Describes an assignment for an undergraduate U. S. history class that combined role playing and research. The class was directed to use depression-era materials (newspapers, magazine articles, pamphlets, cookbooks) and plan a menu to feed a family of five on $2.50 a week (the amount provided by relief agencies). (MJP)

Describes the reform of an introductory biology curriculum to reverse high attrition rates. Objectives include fostering self-directed learning, emphasizing process over content, and offering laboratory experiences that model the way to acquire scientific knowledge. Teaching methods include discussion, group mentoring, laboratory sections, and…

Describes two elementary social studies projects where a ClarisWorks database was used to teach database vocabulary and to teach students to develop and design a curriculum-related database. (AEF)

Elementary teachers often unwittingly contribute to inequitable classroom environments. As part of a senior project, education majors at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, observed a fifth-grade class at a Guilford County school and solicited students' responses to two case studies involving gender equity issues. Kids enumerated…

Discusses educational benefits, logistical considerations, and inexpensive techniques for creating and facilitating a student-run multimedia publishing operation in the school media center. Checklists are provided for overall equipment needs and for grouping technologies with related functions into smaller "minicenters." A sample student…

Provides examples of how one public elementary school library media specialist integrates the use of computers into literature lessons. Describes activities for grades K-5 as well as project suggestions for any grade. (AEF)

Describes a multimedia math activity for sixth-grade students who have access to a computer lab. Students work in groups and interview an adult who uses math in his or her job. Then, they write an explanatory narrative describing how that adult uses math. Finally, they create a KidPix video slideshow with voice overlays to share with the class.…

A college history teacher describes a student research project on World War II involving archival newspaper research, interviews with older adults, and comparing perceptions of the individuals interviewed with news reports. Group decision making was involved, students benefitted from exposure to others' personal war experiences, and student…

Describes a project where students in an Iowa City, Iowa middle school recreated their town at the turn of the century using electronic and manipulative media. Discusses initial studies of structures, construction principles, and architectural terminology; student research of primary source documents and interviews with local architects; and…

Discusses the increase in online plagiarism and what school librarians can do to help. Topics include the need for school district policies on plagiarism; teaching students what plagiarism is; pertinent Web sites; teaching students proper research skills; motivation for cheating; and requiring traditional sources of information for student…

Provides practical ideas for "raising the bar" on student, technology-rich projects as teachers and learners work together to transform the learning environment. Explores levels of complexity in student products and determines what is realistic in terms of matching standards and activities with time and resources. (Author/AEF)

A collaboration between multiple local partners in southwestern New Hampshire sponsors a unique writing program. Students explore local parks and open spaces and then submit essays about them to the local newspaper. The program has expanded to research on significant local residents, how local industries and traditions got started, and a local…

This article discusses how Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) can be taught to gifted students in grades 4-9 using hands-on activities that align to the National Science Standards. Principles of magnetic levitation, advantages of magnetic levitation, construction of a Maglev project, testing and evaluation of vehicles, and presentation of the unit are…

Investigated the effects on middle school students of designing their own multimedia materials, including design knowledge, cognitive strategy, and motivation toward learning. Presents a theoretical framework, including project-based learning; describes questionnaires used; and discusses task ranking, planning and storyboarding, time management,…

Discusses the use of multimedia technology in history by providing case studies of projects within an urban history course and a course called "Men, Women, and War: Popular Memory and Public Understanding." Provides information on the teachers' expectations and addresses whether the project could be utilized at other universities. Includes a…