Integrates guided reading into the science curriculum to promote inquiry-based, hands-on learning. Describes the components and instructional strategies for a guided-reading lesson model and presents example activities. (YDS)

Presents a study to design and conduct a three-hour field experience for 3rd and 4th grade students on forestry and forest products, and to determine the cognitive effects of participation in this field trip on the children. Reports an increase in student knowledge after participating in this experience. Discusses the reasons for students'…

Presents several points to consider when children are taken outside for class. Tips relate to having clear expectations, practicing and modeling activities, and communicating strategically. (DDR)

Compares junior high school students' conceptual changes about force and motion and their interest in science between a group whose instruction including sports experiential learning activities and a group who used traditional instruction. Examines students' conceptual changes and interests according to the degree of their sports experience before…

The process of assessing prior experiential learning can be painful as adults analyze traumatic or embarrassing experiences, revisit disturbing problems, and find their confidence in past experiences shaken. (SK)

Argues that the key challenges confronting experiential educators today are to create meaningful roles for youth and to grow in a multicultural context. Discusses the roots of adventure-based experiential education in the realities of the 1930s and 1940s, and "service learning" situations that build adolescent self-esteem. (SV)

Presents a method for teaching sampling that uses hypothetical, small-scale target populations. Suggests that this method can best introduce the basic concepts of sampling in the context of a concrete example. Uses actual data collected from the class in order to provide a hands-on experience. Notes some potential limitations of the approach. (KO)

Eight articles in this this theme issue explore aspects of supervised occupational experience (SOE) in agriculture: definitions, new directions, the value of SOE, experiential learning, the science of agriculture, production agriculture, hydroponic technology, and Future Farmers of America proficiency awards. (SK)

Proposes domestic pests as ideal material for ecological studies to provide readily accessible and relatively simple communities. Describes the booklouse and a number of other suitable species. Suggests the use of the students' own homes as habitats to investigate and for use in teaching the principles of population dynamics. (RT)

Overseas travel-study programs can be rewarding experiences for students and teachers, but consideration must be given to the sponsoring organizations' credibility and liability. Because of liability problems, the number and type of educational travel opportunities are increasing, while the number of schools sponsoring overseas programs is…

Argues that the most important component in effective bibliographic instruction is the learning styles of students. The discussion examines learning styles, in general, and Kolb's theory of experiential learning, in particular. The use of Kolb's theory in a freshman library instruction program is described and evaluated. (10 references) (CLB)

Rhythmic groups of cyclical movements--action cycles--were identified during interactions between adults and subjects (12 children, aged 8-18, and 6 young adults with profound mental handicap). Subjects performed similar actions for apparently similar reasons at similar rates to their caregivers, giving strong indication of a biologically robust…

Described is a third-grade science unit using feathers. Children use the feathers to learn about measurement, observation, and inference. Procedures and results are discussed. (CW)

Investigates the use of personal computer (PC) programs to help participants in simulation exercises transform their experiences into knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Six programs developed at Queensland Institute of Technology are described that involve operations management, strategic management, and macroeconomics. Examples of spreadsheets are…

A new science program for elementary schools (developed by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study) emphasizes concrete experiences, providing students with opportunities to observe phenomena, record their observations, and discuss them with other students. Cooperative learning is a primary program component because it enhances children's ability…