Demonstrations that can be used to lead students to wonder and write about basic scientific principles are presented. Each demonstration includes the concept demonstrated, a list of materials, and procedures. Concepts include density and temperature of liquids, contracting matter with heat, atmospheric pressure, dramatic color changes, fireproof…

Describes a parent education program in a rural Pennsylvania school district that uses a learning packet that contains (1) information about child development; (2) ideas for fostering child development, especially in language; and (3) suggestions for parenting. (BB)

Discusses ways for teachers of young children to utilize the arts, particularly music and the visual arts, across the early childhood curriculum. (BB)

A survey of health care issues among Hispanic Americans (469 adults and 235 children) in Arizona revealed that the poor health status and access to health care found for Hispanic Americans was even more pronounced for those whose language of interview was Spanish. (SLD)

Some important considerations for potential courseware authors to think about before they enter the authoring process are discussed. A description of the hardware requirements, an evaluation of 11 authoring tools based on quality and cost, and the conclusions are provided. (KR)

Discussion of literacy for the twenty-first century focuses on the Norristown (Pennsylvania) Area School District (NASD), where a restructured curriculum stresses thinking and communication skills. Sidebars introduce electronic books, recommend language learning software, describe six state literacy reform initiatives, and describe professional…

How portfolio-based conclusions about student learning might be used to communicate with audiences outside the classroom is explored. Procedures and criteria for investigating validity in portfolio use are discussed. Ten portfolios from an eighth grade language arts class are used as an example. (SLD)

This study of 86 children (ages 30-67 months) attending a community screening clinic found that 2 factors--parents' concerns about speech, language, or cognitive skills, and parents' ratings of the child's activity on a temperament scale--accounted for 27% of the variance in the likelihood of referral to early intervention services. (Author/JDD)

Provides eight fully developed library media activities designed for use with specific curriculum units in music, reading and language arts (three activities), science, and social studies (three activities). Library media skills objectives, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, evaluation, and follow-up are described…

Describes methods used to teach library skills to limited English proficient students in a California high school. Cultural attitudes toward librarians, methods for teaching library etiquette and a unit for teaching research skills and writing a research paper are covered. (two references) (KRN)

Presents an integrated schoolwide program in which students learn about pet care and the behaviors of 14 unusual animals. Each participating teacher sets up one animal center describing the animal and the animal's habitat. Centers change at the end of each month. Discusses costs and learning benefits of the program. (MDH)

Presents an interdisciplinary instructional unit focusing on the Mayan Civilization. Describes the use of interactive story telling and guided imagery to heighten student interest and involvement. Provides suggestions for using these methods to teach about other countries or civilizations. (CFR)

Presents a plan for developing and teaching an interdisciplinary curriculum unit combining social studies/social science and English/language arts. Argues that an integrated curriculum based on history and social studies is the key to an effective interdisciplinary unit. Provides suggested resources and instructional ideas. (CFR)

Discusses the effects of teachers' beliefs and practices on teachers' perceptions of students' abilities and potential for success. Uses the example of a child referred from a traditional kindergarten, where he did poorly, to a whole language child development center, where he excelled. Urges teachers to examine the impact of their beliefs on…

Presents a lesson plan integrating fifth language arts and social studies. Students wrote letters to the editors of newspapers in the 50 states and received hundreds of postcards and letters that were displayed throughout the classroom. Includes photographs of the students and postcards. Suggests that the activity teaches history and geography…