A teacher describes how photographs of projects, holidays, science fairs, and special reports encourage students. Tips on how to incorporate photography in the classroom are included. Companies to contact as resources are listed. (JL)

Several activities covering garbage and its disposal, decay and composting, recycling, and environmental action are suggested. A reproducible page is included. (MT)

A teacher describes how a cardboard box tunnel was used to capitalize on children's fascination with boxes. The finished tunnel offers opportunities for honing math and writing skills. Layouts for tunnels and related activities are suggested. (MT)

This article presents a rationale and technique for stimulating students' interest in literature. An example, featuring author Donald Crews, is provided. A list of authors of books suitable for primary and middle grades is included together with an author information resource guide. (IAH)

Writing is a key component in developing mathematics thinking and understanding. Four strategies to encourage student writing to describe thinking and reasoning are offered. Teachers can use this writing to verify student understanding of mathematical concepts. (MT)

To broaden the scope of basal reading programs, fifth and sixth grade students read four full-length novels during the school year. Worksheets and exercises were used to improve reading skills. The novels selected included realistic works, fantasy, and historical fiction. A suggested reading list is provided. (JL)

Presents an inexpensive class activity to teach elementary students about light reflection off various surfaces. The activity involves aluminum foil, waxed paper, magazine pages, newspapers, overhead transparency film, construction paper, fabric, and a hand lens. A student page includes questions to make students think about reflection. (SM)

Calculator riddles can interest elementary students in math. Solving riddles where a numerical answer turned upside down reveals a word answer provides an amusing way to practice mathematical operations and learn about calculator functions. The paper explains how to create word riddles and includes student work pages. (SM)

Using ordinary household items--vinegar, ammonia, and cabbage juice--teachers can demonstrate properties of acids, bases, and neutrals. Students are encouraged to discuss results and hypothesize about experiments. A guide to the project is provided. (JL)

Faced with a student who is unable to read, a teacher refuses to give up on her and encourages her to participate in an after-school, volunteer tutorial program. By year's end, the student has improved 34 months on standardized testing and is placed at her appropriate grade level. (JL)

A sixth grade teacher discusses how she enhanced student writing and thinking skills by having them collaborate on a class monster story. The article describes how they created the story. A copy of the story is included. (SM)

A whole-language approach to science can enhance student learning. Curiosity about science leads to research, reading, and writing. An example of a two-week unit on ants is presented, in which students begin by watching the ants, then organize their thoughts, research ants, write about ants, and create final projects. (SM)

Students can explore temperature and heat conductivity by examining materials that make good cups for hot cocoa. Using temperature probes from computer-based science packages, students can measure gradual change in the liquid's temperature, watch as data are plotted on the computer, and explain why they chose a specific material. (SM)

To make elementary science students grasp the scientific concepts being taught, teachers must not ignore their preconceived ideas. Instead, teachers must identify misconceptions then help the students test them. The article presents a step-by-step approach that can serve as a model for teaching any science concept. (SM)

Children today face unprecedented fears, many of which were previously faced only by adults. The paper examines the results of a nationwide survey conducted by the organization "KidsPeace" about children's (ages 10-13) fears, discussing what teachers can do to provide students with the support and guidance they need. A list of resources to help…