Part one of a three-part series about noise pollution and its effects on humans. This section presents the background information for teachers who are preparing a unit on sound. The next issues will offer learning activities for measuring the effects of sound and some references. (SA)

Some countries have no fixed rules about classrooms' physical size or numbers of children taught therein. Italian children attend schools within their catchment area; each class has a maximum number of pupils. New Zealand schools serve all comers, except when crowding threatens. The Dutch government guarantees equal physical and teaching resources…

Outdoor education is the only means by which people can recover their identity as a part of wildlife in harmony with earthly wisdom. Outdoor education programs that aim to bring alienated youth in touch with their own wild natures have four major features: (1) earthlinks (connecting daily life to surroundings); (2) stories (myth and science); (3)…

Suggests components necessary for a library career center to help patrons look for jobs. Highlights include location; collection; physical arrangement; local resources; teaching about appropriate Internet tools; word processing stations; having reference materials as well as circulating materials; and seminars. (LRW)

Presented are the arguments of two different points of view on the mass extinction of the dinosaurs. Evidence of extraterrestrial impact theory and massive volcanic eruption theory are discussed. (CW)

Suggests that camp support staff concerned with maintenance and services improve the effectiveness of camp programs by creating a positive environment. Identifies common characteristics of camps that make "hospitality" a priority and that help camps tailor their services to the specific needs of both program and clients. (SV)

Discusses the chemistry of the stratosphere at mid-latitudes, the Antarctic phenomenon, and temporal trends in ozone levels. Includes equations, diagrams of the global distribution of ozone, and halogen growth projections. Concludes that studies of stratospheric ozone demonstrate that the global environment is fragile and is impacted by human…

Points out mistakes that could be avoided in planning the physical environment of day care centers. Cites importance of considering (1) the size scale required for use of facilities by children and largely female staff; (2) the scope of activities at the center; and (3) the behavior of staff and children. (NH)

An ecological perspective is used to evaluate the quality of mainstream child development research designs that include observational data collection procedures. A preliminary analysis of a case study is presented to illustrate the need for greater attention to ecological factors. (LZ)

Administered an open-ended survey to 187 rural and urban tenth grade students in Minnesota. Students were asked to describe their community, state, nation, and world. Comparison of rural and urban students' responses revealed both similarities and differences. Discusses implication for rural education and rural education research. (Author/KS)

Describes the caretaking practices employed by the Peruvian Quechua mountain people, who swaddle infants in cloths and blankets (known as a manta pouch) to protect them from the harsh and frigid environment. The practices of 14 mother-infants pairs are examined in detail, and the benefits and drawbacks of the manta pouch are examined. (MDM)

A book excerpt depicting images of the European conquest of America 500 years ago and the continuation of it today. Discusses the "American dream" of independence in light of the environmental destruction prevalent today and calls for a rediscovery of the meaning of making North America "home." (MCO)

The SPATIAL model (satisfaction, perception, achievement, transcendent/immanent attributes, authority, layout) posits that (1) individual perception of space affects satisfaction, participation, and achievement; (2) certain aspects of a space are subjective or beyond physical attributes; and (3) authority and layout are external and can be…

Notes environmental factors affecting adult learning situations: territoriality, seating arrangements, sightlines, and equipment. A checklist for conducting a space audit includes features inside and outside the classroom. (SK)

Discusses the demands that educational facilities managers face due to their diverse customer base. Offers tips on how to keep students happy, how to appease clients during renovations, how to facilitate effective nonadversarial interaction with faculty and staff, how to act in the public eye, and how to project a positive image. (RJM)