The project evaluated the discriminant validity of gifted intermediate children's (N=97) divergent thinking test scores with multitrait-multimethod and factor analytic procedures. Results indicated that the indices drawn from the divergent thinking tests lacked discriminant validity in this gifted sample. (Author/CL)

The SCORER learning-strategies approach was used to teach 28 middle school students how to take tests. SCORER refers to Schedule, Clue, Omit, Read, Estimate, Review. Benefit of instruction was measured in terms of near and far generalization. Results are discussed and recommendations are made. (Author/MT)

Over 4,000 fifth graders were involved in a study to determine the effect of teacher oral reading of test items on good and poor readers. The findings suggested that having teachers read test items aloud during standardized tests yielded higher scores for both groups than having students read for themselves. (Author/MT)

The study examined 40 learning disabled fourth graders' spelling performance in response to strategy training and variations in study conditions. Students who were taught the five-step study strategy recalled correct spelling of more words than controls. However, spelling performance of students who received strategy training was not…

The slime mold Physarum polycephalum provides an easily maintained classroom plant which can act like an animal. Directions are given for: acquiring the organism; activating it; observing its life cycle; and viewing protoplasmic streaming. (DH)

Leisure preferences of 51 learning disabled (LD) boys (grades 4-6) were investigated. Results indicated more similarities than differences in leisure choices. LD boys generally prefered the same types of after-school and weekend activities, and the same sports, hobbies, and television shows as their non-LD peers. (Author/CL)

An investigation analyzed stories written by intermediate grade authors to determine if sex-stereotyped roles were apparent in main characters. It found that both males and females created sex-stereotyped characters of their own sex to the same extent and that female and male character profiles differed. (Author/MT)

The study measured social acceptance experienced by fourth through sixth-grade mentally retarded students who acted as tutors of their regular class peers. Results showed that tutors interacted with regular class peers more often than handicapped non-tutors and suggested that handicapped students would make more personal/social progress with…

Sixteen intermediate level hearing-impaired students were examined on perceptions that still water remains invariantly horizontal regardless of container tilt. Similar to findings reported for older hearing-impaired students, Ss made more errors with the straight-sided than with the curve-sided containers. Males performed better than females on…

Describes some square-number patterns that fourth-grade students and their teacher discovered. These discoveries began as students pushed wooden cubes together to make square arrangements. (JN)

This art activity introduces students in grades four-six to the popular 18th-century capriccio painting of Canaletto, one of the greatest painters of views of Venice, Italy. (RM)

The effects of active participation on student learning was investigated using 20 fifth grade classes which were randomly assigned treatment levels. Results suggest that active student participation exerts a positive influence on fifth grade student achievement of relatively unique instructional material. (Author/MT)

Seventy-three sixth graders were asked to detect contradictions within the assigned paragraph and information contrary to general knowledge. While prior studies have found ability to detect errors related to reading ability, the results of this study suggest that individual variations in error detection are more complex. Results are discussed.…

The Trade Offs series, 15 20-minute television videotapes dealing with economics in students' daily lives, was found to be effective in teaching decision-making skills to gifted fifth and sixth graders. Teachers and students rated the series highly. (CL)

A discussion-based approach to instruction in child abuse and neglect was effective in increasing student knowledge, developing more positive attitudes toward professionals dealing with abuse, and not disturbing a pilot group of 315 fifth and sixth graders. (Author/CL)