth graders are trained as school technology assistants. The childrens' duties include installation of software, making minor repairs, cleaning computer equipment, and assisting teachers and students. Outlines components of the program, lists forms the assistants use and skills they are taught, and provides…

Presents an art activity for fifth-grade students in which they learn about basic shapes and what happens when shapes overlap, draw seven overlapping geometric shapes, review the use of acrylic paint and mixing colors, and finally paint with primary colors. (CMK)

Focuses on individualized expression resulting from ideas and skills that have developed over time. Describes how students first drew a group of people, then used values and added background details, and finally enlarged the drawings demonstrating their own ideas. (CMK)

Describes using an outstanding portfolio created by an average fifth grader to study and reflect on the author's teaching and to consider connections between her teaching, the Michigan Language Arts Content Standards, and her District's new standards-based curriculum. Discusses the portfolio process, preparing for portfolio presentations, and the…

Examined process approaches to writing in fifth-grade classrooms led by teachers using procedural or workshop approaches. Found all teachers engaged students in the recursive steps of process writing, but there was significant variability in other aspects. Epistemological beliefs about teaching and learning were highly predictive of the type of…

Teaches concepts such as inertia, gravity, and friction using a "Lunch Box Derby" activity. Uses vegetables for the construction of race cars. Explains student approaches during the design and construction portion. Describes the rubrics used for student evaluation. (YDS)

Describes the use of a token economy in a fifth-grade classroom that teaches students economic concepts and helps develop their decision-making skills. States that students learn about scarcity, savings, price, inflation, insurance, rent, and utilities. Includes additional resources. (CMK)

Focuses on the multiple-visit program called "Art Around the Corner" at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Reviews research done on the program in order to determine the impact of "Art Around the Corner" on students. Explores the key ingredients of a successful multiple-visit program. (CMK)

Presents an art project where fifth-grade students painted murals of windows in the boys and girls school restrooms. States that they used a technique called "trompe l'oeil" that uses shadows and perspective to achieve realism that tricks the eye. (CMK)

Assessed lifetime and recent alcohol use among fifth graders, examining students' attitudes and beliefs concerning alcohol. Surveys of 813 students indicated that 48.9 percent had ever tried alcohol, and 17.9 percent had consumed alcohol in the past 30 days. Significant differences in alcohol-related attitudes and beliefs were found according to…

Defines Structured Freedom as a model of instruction that gives students responsibility for their own learning and engages them in convergent and divergent thinking. Illustrates the use of Structured Freedom in social studies instruction by applying its four stages to a Pueblo Indians unit that focuses on historical comparison. (CMK)