This resource file contains information for Utah secondary school teachers to help their level 7 students meet the state's instructional objectives in the social studies. This particular student level emphasizes Utah studies. The following disciplines are covered in the resource file: psychology, anthropology, sociology, geography, history,…

This handbook contains suggested teaching activities, student worksheets, background information, and a list of basic resources for teacher of health education. Topics discussed are health promotion, seven steps to health, major dimensions of health, and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Included in the handbook is a teaching unit on…

A study examined whether using a tree diagram (a graphic, multidimensional classification device) as a prewriting organizer would provide students with a systematic method of searching for and organizing the content of their descriptive writing to meet some communication goal. One-hundred twenty-three seventh grade students were classified as…

LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHERS ENDEAVOR TO LAY A GENERAL FOUNDATION IN READING AS A PART OF THE COMMUNICATION PROGRAM. EACH SUBJECT AREA, HOWEVER, HAS PARTICULAR READING PROBLEMS WHICH MUST BE FACED BY THE TEACHER IN DEVELOPING AN INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM. SUGGESTIONS ARE OFFERED TO JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS FOR IMPROVING INSTRUCTION BY GIVING SPECIFIC…

This study attempted to determine the relative effectiveness of the conventional teacher-directed approach to spelling instruction when compared to a self-directed student-centered approach for 7th-grade students, many of whom spoke Spanish. Spelling achievement was measured by two forms of the same test, while language I. Q., non-language I. Q.,…

Shows that "Slicing the task"--reducing the amount of print a student has to read at a given time by inserting questions into the text--may be effective with good readers but not for poor readers. (FL)

In her more than 30 years of teaching, the author has practiced differentiation in her own classroom at all educational levels. Although she is well familiar with the vocabulary, research and reasoning behind it, the most compelling answer she can give for why differentiation matters in the middle grades comes from her personal experience as an…

This paper reports on efforts to design a computer-based instructional unit for 7th grade students that would not only address state standards but would also provide some groundwork for the students' subsequent formal study of algebra. SimCalc Mathworlds software was used to explore the same motion from different perspectives. The overall…

This study examined the effects of a particular model of direct instruction, focused instruction (FI), and two alternative student evaluation structures, individual learning expectations (ILE) and relative standing (RS), on students' mathematics achievement and attitudes. Results indicated that focused instruction and certificates of recognition…

Describes a study in which seventh-grade students achieved higher scores on a cloze test after reading stories that contained their own names and those of people and places familiar to them. (MKM)

Compares classroom environment in a group which used multimodal computer-based activities with that of a control group which used traditional science instruction strategies. Results indicate that for most climate dimensions, students in the experimental group perceived their classroom in a more positive light than did students in the control…

Explains teaching methods for literature classes for seventh and eighth grades. Proposes that writing is a major tool in teaching literature. Outlines techniques which encourage students to look at other cultures. Concludes that reading has many cultural values, and that short stories have an impact on young minds. (PM)

Describes a three-week unit, "Television Communication and Critical Thinking," designed to make junior high students more forceful writers and discriminating viewers. Argues that by analyzing television advertising, news, and programming, students learn to think more critically about communication techniques and to use those techniques…

Relates a middle school teacher's experiences using the project-based science approach with two groups of seventh graders. Describes the features of project-based science and the content and activities of the units taught. Discusses the challenges of implementing this approach and compares the strengths and weaknesses of project-based and…

This investigation focused on the vocabulary beliefs and instructional practices of social studies teachers in intermediate and middle school grades as well as their use of teachers' manuals. Using a self-reporting survey to measure these beliefs and practices, we found some discrepancy between what teachers believe about vocabulary learning and…