Describes a laboratory-type activity, liquid assets, used to illustrate, develop, or reinforce central concepts in first-year algebra. These include linear function, slope, intercept, and dependent and independent variables. Presents a group activity for collecting data, transition from group to individual activity in plotting data points, and…

Examines the levels of geometric reasoning commonly exhibited by primary school students, namely visualization, analysis, and informal deduction. Describes open-ended tasks that can be conducted in small groups or in a whole group setting. (KHR)

Twelve exercises are presented that use ropes as aids for reviewing and debriefing. By positioning themselves along a rope continuum, people make self-assessments visible to others. Ropes can be shaped into graphs to depict reactions to experiences. The facilitator can ask questions to help people reflect on their positions. A Web site provides…

Discusses the merits of science learning centers as a tool for teachers to encourage positive interaction among students of different backgrounds and ability levels. Describes the success of science centers through work with children and preservice teachers. (Author/KHR)

Many high school students are aware of the efforts of the United Nations to maintain peace. This activity is intended to make students aware of the larger mandate of the UN by focusing on one of the issues of increasing concern, the environment, and the solutions proposed by the UN. (LZ)

Describes cooperative group rotation, in which resource books rotate around all the student groups in a classroom. Notes that students thus have access to a variety of books in a small group setting, participate actively, and use information to create projects that demonstrate knowledge about the subject. (SR)

Describes group role-playing activities that have been used to teach about education, criminology, and sex roles. Suggests that role play helps students to absorb and retain many of the insights about the issues involved. (DB)

Provides a behind the scenes account of what goes on day-to-day at a zoo. Describes activities that allow students to explore the positive and negative aspects of issues that are raised regarding zoos. (ZWH)

Describes a way to enliven vocabulary lessons by combining them with two effective teaching strategies--cooperative learning and story development by students. (SR)

Describes two problem-solving activities for small groups that motivate through the use of sundials. Includes practical work. (ASK)

Describes nine group problem-solving and communication initiatives used in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props, instructions, and tips for post-activity group reflection and processing. Activities emphasize teamwork, communication skills, and a…

Describes four diversity-related group activities for adolescents or adults, used in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props, instructions, and tips for post-activity group reflection and processing. The activities are concerned with social-justice…

Supplements Steven A.Meyers's article (Teaching Psychology, 1997) on the use of collaborative-learning groups. Provides additional suggestions on starting in-class groups, maintaining their effectiveness, and anticipating common problems. Argues that with careful attention, in-class groups can effectively complement lectures. (DSK)

Outlines two projects that highlight the multidimensionality of aging processes for adult development and aging courses: (1) students design an age-appropriate retirement community using buildings on the local college campus; and (2) students present products they design to remedy specific age-related problems. (DSK)

Describes how to develop elementary school class activities centered around conflict resolution based on their reading assignments. Discusses how characters resolve conflicts; acting out examples of conflicts; group activities; assessment; and possible extension activities. (LRW)