Presents some introductory experiments involving the reaction between EDTA and several metal ions using metallochromic indicators. The experiments represent familiar reactions and are followed by suggestions for extension into areas of discovery work by students. (Author/SA)

A model for teaching proof writing to college mathematics students is presented. The model has six phases: (1) open (understanding the theorem by reading it, listing, and writing it out); (2) brainstorm; (3) instantiate (perception of the chain of inferences linking hypothesis to conclusion); (4) convince; (5) reflect; and (6) extend. Strategies…

Describes five astronomy education projects implemented by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Science Education Department and funded by the National Science Foundation. Project efforts have concentrated in three major areas: (1) curriculum development; (2) teacher support; and (3) classroom technology. (DDR)

Discusses the Tadpoles Project at Schofield Middle School in Aiken, South Carolina. A basin was excavated to create a pond so that students could study various disciplines in a wetlands setting. Presents guidelines for obtaining support for such an effort. (NB)

Uses a discovery lesson for determining the area of an equilateral triangle given a side length as an illustration of how to introduce features of the TI-92 graphing calculator geometry package within a mathematical context. (KHR)

Describes an eight-phase model for project-based learning via the Internet: watching, wondering, webbing, wiggling, weaving, wrapping, waving, and wishing. Highlights Internet research tools as well as Internet and print resources for an investigation of homelessness, hunger, and poverty; and provides introductory activities using Internet…

Discusses strategies to facilitate children's explorations that include supporting open-ended inquiry, supervising safely, seizing the moment, offering a place for discovery, providing access to information, sharing respect for life, seeking community involvement, and celebrating wonder. (JRH)

Describes the Slanting Leaf Beds Project in Oregon in which fifth and sixth graders participated in hands-on, long-term research projects designed to provide students with an understanding of scientific processes and concepts. Students first worked in pairs obtaining samples and making tentative identifications. Group data was pooled and compared…

Described is the use of computer software to teach elementary scientific processes to sixth graders. Discussed are materials, manuals, procedures and evaluation. The results of a field trial are described. (CW)

According to information from a 1994 conference that explored the work of teachers conducting inquiry, the purposes of teacher-led inquiry are to improve teaching and learning and to inform and transform the work of schooling. Implications of teacher-led inquiry for the education of teachers are examined. (SM)

Notes the dangers of "generic" early childhood curricula. Draws on a teacher's journal to describe letting preschoolers build their own learning from "natural" learning materials--including plastic and cardboard pipes, palm branches, buckets, chains and pulleys--and how the teacher supported their growth. (HTH)

Explored the performance of primary school children in Logo programming tasks while they worked in one of three gender pairs (girl, boy, or boy-girl). Found no considerable differences in performance based on gender. Results suggest that what distinguished performance was the application of metastrategic processes--the most effective solutions…

Examines the importance of learning environments as sites for change in science education, describing work with elementary teachers in which researchers are designing learning environments featuring guided inquiry. After explaining how to plan and enact guided inquiry instruction in science, the paper reflects on experiences implementing it in…

Abstract ideas in linear algebra are illustrated at different levels of difficulty through the investigation of the solution to a well-known puzzle. Matrices are used to model the puzzle and the concepts of rank, underdetermined systems, and consistency are employed in the solution to the problem. (MDH)

Argues that teachers should replace art history instruction with efforts to build in children a love for beautiful old objects. Suggests that children should be encouraged to examine family treasures and toys and share their discoveries. Describes several suitable classroom games, including tablesetting history, history to wear, and traditional…