Presents four hands-on and computer-based activities to develop measurement skills. Students examine, measure, compare, and contrast the area, perimeter, and volume of geometric figures using concrete materials and computer spreadsheets. (MDH)

Examines current theory and research about educating teachers concerning diversity, cultural pluralism, and equity. Explores how teacher educators attempt to transfer multicultural skills, beliefs, and knowledge in ways that help every child learn. Every teacher needs to incorporate cultural diversity to acknowledge the different needs and goals…

The influence of mathematics-specific teaching practices on class-level mathematics achievement was studied using Second International Mathematics Study data for 236 eighth-grade classes (approximately 7,000 students). Links between class characteristics and teaching practices are explored. High socioeconomic status and high-ability students…

Reports one child-care teacher's experiences in helping troubled young children. Discusses the techniques she uses to reach the children and engage them in play, her attitudes and beliefs concerning children, and her stress on working with the children's parents. (BB)

Explored demographic characteristics and retention status of kindergarten children and curricular practices of kindergarten teachers. Retained children appeared to come from low-income, female-headed households; had no preschool experience; and were disproportionately from ethnic and language minorities. Teachers from high-retaining school sites…

Presents an activity that integrates science, environmental education, art, and social studies. Students identify and research an endangered species and construct a totem pole depicting the species using a recyclable material. (MDH)

Describes two activities for helping elementary and middle school students develop energy consciousness: (1) Energy Chains and (2) The Energy Tank. The Energy Tank is an activity that has students build and race a two-liter soda bottle to reinforce the basic laws of energy conservation. (PR)

Uses shoeboxes to set up science kits to supplement specific areas of the science curriculum. Each kit contains a set of material and instructions for a single activity. The activity is intended as an individualized experience that is related to a current topic of study or that reinforces a recent topic. Details for making six sample shoeboxes are…

Presents four techniques to bring current science controversy into the classroom: (1) daily reviews and discussions of current science articles; (2) weekly group analysis of an assigned article; (3) individual student reports of a science controversy; and (4) a yearlong cooperative group study of a science issue. (MDH)

Shares how writing can be used as a primary intervention vehicle to provide for skill development, strategic thinking, and building self-esteem in a clinical setting. (MG)

This article discusses the integration of computers into effective instruction in special education. In search of software appropriate to the student's stage of learning, implementations are addressed in terms of warm-up, introductory activity, guided practice, independent practice, and assessment. Criteria for selection are explained and several…

Develops a series of computer-assisted instructional (CAI) programs as a learning tool to accompany a U.S. history survey course. Divides a 2-semester course into 12 chronological periods. Explains how course structure incorporates rote materials into visually stimulating gamelike scenarios. States that software for the course is available,…

Offers ideas on how to develop a course on popular music. Notes the importance of obtaining prior administrative support. Identifies materials, techniques, books, films, and community resources. Suggests several classroom projects, incorporating popular music history and music activities. Lists books, periodicals, and videotaped materials for…

Describes effects of interactive video in the social studies classroom. Delineates basic system components and how they may be used to access multimedia kits or to create teacher-designed systems. Illustrates the method by using kits in a tenth grade world history class and an eighth grade unit on the 1988 presidential campaign. (NL)

Described are some of the visualization techniques employed in the computer-animated videotapes generated through the blending of commentary, animated imagery, music, and special effects. Instructions for procurement are included for these tapes, which are produced by Project MATHEMATICS! at the California Institute of Technology. (JJK)