This research examines "lesson study" as a traditional model of creating professional knowledge in schools. "Lesson study," typically defined as teachers' classroom based collaborative research, has a long history in Japan as a shared professional culture with potential for enhancing learning, enriching classroom activities and…

Not too long ago, on a visit to two sixth-grade classrooms, the author saw very clearly the challenge teachers have before them when they try to differentiate reading. In both classrooms, 11-year-olds who read like fourth graders shared tables with classmates who read like the average ninth grader--a five-year span. How teachers approach this…

The purpose of this study was to describe and understand the range of outcomes of class visits to natural history museums. The theoretical framework is based on the multifaceted process of learning in free choice learning environments, and emphasizes the unique and individual learning experience in museum settings. The study's significance is in…

Describes an ecology project in which sixth-grade students built and operated a nature trail on the edge of school property. Classes toured the trail and participated in grade-appropriate follow-up activities (e.g., art lessons and soil analysis activities). (RH)

In this article, the author introduces the concept of flat pack toys. Flat pack toys are designed using a template on a single sheet of letter-sized card stock paper. Before being cut out and built into a three-dimensional toy, they are scanned into the computer and uploaded to a website. With the template accessible from the website, anyone with…

One of a series prepared by the Hawaii Newspaper Agency, this teaching guide suggests ways of publishing a paper and discusses the skills the youngsters learn in the process. Emphasis is placed on developing the right setting, learning the history of the paper, and acquiring some background in writing. Such sections of the paper as the front page…

Transcripts of two segments of CBS-TV's "Sunrise Semester" discuss the experiences of several participants in a production of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" by elementary school students. (RL)

This article describes how a sixth grade teacher uses contests, games, and fun to teach superior geography skills. (Author/IAH)

Using a comprehension-monitoring model, 192 skilled and less skilled readers from 3rd and 6th grade read stories containing inconsistent information. Half of the students constructed a storyboard representation of the stories and half only read the text. Results reveal that storyboard construction enhanced the integration of text propositions and…

The purpose of the project outlined in this booklet is to enable upper elementary students to become familiar with the various departments of "The New York Times," to cope with headlines and lead paragraphs, and to develop a genuine interest in an adult newspaper. A general outline of the project by the teacher is provided, followed by…

Recounts the difficulties and ultimate success of a production of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" by fifth-and sixth-grade students. (RL)

Describes theme binders designed by sixth graders as an independent study component that unites the class as a learning community, showcases student work, and illustrates developmental milestones for parents. Details theme binder components: (1) cover page; (2) introductory page outlining the theme and contents; (3) evaluation sections indicating…

Describes how a sixth grade teacher and her eleven students (with a typical range of math abilities) explored the mathematical concept of "infinity" through play. Discusses the pedagogy of critical/creative thinking. (SR)

Describes two group projects in sixth grade classrooms in Appalachia. The purpose of the projects was to encourage the students to become interested in community problems and actively work on solutions. Both projects were multifaceted learning experiences that helped to develop responsible attitudes and leadership abilities. (JD)

Study of the effects of a functional approach to grammar teaching on a sixth-grade French immersion class found that those subjects exposed to an experimental set of teaching materials outperformed control subjects at the end of eight weeks. There were no significant differences between the groups after three months. (Author/CB)