Ideas for homecoming themes, events, and staffing are provided from a nationwide survey of alumni directors including: theme spirit; choose a team and plan a strategy; think homecoming, but not necessarily football; schedule time out for fun, games, and food; and involve the community. (MLW)

Describes a workshop approach in which students recorded in detail all examples of solid pollution along a one-mile stretch of a creek, stream, or traveled road in their home area. Results of the student surveys are included. (JN)

Having students make an everyday atlas, a collection of maps, generally of a small area, that illustrates features of particular local interest, is a good way to introduce them to the methods and materials of geography. How to make an atlas is discussed. Two examples are described. (RM)

Described is a unique national educational program and competition involving students in grades 6-12, who participate by entering historical essays, table-top display projects, media presentations, and performances. (RM)

First, third, and fifth graders master advanced vocabulary through a principal's "word for the day" strategy. Volunteer students look up the word in the dictionary, write the definition on the board, use it in a sentence, and create a poster. Retention is periodically tested and prizes awarded for top performance. (MJL)

The pros and cons of various grading systems used in statistics courses for social science students are discussed. The continuous grading scheme uses workbooks, individual projects, and other activities. (SD)

Discusses a project in which college students equipped a house with three different types of solar energy collectors and two vertical axis windmills. (MLH)

"Ten pink toes and a belly zipper." Creating their very own monsters helps kids break creative barriers and control fears. (Editor)

Describes an advanced undergraduate materials science course in which each student conducts two independent laboratory projects and is required to submit a formal lab report at the end of each project. (MLH)

Suggests a study of plant dyes as a way of stimulating student interest and enthusiasm; provides an example of a student report on this subject. (GS)

Describes the step by step construction of a tissue paper hot air balloon. (GS)

Over the past six semesters, researchers developed a project-based learning experience for an introductory Educational Psychology course. Each semester, one or two aspects of the project were varied. In the most recent semester, 44 students in 2 sections of the course worked on the project in groups. In both sections, students were provided with a…

Four kindergarten classes in an Ohio elementary school chose to study apples as a group project. Documenting the kindergartners' first experience with project work, this article discusses how the project evolved, and describes the three phases of the projectdiscussions of prior knowledge, fieldwork and visits from experts, and the culminating…

This teaching unit offers teachers, students, and their families a look at 3 centuries of history about the piano. Four lessons for high school music classes offer an opportunity to explore the cultural climate that nurtured the invention of and innovations for the piano along with descriptions of the personalities of the inventors, composers, and…

This book offers ideas about using primary sources to enhance students' understandings of history. It discusses the following resources, methods, and ideas: types of primary sources; tips on finding and preparing primary sources for student use; personal, local, and remote history activities; detailed descriptions of diverse projects; guidelines…