Uses the stereo and the human body systems as models to help intermediate grade (3-6) students understand the world as a global system. Provides a teaching script for "Is It a System?" a lesson plan for teaching systems models. Provides objectives, instructional materials, and procedures. (NL)

Six 12-year-old students were followed during an eight-month course using "Energy and Change" curricular materials, which introduce ideas related to the Second Law of Thermodynamics through an abstract picture language. Concludes that students had higher levels of generalization in their explanations of physical, chemical, and biological…

With the advent of the standards movement, most states have produced statewide tests that evaluate children's understanding of expository science text. Expository texts are designed to explain, describe, or present a logical argument. Usually, the purpose of expository texts is to present new information. This article describes a research-based…

Designed to help students learn about courts and trials in an interesting and enjoyable way, this document provides teachers with the necessary instructions and materials on how to conduct mock trials. By using the program, students become familiar with the role of a trial court in resolving disputes. They also are introduced to court procedure…

Designed to give students in grades 5 through 12 information about the Minnesota court system, this document provides teachers and students with the necessary background materials to study Minnesota's courts. Rather than an introduction to all law, the document is limited to the function and operation of the courts. The curricular materials cover…

This publication introduces the research, development and technology curriculum at West Sylvan Middle School (Portland, Oregon) and presents the syllabus with selected activities and worksheets. Sample research units on South America, Mexico and Central America are outlined. Other materials include: student outline guide of questions; index…

This curriculum guide was developed to provide environmental education through a series of hands-on activities for the classroom and the outdoor setting of Goose Creek State Park, North Carolina. This activity packet, designed for the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, meets established curriculum objectives of the North Carolina Department of Public…

This curriculum guide was developed to provide environmental education through a series of hands-on activities for the classroom and the outdoor setting of Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, North Carolina. This activity packet, designed for grades 5 and 6, meets established curriculum objectives of the North Carolina Department of Public…

Computer software programs designed to develop or increase musical skills in middle and secondary school students are reviewed in this document. These programs are not designed to be used instead of regular music instruction, but rather to supplement it. Each product review contains the producer, necessary hardware, optimal hardware, price,…

These activity cards represent a way for teachers to supplement the content of the curriculum with activities that address the concept of conflict. Students become aware of conflicts in their lives and discover individual methods for coping with those conflicts. The cards contain action-oriented activities to enable students to learn through…

This document consists of two booklets, one for teachers and one for students. These booklets are part of the Middle Grades Program of Junior Achievement, Inc. The booklets help students assess their personal skills and interests, explore career options, learn job-hunting skills, and discover the value of an education. A master list of materials…

The true story of Oscar, an Arctic husky who had been a sledge dog in Antarctica, is told for readers aged 10 to 12 years. The author, Oscar's long-time master, visits Oscar at the Melbourne zoo as the story begins. He recounts some of his memories of Oscar, including a number of expeditions, and Oscar's fight to remain "king dog" of the…

This booklet comprises the fifth grade component of a series of curriculum guides on fire and burn prevention. Designed to meet the age-specific needs of fifth grade students, its objectives include: (1) exploring heating equipment safety, (2) analyzing the impact of fire on the outdoor environment and methods to reduce that impact, (3) developing…

This booklet comprises the sixth grade component of a series of curriculum guides on fire and burn prevention. Designed to meet the age-specific needs of sixth grade students, its objectives include: (1) developing a comprehensive understanding of fire physics, (2) evaluating electrical hazards and how to respond to those hazards, and (3)…

Activities and teaching methods for developing an understanding of fractions are presented. The activities, which use mathematical models (visual representations of fractions), are divided into three sections: (1) equivalent fraction circles; (2) fraction bars; and (3) multiplication of fractional numbers using squares. Each section includes the…