Outlines some tools and tactics for the knowledge-elicitation process in multimedia design by facilitating communication between the designer and subject matter expert (SME). Defines multimedia SME and exploratory multimedia, and discusses the role of the SME, stages of SME consultation, as well as problems and tips to optimize SME consultations.…

Exploratory programs provide stimulating and enriching experiences that help young adolescents realize their strengths and weaknesses before deciding about future educational directions. A survey of teachers and principals at two Southeastern middle schools underscored exploratory programs' articulatory nature. Implementation problems and…

Discusses why the Japanese term "otaku" (an obsession with the information exchanged via computers) is preferable to the American term "geek." Discusses a set of pedagogical beliefs and practices that geeks and otaku have in common, which are the antithesis of those of the typical U.S. high school. (SR)

Discusses three ways for teachers to affect standardized measures of student achievement: teach only students demographically predisposed to higher scores; cheat; or establish a challenging, integrative, and exploratory curriculum. (JPB)

Challenges the belief that high stakes tests are the keystone of students' educational attainment, describing a series of exploratory workshops, developed in reaction to this issue, in which teachers (as essential preparation for developing students' curiosity) deepened their understanding of the principles of physics by playing with light. Such…

Asserts that young children need help translating scientific theory into experiences that involve their senses. Provides age-appropriate, literature-based activities for exploring concepts and vocabulary in the areas of plant life cycles, animal life cycles, ocean ecology, and human growth development. Suggests specific works of children's…

Defines adaptive inquiry and argues for employing this method which allows lessons to be shaped in response to student needs. Illustrates this idea by detailing an activity in which teams of students build rockets. (DDR)

Students participating in Need in Deed's "My Voice" program perform community service while engaging in a self-discovery process. Exercises focus on what kids care about, what they would like to change, and five social issues they would like to study and report on to others. (MLH)

Describes a review of research that addresses the effectiveness of simulations in promoting scientific discovery learning and the problems that learners may encounter when using discovery learning. (WRM)

The analysis and simulation of spiral growth in plants integrates algebra and trigonometry in a botanical setting. When the ideas presented here are used in a mathematics classroom/computer lab, students can better understand how basic assumptions about plant growth lead to the golden ratio and how the use of circular functions leads to accurate…

In an increasing number of schools and school systems, active, hands-on science is gaining momentum and realizing remarkable gains in students' science, literacy, and mathematics standardized test achievement. Two recent major research projects have documented significant improvements in objective test results, which are supported by extensive…

When learners explore dynamic and interactive visualisations they are often not able to interact with them in a systematic and goal-oriented way. Frequently, even supporting learners in processes of discovery learning does not lead to better learning outcomes. This can be due to missing pre-requisite knowledge such as the coherent mental…

The relative effectiveness of explicit instruction, guided discovery, and discovery learning techniques in enhancing anticipation skill in young, intermediate-level tennis players was examined. Performance was assessed pre- and postintervention, during acquisition, and under transfer conditions designed to elicit anxiety through the use of…

With archaeologists continually finding new pieces of the past, students will undoubtedly see and hear of new discoveries in the media. By using archaeology as a context for investigating past cultures and using science methods, teachers can capitalize on students' interests while still addressing concepts recommended (or required) for their…

Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences has provided educators with a new view of intelligence. It emphasizes that science, math and language are not the only ways to exhibit intelligence. People exhibit intelligence in many different ways. Each type of intelligence is as valuable as the others. Gardner classifies these intelligences…