Describes a series of lessons designed to supplement textbook instruction of probability by addressing the ideas of "equally likely,""not equally likely," and "fairness," as well as to introduce the difference between theoretical and experimental probability. Presents four lessons using The Wind Racer games to study probability. (ASK)

Presents an instructional program for improving the use of videos in the classroom: (1) prepare yourself; (2) prepare the environment; (3) prepare the audience; (4) present the material; (5) provide the follow-up; and (6) evaluate. Presents a sample lesson appropriate for a unit on the geography of the Atlantic coast and its influence on the…

This article describes how students (ages 8-16) with hearing impairments can use geoboards to develop perceptions about squares, including: pattern recognition, characteristics of squares, concepts of area and perimeter, and generalizations of those ideas. A step-by-step lesson plan and a student worksheet are provided. (CR)

Describes how modeling, guided practice in controlled materials, monitoring and corrective feedback, and independent practice were used to teach contractions to six low-performing second graders, including a child with learning disabilities. Planning and implementation of the lessons are described and a sample lesson plan is provided. (CR)

Describes ideas for writing prompts and assignments proposed by three different teachers: (1) writing poems inspired by smells of herbs and spices; (2) writing about past perceptions and feelings after looking at a photograph; and (3) writing a "self-portrait." (TB)

This article describes a peer coaching model implemented in two elementary schools that included the following steps: identify coaches and their needs; identify learning buddies with similar needs; set up a schedule; determine supervision process; plan lessons; implement coaching sessions; reflect on lesson; and evaluate the model. (Contains…

Introduces a lesson plan on astronomy and scientific research. Explains how astronomers conduct research and the detection methods they use. Provides demonstrations and ideas for students to build a giant model of the solar system. (YDS)

Discusses the potential contribution of GPS and related Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to education. Provides resources for teachers to plan a lesson on exploring with the help of a GPS device in order to increase students' awareness of their surroundings and broaden understanding of their place in the world. (KHR)

Describes the development and implementation of a unit plan which merged drama and historical discourses. Notes the plan also facilitated an inquiry amongst students into the nature of how history is defined, studied, and remembered and why certain voices are included or excluded. Explains that the focus of the unit was two recent publications of…

Describes the Japanese professional development practice of lesson study and its articulation within the Japanese educational system, discussing insights gained from research that explored the feasibility of lesson study in a U.S. setting, noting challenges faced by American teachers trying to adopt the research focus that is inherent in lesson…

This article describes the concepts of information literacy and resource-based learning as they relate to the Inquiry Training Model of instruction. It also provides guidelines for designing lesson plans using the Internet as a resource and assesses learning outcomes. (AEF)

Discusses teaching students literary appreciation and how to teach the appreciation of other media. Suggests comparing a book and video version of the same story and includes a literary review unit guide for middle school or junior high school students, as well as a sample lesson on comparing stories in two mediums. (LRW)

Describes an activity designed to help students connect the ideas of linear growth and exponential growth through graphs of the future value of accounts that earn simple interest and accounts that earn compound interest. Includes worksheets and solutions. (KHR)

Examines lesson planning in light of recent research and discussion of foreign language learning and teaching. Aims to give beginning teachers a sense of the recent history of the teaching of foreign languages in North America and the theoretical foundation of the communicative approach to foreign language teaching. (Author/VWL)

Describes a three-step process--exploring, inventing, and discovering--that helps students derive concepts actively from problem solving. (YDS)