Describes an intensive 2-week Operation Physics Institute at Western Washington University for 67 elementary and middle school teachers designed to improve science instruction. Presented several discrepant events in physics; teachers explained the events with scientific methods with the aid of concept lists. (KS)

The article helps elementary teachers develop science programs geared to their students, emphasizing the appropriateness of hands-on activities and developmental learning. It presents three Earth Day water projects on rain and puddles, water drops and surface tension, and water purification that can be tailored for specific classes. (SM)

Article discusses the four elements of good elementary science programs and offers ideas for creative hands-on science and across-the-curriculum activities (e.g., a please touch science center, curriculum planning chart, and getting to know you water activity). It notes science-related events and describes four science reference books. (SM)

Describes experiences in career exploration in a third grade classroom based on the Foxfire approach to instruction. Students researched careers by writing letters and interviewing real career people. They also set up "junior businesses" in the classroom, which involved designing business cards and purchasing products to sell. Students…

A lesson plan, directed at middle school students and older, describes using snow to study the geological processes of solidification of molten material, sedimentation, and metamorphosis. Provides background information on these geological processes. (MCO)

Discusses the value of educational simulation in enhancing teaching. It is effective because it is a realistic, active learning experience, it is highly interpersonal, there is an element of play, and it demands that participants think of ideas and implement strategies and solutions. (SM)

Presents activities for a springtime Space Day that can teach students about astronauts, gravity, and motion. Activities include creating a paper bag spacecraft to study liftoff and having students simulate gravity's effects by walking in various manners and recording pulse rates. A list of resources is included. (SM)

Examined impact on novice family therapists' skill acquisition of the initial phase of family therapy. Results revealed significant changes from pre- to posttesting in family therapy skills. Changes in trainee skill levels were positively correlated to trainee's extent of initial knowledge of family therapy. (RJM)

Project Adventure's adventure-based counseling text, "Islands of Healing," uses language and simplistic conceptions of individualism and community to create an ecology of ideas. In this framework, moral and social complexities of modern life are exchanged for an artificial cyberspace-like microworld where unthinking acquiescence to group…

Reports a case study exploring how 2 16-year olds were enabled to capitalize on the potential of errors to stimulate and support mathematical inquiry. Discusses variations within the strategy of using errors to enhance mathematics instruction. Appendix includes list of instructional episodes and error activities. (Contains 56 references.) (MKR)

Provides background on constructivist theory and describes practical applications. The article explains a children's thinking project that was part of a master's level early childhood education course, reporting what was learned about gaining access to children's ideas and insights into their thought processes. Implications for teacher education…

Describes a New York City high school's experience with Outward Bound, a cooperatively funded experiential learning program. Rock climbing was used to teach youngsters how to deal with the metaphorical walls facing everyone. The program's success (a 90% graduation rate) depended on faculty commitment, administrative support, motivated student…

Presents ideas for getting the most out of an elementary school trip to the zoo. The article offers before, during, and after lesson plans which touch on biology (the life cycle), geography (continents and regions of the world), conservation (endangered species), ecology (natural communities), and career guidance (zoo jobs). (SM)

A project that introduced scientists to students and engaged students in creative scientific activities is described. Students were asked to help scientists identify patterns on the wing of a species of fruit fly. A combined research/education program is recommended. (KR)

Experiential approaches to education are compatible with mainstream school reforms designed to unify a highly fragmented curriculum, engage students as active participants in learning, and better serve at-risk populations. However, public school acceptance of experiential strategies is hampered by recent enthusiasm for standardized nationwide…