Demonstrates how to construct rational, exponential, and sinusoidal functions that appear normal on one scale but exhibit interesting hidden behavior when viewed on another scale. By exploring these examples, students learn the importance of scale, window size, and resolution effects in computer and calculator graphing. (MAZ)

Stresses using the features of graphing calculators to teach parametric equations much earlier in the curriculum than is presently done. Examples using parametric equations to teach slopes and lines in beginning algebra, inverse functions in advanced algebra, the wrapping function, and simulations of physical phenomena are presented. (MAZ)

This article describes how to identify sources of children's learning opportunities, how families and practitioners can work together to choose natural learning environments as a source of learning opportunities, how to use children's interests for involving them in everyday learning opportunities, and how an intervention plan can increase…

Considers the school library media center as an information learning laboratory. Topics include information literacy; Kuhlthau's Information Search Process model; inquiry theory and approach; discovery learning; process skills of laboratory science; the information scientist; attitudes of media specialists, teachers, and students; displays and Web…

Describes studying the steel drum, an import from Trinidad, as an instrument of intellectual growth. Describes how developing a steel drum band provided Montessori middle school students the opportunity to experience some important feelings necessary to emotional growth during this difficult age: competence, usefulness, independence, and…

Discusses the use of storytelling by teachers and librarians to promote reading. Topics include folktales; communication through story; oral traditions; learning through story; impact on reading, comprehension, and composition skills; telling/listening interaction; storytelling as a leadership skill; and story and inquiry or discovery learning.…

A study examined the value of teaching inquiry science in elementary classrooms where students' home language was Spanish. Bilingual interns taught children in 62 El Paso (Texas) classrooms, half in Spanish and half in English. Findings indicate that language skills in both languages increased, new science concepts were understood, and there was…

Gifted elementary students need exposure to advanced concepts and materials without being segregated from classmates. Educators should avoid labeling students as gifted; assign independent projects, real-world problems, and high-quality literature; promote guided exploration and self-discovery; consider alternative settings; and find suitable…

This book is used as a two-day workshop for teachers in how to use the "History Alive!" program. The three premises of the program include: (1) cooperative interaction; (2) multiple intelligences; and (3) the spiral curriculum. The strategies developed focus upon: (1) Interactive Slide Lectures; (2) Social Studies Skill Builders; (3)…

The theme of this book is self-initiated learning. It provides a framework to examine the dynamics of how children learn in this new environment. Chapter 1, "Underlying Rationale and Overview," discusses the rationale underlying a new philosophy of education. Chapter 2, "Background and Characteristics of a Self-Initiated Learning…

As part of the Asian American Bilingual Center (AABC) Pilipino Language Arts Program, a curriculum suitable for students in kindergarten is presented. The program is geared both to the immigrant Filipino child and to the American-born Filipino child who learned to speak Pilipino at home, and includes kits that emphasize the AABC's major concepts:…

"Muncie Remembers That Day in Dallas" is an oral history project report of a study conducted by two academic U.S. history classes of 21 students at Muncie Southside High School (Indiana) during the 1993-94 school year. The occasion of the 30th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy, along with the movie "JFK,"…

Unlike units and themes in the early childhood and primary curriculum, projects are defined as children's in-depth investigations of various topics--ideally, topics worthy of the children's time and energy. As increasing numbers of teachers and school districts incorporate project work into their curriculum, questions have been raised about what…

These four quarterly newsletter issues address various topics of interest to teachers of young children. Each issue focuses on a theme and includes an article on that theme, along with regular columns. The Fall 1997 issue focuses on kindergartners as inquirers and on using a negotiated curriculum in the early childhood setting. The vice…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of interactive learning strategies in the form of visually-based, real-time computer simulations on inductive learning by adults in physical science. The subjects were 160 upperclass undergraduate students who were enrolled in an introductory computer education class. The computer based…