Compared a group viewing a slide/tape program designed to reduce the novelty of a science museum with a control group (n=64 sixth graders). The results indicate that boys in the experimental group had higher on-task exploratory learning and greater cognitive learning, but there was no effect for girls. (PR)

Out of the 38 nations studied in the 1999 "Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study" (TIMSS), children in Singapore scored highest in mathematics (National Center for Education Statistics, NCES, 2003). Why do Singapore's children do so well in mathematics? The reasons are undoubtedly complex and involve social aspects.…

This article discusses the way online communications, and more precisely e-mail, can be used for English language teaching in a Primary Education classroom in Greece. The first part: (a) briefly describes the context where this particular technology will be used; (b) considers the pedagogical issues and language learning potential of using e-mail…

Species identification tasks are a prerequisite for an understanding of biodiversity. Here, we focused on different educational materials to foster the identification of six European reptile species. Our educational training unit was based on natural plastic models of six species and pupils either used an illustrated identification book or a…

A study examined the effects on political socialization of students in grades 5-6, based on teachers' use of local newspapers in classrooms throughout Argentina (except in Buenos Aires) during the 1995 school year. The newspaper program was sponsored by the Association of Dailies of the Interior Region of Argentina. Data were collected by…

This study assessed whether girls and boys write differently in their reader response journals for the classes of one sixth-grade teacher over 2 years. A literature-based reading program was used, and the students kept reader response journals. Journals from 9 girls and 11 boys from the first year and 8 girls and 8 boys from the second year were…

Educators' perceptions of the effects of state mandated testing on instructional practices and curricular decisions were studied. An ethnographic interview study was conducted with 30 fifth- and sixth-grade teachers and 12 principals from Illinois, New York, and Tennessee. Forty-one of the 42 respondents agreed to have their interviews audiotaped.…

This curriculum guide for Fort Worth schools covers grade 6 social studies, Texas history/geography, United States history/citizenship, pointers on how to study, and cultural studies. The guide includes the following materials: a statement of philosophy and broad goals for each content area; objectives organized around broad content goals or…

The verbal interaction between a laboratory school class of sixth/seventh grade students and their teacher during 18 social studies discussions was analyzed in order to identify teacher techniques relevant to student discourse and student passivity. Classroom discussions were taped, transcribed, and analyzed according to an adaptation of the…

This resource book introduces sixth-grade children to the environment by studying rocks and other geological features. Nine lessons are provided on a variety of topics including: (1) geologic processes; (2) mountain building; (3) weathering; (4) geologic history and time; (5) plate tectonics; (6) rocks and minerals; (7) mineral properties; (8)…

This book contains a 14-lesson module for grades 5-8, focusing on giving students a solid understanding of disease transmission and prevention. It opens with a curriculum overview which stresses the sophistication level of today's adolescents and their inquisitiveness. The overview describes the importance of teaching students how to prevent…

THIS REPORT, BY MEANS OF NUMEROUS STATISTICAL TABLES ANALYZING THE RESULTS OF SPEAKING AND LISTENING COMPREHENSION TESTS, EXPLORES THE RELATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF VARIOUS INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES USED TO SUPPLEMENT THE BASIC TELEVISED INSTRUCTION FOR FIFTH- AND SIXTH-GRADE SPANISH PUPILS, AND THE INTERACTION EXISTING AMONG VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF…

The guide is designed to engage fifth and sixth grade students in learning experiences intended to acquaint them with wood construction and mass production. In addition to developing carpentry skills, students learn the safe use of tools, equipment, and materials. While simulating a toy company, they inductively develop processes for the mass…

This sixth grade resource unit focuses on Middle East culture as seen through five areas of the social sciences: anthropology-sociology, geography, history, economics, and political science. Among objectives that the student is expected to achieve are the following: 1) given general information on the Middle East through the use of film, visuals,…

Describes a two-week concentrated laboratory course in chemistry offered by Union College (New York) for middle school students. Provides the objectives of the course and a listing of experiments done by the students. Promotes the use of experiential approaches rather than lengthy lectures and discussions. (TW)