Discusses how prop boxes enhance learning and are resources in multicultural and nonsexist primary education, focusing on play, experimentation, and cooperation. Examines integration of prop boxes into the curricula and activities, and presents examples of generic and specific multicultural prop boxes that incorporate art, music, foods,…

Describes a community building self-assessment tool which allows schools to continuously assess community outreach efforts and serves as a guide for outreach planning. Broad findings are reported along with implications at the state level. This article is a Washington Environmental Education Model Schools Program final report. (AIM)

Presents an astronomy project in which a group of educators and astronomers train high school students to teach astronomy to elementary students and their families. (KHR)

Encourages modification of teaching strategies to facilitate academic achievement among students from diverse groups. Describes how the author collaborated with professionals from the Folger Library's Teaching Shakespeare Institute to develop a better way to teach Shakespeare to her predominantly African-American students. Describes how her…

Notes that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's writing allows for a variety of critical thinking activities, extensive use of computer technology, and the involvement of the entire faculty, staff and administration in the learning process. Presents a few activities that teachers can do with their students based on the work of Arthur Conan Doyle. (SG)

Introduces a science program that provides an exciting, safe, and interactive educational experience. Describes activities and the impact of this program. (KHR)

Discusses the most satisfying part of teaching writing--helping students discover what they have to say and showing them how to say it. Notes that the basic skills of writing (audience awareness, organizing thoughts, and revising) are bigger than the rules of grammar and spelling and do not change from grade to grade. (RS)

Contends that strengthening the relationship between university departments or schools of music and K-12 music programs will improve music programs at all levels. Discusses the goals and structure of the Partnership in Musical Excellence program that has linked the School of Music at Ohio State University and several Ohio school systems. (DB)

Describes advanced credit programs in which high school students receive college credit through programs developed at the University of Missouri (St. Louis). States that a high school teacher and a university faculty member collaborate in developing a course that fits the high school curriculum and that is equivalent to the course taught on the…

Explores an instructional approach, Internet Project, which prepares children for their literacy future in a world where change is a defining characteristic of literacy and learning. Concludes that during Internet Project, students help to identify important problems, gather and critically evaluate information, use the appropriate information to…

Indicates the difficulties in performing a high quality lab, especially in integrated courses, because of limited supplies and expenses. Introduces a program in which a high school collaborates with the community. Makes recommendations for the implementation of this type of program to other high schools. (YDS)

Introduces a writing exercise students work on in collaborative groups. Aims to enhance students' scientific research paper writing skills and provide experience working in collaborative groups. Presents evaluation criteria for peer-group evaluation of a poster presentation, intra-group evaluation of peer performance, and peer-group evaluation of…

Describes the use of video technology in elementary schools, particularly for social studies activities. Explains iMovie, a nonlinear editing software program for digital video nonprofessionals; discusses the possibilities for cooperative projects between library media specialists and teachers; and offers video production tips. (LRW)

Presents a general chemistry stoichiometry experiment using materials involved in everyday life. From this activity, students learn that a chemical reaction occurs when an Alka-Seltzer tablet is dropped into water. Students also practice plotting experimental data through the use of a graphing program. Interpretation of the graph helps them…

Describes a "dialogic" (Bakhtin, 1981) writing workshop that is responsive to the social priorities of children and that reconsiders dilemmas within an alternative framework. Notes that the experiences and tests of two writers in third grade highlight the way identity and sense of self can be developed and explored in a writing community that…