Sixth graders find out the do-it-yourself way of learning pays off when they construct their own instruments in their study of simple machines. Three machines were constructed. (EB)

Demonstrations are presented in which children can be introduced to evidence of specific concepts enabling them to participate in such a way that any conceptual conflicts that might arise in this learning situation can be gradually reduced. (EB)

Discovery teaching advocates minimal teacher guidance. Materials from two curriculum development projects were evaluated with respect to this guidance. Results indicate a considerable discrepancy between curriculum intention and reality, as measured by the degree of teacher guidance afforded in the projects' instructional materials. (CP)

Five activities involving an array of numbers called an even triangle are given. Properties of the triangle are listed and some generalizations are proven. (MP)

Recent trends and changes in science education include: change from content to process-oriented instruction; discovery learning; increasing relevance; environmental education; use of objectives; use of learning theories; and integrated science. Stresses the need to improve the science background of teachers, especially if integrated science is…

Maintains that traditional science education presents students with scientific facts to be memorized and then regurgitated on tests. In problem-posing science education the emphasis lies on understanding rather than on memorization; on attitudes and skills rather than on retained knowledge. Three sample lessons are given. (Author/BC)

Forty-three preschoolers learned the concept of one-to-one correspondence by matched discovery, expository, or observational learning. The groups did not differ on short-term recall and near transfer, but the discovery group excelled on far transfer and delayed recall. The effect of guided discovery on broader learning outcomes was also discussed.…

Proposes new approaches to engineering education. Adaptability is central to the idea of developing flexible adults able to cope with a changing world. Stresses the need to educate students for a continuous, life-long education. This is seen as the role of the university. (MA)

Explains a unified approach to using the computer as a teaching tool for helping students discover concepts and principles involved in geometry. Describes the Geometric Supposer series which allows students to develop constructions and measure angles, areas, and circumferences. States that supplemental materials are also available. (RT)

Argues that exploring a familiar topic or examination question in a novel manner is a useful way to find topics for mathematical investigation in the classroom. The example used to illustrate the premise is a quadratic equation. (PK)

Logo creator Seymour Papert discusses ways Logo can be improved to accommodate different learning styles and strengthen word processing and list processing capabilities. In an interview, Papert discusses computers' influences on learning, Logo's underlying concepts, teacher use of Logo, Logo's discovery learning approach, and development of Logo…

A useful approach for developing insights and discovering patterns is to examine numbers in relation to the number of their divisors. A teaching procedure for this approach is presented, with questions, answers, and homework suggestions. (MNS)

Argues in favor of the lecture method of presenting information to students. (FL)

Students from suburban Boston schools were participants in a survival trip program. Accompanied by adults, the students were taken blindfolded to areas across town. Their goal was to find their way back to the school. To do this, students had to make full use of their environmental resources. (MA)