This column presents ideas and techniques to enhance your science teaching. In this issue the authors discuss a design project they have used with upper elementary students (grades 4-6). They note ways to engage students in thinking philosophically about technology to meet engineering design outcomes in the "Next Generation Science…

Describes a program at Stone Middle School in Melbourne, Florida. (JM)

Describes how a class of fourth graders effectively used their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to take action (regarding the laws governing trophy hunting) and to change a piece of their world. (SR)

Described is a unique national educational program and competition involving students in grades 6-12, who participate by entering historical essays, table-top display projects, media presentations, and performances. (RM)

Talking with local merchants helps sixth-graders explore the impact of change in their community. (Editor/SJL)

Two teachers describe their junior high school's involvement in National History Day. Participation in History Day provides students with the thrill of competition and the satisfaction that comes from really getting into a topic of their choice. (RM)

After discussing J.R.R. Tolkien's "Father Christmas Letters," fifth- and sixth-graders undertook a class project to answer second-graders' letters to Santa Claus. (SJL)

Gifted intermediate-level students in Greenville, South Carolina, held a Future Fair in which students completed projects and developed critical and creative thinking skills as they investigated real problems. Projects such as models, inventions, photo essays, and creative writing focused on future schools, art, fashions, space travel, and other…

The booklet describes an approach to serving gifted education in low cost enrichment experiences using preservice teachers as mentors. The Mentor-Assisted Enrichment Project (MAEP) at the University of British Columbia has served 105 native English speaking and 20 English as a Second Language students in grades 5 through 7. Students are nominated…

Describes the Legends Project in Indiana in which a class collaboratively researches, writes, and illustrates a local legend and sends it via computers and modems to other classes across the state. (SR)

Describes the "American Families Project," in which students from two or more schools participate in a creative writing, historical research activity, each playing a role in a fictitious family living in 1838 and corresponding with each other. (RS)

A teacher of sixth grade social studies classes describes how he implemented the core practices of the Foxfire approach, including student ownership, problem solving, and decision making; connections to the community; small-group teamwork; the teacher as facilitator and collaborator; and ongoing reflection and group self-evaluation. (SV)

Discusses the educational uses of digital cameras and describes a fourth grade project that created a computerized yearbook. Lists available digital cameras, including prices; describes benefits, including speed; and explains negative aspects, including cost of the cameras and computer hardware and software requirements. (LRW)

Learning magic tricks permits behaviorally and emotionally handicapped children to become magicians in the eyes of adults, their peers, and themselves. The self-contained classes of handicapped boys in grades 3 through 6 have put on numerous magic shows since 1984. Program objectives include building self-esteem, teaching team cooperation,…

Suggests having students design a football field (looking at it from above) as the final project of a unit on computer graphics. Includes listings for 13 short Applesoft programs (involving LO- and HI-RES graphics) which students can use in making the field. Advanced students can use the animation techniques. (JN)