Describes an upper-level high-school science course that provides students with hands-on experience in applying classroom physics to practical problems. Explores how the course prepares serious science students for future work while they have fun. Past projects have included establishing a speed trap on campus, restoring the school's observatory,…

Describes two sixth-grade lessons on the work of M. C. Escher: (1) the first lesson instructs students on tessellations, or tiles that interlock in a repeated pattern; (2) the second lesson explores Escher's drawings of transitions from two- to three-dimensional space. (DSK)

Describes ninth-grade English classes interviewing international students regarding their experiences and feelings about the journeys that brought them to the United States. Discusses how students from diverse cultures began to know one another, and how the gathering and the publication of these stories helped faculty, administration, and students…

Any teacher who reflects on teaching knows that he or she learns as much if not more from students as vice-versa. One means of encouraging this communication in a basic reference course is described--a culminating project which asks students to choose a word with which to review sources and to present the results in an organized way. (Author)

Describes a special project, in which at-risk ninth graders created a package of materials that a Peace Corps volunteer could take with him to Kyrghyzstan, where he was to teach English. Explains how the package contained an array of student-generated materials, including videos, newspapers, alphabet books, and cassette readings. (TB)

Presents techniques that in the author's experience have helped middle-school students produce better, more original work. Alternative formats to the traditional report project, clear assignment criteria, a grading rubric, and instruction in visual communication are all valuable. A model with which teachers can reduce plagiarism and promote…

Asserts that service learning seeks to provide students with real-life, community-based experiences related to the content offered in the classroom. Discusses methods used to support students in writing about their service learning experiences and considers the value of reflection journals and group discussion in the learning process. (DSK)

Presents an art project in which middle school students copy an artwork by a master artist, research to find a picture of the artist, and create three-dimensional portraits of the artists. Describes the project and lists the materials needed. (CMK)

Reports on initiatives taken to promote project-based learning by information and communication technology in both pilot and large scale projects. Reviews the history of paradigm shifts with regard to technological advances. (DDR)

Describes an undergraduate student module that was developed at the University of Exeter (United Kingdom) in which students made their own computer graphics to discover and to describe literary structures in texts of their choice. Discusses learning outcomes and refers to the Web site that shows students' course work. (Author/LRW)

Describes a program called MediaSmart designed by the WETA public television station in Washington, D.C. to help students understand the power and influence of the media and to help students become informed, discriminating, and literate media consumers. Explains the three main components: a teacher workshop; classroom instructional materials; and…

Presents a project for high school art students called "The Playground Beautification Project" where they created: (1) "Cartoon Playground", featuring benches painted with checkerboards and decorated with cartoon and storybook characters; and (2) "Artist Garden", displaying benches painted with surrealist and post-modern art. (CMK)

Describes the use of literature circles, a student-led reading and discussion method that encourages students to see stories in various ways. Explains the student selection of titles, roles of group members, and collaborative projects that complete the activity. (LRW)

This paper reports on the individual student projects of 37 classroom teachers enrolled in a graduate class on multicultural arts education. Identifies points of initial resistance and relates these to patterns of change. Proposes a seven-step model with which teachers can self-educate for multicultural pedagogy. (DB)

This study examined the impact of an intervention for primary school students and their family adults that involved two science meetings at school and home-based project work in astronomy. Results in terms of enhanced interest and enjoyment of astronomy were very positive. Assessing precise learning gains posed difficulties. (Author/KB)