Describes the development of a coding scheme that represents students' ideas and its application to the analysis of interviews with urban students (n=8). Results indicate that decomposition is a linchpin concept for building an understanding of nutrient cycling, and ideas which relate to children's natural framework theories provide a generative…

Former middle-school principal's graduation speech to fifth graders and their parents focuses on three areas: students and psychological and physiological changes they will experience; what to expect in middle school (teamwork and advisee-group activities); and secrets for success and happiness. Students and parents are advised to concentrate on…

A transition plan offers students and parents an opportunity to become familiar with middle school's expectations, routines, curricula, classmates, and buildings before the new school year. The journey can be facilitated by surveying students about areas of concern, providing student mentors, and staging information day and transition day…

This document was intended for use as a script for a slide show depicting historic images of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It may also function as an independent narrative history of the location. The history of the city from 1802 to the 1990s is presented. Descriptions of the 79 slides are included. (MM)

This is the first book in a series that features folk art and everyday crafts for each century in the history of the United States. The book covers the period from 1598-1697. Based on museum and private collection artifacts, the book's objects are interpreted in paper and other accessible materials creating quality art projects for the camp,…

The distinctive banners flying over the 227 public and private institutions selected as 1991-92 Blue Ribbon Schools signal a two-fold achievement: national recognition for educational excellence and continuation of the award program itself. The selection process began belatedly after former Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander restored $885,000…

Presents annotations of 29 newly published trade books for children and adolescents that teachers find to be exceptional in curriculum use. Notes that many annotations include specific curriculum use suggestions. Groups annotations into primary (K-2), intermediate (grades 3-5), and advanced (grades 6-8). (RS)

Describes how a middle school teacher used the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia (CBNERRVA) Web site to provide scientific data for a unit on recycling. Includes sample data sheets and tables, charts results of a Web search for marine debris using different search engines, and lists selected marine data Web sites. (PEN)

Surveys the experience of elementary and middle school personnel with violence (N=291). Topics include personal safety, changing behaviors, violence and grade level, location, perceived causes, victims, and perpetrators. The top ten violence-prevention strategies implemented by schools are listed; the most and least effective strategies are rank…

This manual was designed as part of a visual resource kit focusing on the history and culture of late 19th century Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Ten topics are addressed: (1) "Fort Dakota"; (2) "Streets of Sioux Falls"; (3) "Shops"; (4) "Businesses"; (5) "Public Schools"; (6) "Quarrying";…

This book explores the art heritage of Sub-Saharan Africa with projects (n=40) and activities (n=15) featuring African animals. Artifacts from museums and private collections have inspired the activity choices in the book, and an effort has been made to present fresh and new ideas, not always found in most activity books on diversity. As with all…

Provides a description of five levels of curriculum integration at the middle level, specifically: departmentalization, reinforcement, complementary or shared units, webbed, and integrated themes. Discusses curriculum integration in relation to preservice and inservice programs, common planning time, team composition, time issues, and…

In a recent survey, 53% of responding middle and elementary school counselors reported testifying in a formal hearing involving students. Child custody cases most frequently required counselor involvement, followed by sexual and child abuse cases. Counselors most frequently utilized school attorneys, personal attorneys, professional counseling…

In this play, aliens from a distant galaxy visit an Earth site in three time periods, observing people as they deal with the environment. The aliens bring their wisdom and vision of the future to show children of the present what to do to avoid a grim fate. The lessons are suitable for grades 3-6, and include from 18-32 speaking parts plus cues…

This book features objects of the Mesopotamian, the Egyptian, and Islamic cultures. In exploring important contributions in ancient art, the book presents visuals that are interpretations of authentic artifacts, usually in museum collections, or illustrations from archaeological publications and articles. Historical items (n=55+) have been adapted…