Amargosa Valley School in Nevada could be considered representative of almost any preK-8 school that serves a large proportion of socioeconomically disadvantaged students and is focused on turning around persistently low achievement. Like other schools supported by federal School Improvement Grants, Amargosa is beginning to implement a reform plan…

A teacher describes a dollmaking project she used with her coeducational sixth grade class. Pictures of the students' rag and stocking dolls illustrate the article. (SJL)

Activities for sixth grade students that are part of the School Health Curriculum Project, "Our Health and Our Hearts," are described. Major concepts and instructional objectives for each activity are detailed. (CJ)

Talking with local merchants helps sixth-graders explore the impact of change in their community. (Editor/SJL)

Sixth graders learn how to conduct a survey in this problem-solving project. (Editor/SJL)

Following a "building code" specified by their art teacher, sixth-graders designed and built cardboard townhouses to serve as permanent hallway decorations in their school. This article is one of four in this issue describing elementary level mural projects. (SJL)

Describes a successful program that used a step-by-step approach for teaching research and presentation skills to gifted sixth-grade students. Steps included developing a preliminary outline, exploring various sources, organizing information, using higher-level thinking skills, creating a rubric for evaluating presentations, providing handouts,…

Addresses the difficulties for upper elementary students in shifting from reading to learn to reading for content. Suggests that integrating reading instruction into social studies lessons will help students improve in confidence and responsibility for learning. Includes detailed plans for two lessons and the strategies to be used. (DK)

Following a brief introduction to the LOGO programing language, describes its use in a sixth-grade classroom. The situations described illustrate students' growth while the choice of the situations illustrates teachers' growth. (JN)

Describes an innovative program involving sixth grade students in all aspects of archaeology, including an archaeological dig. Individual units on weather, geology, the metric system, and map reading are pursued. Specific archaeological techniques such as compiling site and field records, cataloging, and surveying are studied. (RM)

Sixth graders at Kamehameha Elementary School ascended a high mountain peak, successfully orienting themselves for over 5 miles using topographical maps and compasses and the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired at school. The article describes the program, noting the knowledge and tools students used to accomplish their goal. (SM)

Describes a reading program for gifted middle school readers designed to increase critical reading ability and student appreciation of literary technique and broaden understanding of sophisticated vocabulary. (MLF)

Discusses experiences using a new mathematics curriculum with sixth grade students for nine weeks. Presents a student's discovery of her power in mathematics through this problem-centered curriculum. (ASK)

Described is an art activity in which sixth graders were asked to draw something that they hear. The children created aural pictures that were truly inventive personal interpretations. (RM)

Describes a short course in German taught by student teachers to sixth graders and junior high school students. It is stated that this program bridges the gap between theory learned at the university and practical experience gained in the public school, and should increase the benefits of student teaching. (EJS)