This classroom activity is based on a constructivist learning design and engages students in physically constructing a karyotype of three mock patients. Students then diagnose the chromosomal aneuploidy based on the karyotype, list the symptoms associated with the disorder, and discuss the implications of the diagnosis. This activity is targeted…

In this article, the author describes a project that deals with fire production as an aspect of technology. The project challenges students to be survivors in a five-day classroom activity. Students research various materials and methods to produce fire without the use of matches or other modern combustion devices, then must create "fire" to keep…

In the scientific community, the symposium is one formal structure of conversation. Scientists routinely hold symposiums to gather and talk about a common topic. To model this method of communication in the classroom, the author designed an activity in which students conduct their own science symposiums. This article presents the science symposium…

This book demonstrates how teachers can use action research as an integral component of teaching and learning. The text uses examples and lesson plans to demonstrate how student research processes can be incorporated into classroom lessons that are linked to standards. Key features of this book are: (1) Guides teachers through systematic steps of…

Research-like experiences range from relatively "canned" labs that are highly controlled by the instructor (such as those described in Lord and Orkwiszewski 2006) to more individually designed projects (e.g., Switzer and Shriner 2000; Wyatt 2005). This article describes a laboratory approach that allows for many of the benefits of independent or…

Steve Allen's "Meeting of Minds" television series (in which historical figures from different periods meet) and Hendrik Willem van Loon's "Van Loon's Lives" (which details a imagined dinner where guests meet) both present a concept which is readily adaptable to high school communication classes because it incorporates numerous…

This lesson plan provides background on six significant historical documents: (1) "Meeting at Runnymede--The Story of King John and the Magna Carta"; (2) "The Mayflower Compact"; (3) "The Declaration of Independence and Natural Rights"; (4) "The Federalist Papers"; (5) "Aristotle: In Search of the Best…

Offers an alternative to traditional term paper assignments in which poster sessions were used to promote collaborative learning, creativity, and develop research and communication skills. Provides guidelines for conducting poster sessions and their various applications. Finds students prefer poster sessions to traditional term papers. (NL)

Describes a research project for high school students in which they write to an important figure in psychology to ascertain their contributions to the field. Students sent letters to 113 psychologists and received replies from 72 of them. Reports students were enthusiastic about the project. (NL)

In this teaching activity, students track and present information about specific regions in the world on a bi-weekly basis. Emphasis is placed on the five themes of geography to develop a working knowledge of assigned regions. Students use Microsoft Publisher and PowerPoint to create presentations. The activity packet contains several documents…

This book presents some basic realities about teaching the gifted and talented pupil such as: (1) Most gifted and talented children are educated in their local primary school; (2) A primary teacher will probably have children in their class capable of gifted and/or talented behaviours; and (3) One of the most difficult aspects of being a primary…

Writers are influenced by their environment including family, community, lifestyle, or location. One such writer was Mark Twain. With this lesson plan the learner will become familiar with and analyze life around Mark Twain's hometown, Hannibal, Missouri, during the latter half of the 19th century by using various online and print resources to…

One way to engage students in grades 7 through 12 is to encourage them to investigate history as a puzzle, a set of dilemmas, a collection of conflicting viewpoints in short, a mysterious and provocative subject. In this book a collection of cases have been assembled both real mysteries and purposely constructed classroom problems with techniques…

The Eco School information pack contains 10 sections outlining specific school areas that can be assessed by students for meeting the needs of all its users, the extent to which these areas use and abuse environmental resources, and the aesthetic contribution they make to the locality. Using this initial research, the document helps students…

Suggests using group presentations as a method for instructors with large introductory courses to help students gain functional skills and also make the courses more interesting. Provides examples of group presentation projects. States goals of projects as showing how sociology can be used in everyday life and providing a review of the examination…