Presents six key questions to ask about any instructional resource. Suggests a few specific questions to ask when selecting decoding and comprehension games and manipulatives. Presents seven instructional games and manipulatives appropriate for classroom use. (MG)

Reviews Web sites for current events news that are appropriate for students of various ages. Discusses the possibilities for second language learning and curriculum connections and lists television sites, news magazines, classroom magazines, newspapers, and lesson plans. (LRW)

This book reviews over 250 computer programs oriented toward the three- to six-year age range. Each program has been screened with checklists designed to rate such factors as ease of use, content strength, instructional design, and developmental appropriateness. The opening section contains an alphabetical list of all the software titles covered,…

An overview of integrated learning systems (ILS) is provided. Twelve companies marketing products under the term ILS are identified. Philosophical approaches, curriculum areas, management systems, costs, and company stability are discussed as important considerations for schools considering these companies. (CW)

Presented is a detailed look at some published materials showing the widespread nature of the misuse of genetics terminology. Suggests that similar problems can be found in any genetics text. Concludes with a plan for urgent action and suggestions for improvement. (Author/CW)

Discusses the top eight educational software titles of the year plus 35 additional programs. Topics include math/problem solving, language arts, science, social studies, classroom management/teacher tools, creative arts, and new versions of older software. (MVL)

Reviews a curriculum resource unit entitled "Life Expressions: West African Art in the Collection of the Seattle Art Museum," produced by the museum and adaptable to any grade level. The unit depicts art in its cultural context and allows students to take in information in their preferred learning style. (MDM)

Reviews four books on teaching premathematical concepts to young children: (1) "Windows on Mathematics: Worktime Activities for Young Children" (Westley and Randolph); (2) "Hands-On Math: Manipulative Math for Young Children" (Stone); (3) "Books You Can Count On: Linking Mathematics and Literature" (Griffiths and Clyne); and (4) "Mathematics…

Reviews six computer software programs that emphasize drawing, science, and math skills: (1) "Brushstrokes" (Claris); (2) "Tempra Vision" (Mathematica); (3) "Draw to Learn" (Draw to Learn Associates); (4) "Coaster" (Disney Software); (5) "Rediscover Science" (Edunetics); and (6) "Rediscover Math" (Edunetics). (MDM)

Reviews a commercial software package that was originally developed for English but can be adapted for use in Japanese. The approach here is the adaptation of a generic program to a specific instructional context, with the attendant benefits and limitations. (Author/JL)

Examines why videos are a good staff development tool. Discusses 14 recent educational videos appropriate for staff development in individual, small-group, or large-group settings. Notes responses from primary teachers and from pre-service teachers about the videos reviewed. (SR)

Reviews five books that help high school students select and gain entrance into a college. (ARH)

Reviewed are two computer software packages including "ATOMS-Atomic Structure Display," and "Desktop Molecular Modeller." Discussed are hardware, components, level, cost, strengths, weaknesses, and value for teaching. (CW)

Discusses a wall chart, "The Standard Model of Fundamental Particles and Interactions," for use in introductory physics courses at either high school or college level. Describes the chart development process, introduction and terminology of particle physics, components of the chart, and suggestions for using the chart, booklet, and…

Reviews the history textbooks "National Standards for World History: Exploring Paths to the Present" and "National Standards for United States History: Exploring the American Experience." The author explains that these texts are not exercises in indoctrination of any socio-political perspective, but stress group and individual…