Comparison of childhood traits and conditions of 21 eminent American women scientists and 235 eminent women in other fields found both groups more similar than different, but future scientists tended to engage in more scientific activities, were more bookish and scholarly, and were typically encouraged to pursue nature study, reading, and writing.…

A naturalist and designer of public gardens relates her experiences of introducing children to plants and gardens using equipment such as binoculars, stethoscopes, notebooks, photographs, and magnifying glasses. Article provides information is given about many plants, their uses, and related child-centered activities (such as a namesake pumpkins…

Explores how elementary children reflect upon a wide variety of visual humor, and what beliefs and assumptions arise in their responses. Finds that children found amusement in popular art, but not in fine art; have shared assumptions and understandings about humor by grade two; and that visual humor can expand children's concepts of art. (DSK)

Discusses Foucault's notion of "heterotopia"--real places but which exist unto themselves, such as a floating ship. Considers data on children's use of computer and video games to apply "heterotopia" to children's everyday social lives. Argues that childhood is subject to increasing boundaries, and that children create…

Every summer and fall, Japanese children (mostly boys) spend hours catching and playing with insects, or mushi. Different species are associated with the seasons, times of the day, or specific games. Mushi customs are centuries old, were traditionally passed from grandfather to grandchild, and are reflected in electronic and "virtual"…

A soliloquy on how to foster lasting, meaningful connections with nature considers facts, morality, problem solving of real environmental issues, and new high-tech tools, and rejects them all. Most environmentalists attribute their commitment to nature to having spent time outdoors in a keenly remembered wild place during youth. Spending time in…

Explores the most appropriate form of activities to help children develop science concepts. Provides arguments and evidence from a pilot study that point to the significance of wonder for the invitation of children to the world of science. Argues that activities that do not appear to be pedagogically appropriate should not be excluded from…

This article discusses the factors that motivate parents to choose different school trajectories for their children based on their determination to find schools that fit their children's individual needs and/or interests. Research indicates that parents who focus on finding the educational experience to match their child's needs are usually…

While critics draw important attention to worrisome aspects of digital cultures, they may be missing a much larger point about how young people live in a digital world, how they create and re-create themselves and their identities in ways that are remarkably foreign to others "digital immigrants". In this article, "digital immigrants" refers to…

This study explores the role of children's news media in establishing meanings of critical situations and promoting notions of active citizenship. A content analysis of three Israeli children's magazines' coverage of the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin is conducted. Findings suggest differences between religious media and secular media in terms of…

Suggests that if it is the duty of education to help children develop their powers of language and their knowledge of literature, then it is also its duty to see that poetry is presented to children, for in poetry, language is seen at its best and strongest. (HOD)

Explored the relationships among childhood activities, masculine and feminine characteristics, and career choices among career women and homemakers. Results indicated that childhood participation in sex-typed activities is associated with the adult personality characteristics of masculinity and femininity and adult role choices. (Author/BL)

Describes a language arts program in a Brooklyn, New York, public school in which children are questioned about their writing and their interests and allowed the freedom to put any interest on paper. Discusses the problems children encounter with such writing freedom, as well as the program's effectiveness. (HTH)

Offers suggestions for use by parents and teachers to encourage children to read for pleasure. (FL)

Thirty White, working-class men and women, born near the turn of the century, were interviewed about the experience of childhood in a southern mill village, Carrboro, North Carolina, before and during World War I. (RM)