A program is described in which parent volunteers assist in science instruction at the kindergarten/first grade level. Examples of activities within the mini-units are given. (SA)

This article traces the transformation of a traditional correspondence school, the National Radio Institute, that relied on postal mail for delivery into a modern technology-based distance learning center now known as NRI Schools. Topics include discovery learning; test grading; lesson answer sheets; computer assisted learning; interactive voice…

Argues that general education has not traditionally emphasized inquiry or research skills. Discusses the School for New Learning at Chicago's DePaul University, which focuses on the development of critical skills and inquiry in undergraduates. Argues that self-directed learning is best suited for the demands of the 21st century. (34 citations)…

Presents activities which highlight major concepts of linear programming. Demonstrates how technology allows students to solve linear programming problems using exploration prior to learning algorithmic methods. (DDR)

The task force of the American Chemical Society's Division on Chemical Education, which was formed to implement curricular change in chemical education, outlines recommendations that should be part of the curricular change process. The recommendations are divided into groups of areas altering course material and areas altering process goals of the…

Argues that children's perceptions of the natural world are linked with imagination development and experiential learning. Describes children's learning as sensory-oriented. Advocates fostering a love of nature, arguing that access to natural places and natural play activities both encourage a connection with the earth and contribute to children's…

Discusses activities that can help teachers of toddlers to design environments that stimulate and facilitate children's exploration, discovery, and understanding of color beyond the traditional boundaries of sight. Suggests that by incorporating other senses, teachers offer to the older toddlers rich multi-sensory experiences that can nurture and…

Argues against the merely descriptive presentation frequently used in teaching biochemistry and in favor of a constructivist approach called heuristic-teleonomic, which unites the process of discovery with adaptation to functional ends. Discusses difficulties inherent to the nature of biochemistry, including the conflict between acquiring…

Describes teaching strategies in which children are encouraged to develop computational procedures that are meaningful to them. Authors state that classroom observation reveals most primary students to be capable of developing their own accurate solution procedures for multi-digit addition and subtraction as well as for simple multiplication and…

Reports and discusses observations of three confident, experienced teachers organizing investigative science in their classrooms. The teachers wore microphones and the recorded data coupled with field notes formed a record of what happened that could be negotiated with the teachers. (DDR)

Describes an activity in which students make milk solids separate from the milk. Provides background information, a series of questions that students should be asked as they approach and perform the activity, and ideas for extension projects. (DDR)

Social problem solving, effectance motivation, and information processing were studied with 38 Finnish eight-year olds using the LOGO computer programming language learned through discovery learning. Results suggest that LOGO promotes the development of problem-solving skills if each student receives sufficient support from the teacher. (SLD)

Presents seven articles on outdoor play environments: "Are We Losing Ground?" (Greenman); "Designing and Creating Natural Play Environments for Young Children" (Keeler); "Adventure Playgrounds and Outdoor Safety Issues" (McGinnis); "Trust, the Earth and Children: Birth to Three" (Young); "Outdoor Magic…

Data are presented from the first-year of a 4-year research project that aims to design a model for describing exemplary communicative practice using signed classroom discourse in the teaching of students who are deaf. Episodes are presented to illustrate how 10 teachers engage in dialogic knowledge building and exemplary communicative practice.…

Discusses the content of and rationale behind the steady expansion of natural science instruction during the past 20 years at all school levels, in all types of schools in West Germany. Follows the content versus process orientation debates that have characterized curriculum reform in the natural sciences. (DB)