Describes the Crime Lab Project, which takes an economical, hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to studying the career of forensics in the middle or high school classroom. Includes step-by-step student requirements for the investigative procedure, a sample evidence request form, and an assessment rubric. (KHR)

A teacher of elementary deaf students describes the value of using "big books," which allow groups of students to share text and pictures, as an effective learning resource both for deaf students and for older students with learning disabilities. Seventeen big books in such areas as multicultural education, science and industry,…

Presents an online trivia game on laboratory safety. (YDS)

Suggests that children will become more constructively involved during outside play time if teachers and caregivers plan and implement outdoor learning centers and change them frequently. Identifies four kinds of play and describes appropriate learning center activities for each. (BB)

Illustrates how economic content and methodology contribute to citizenship education. States that economic courses should emphasize performance measures, the concept of scarcity, and risk management. Suggests that textbooks should become less important as instructional resources and that students should learn critical thinking skills through case…

Addresses the problem of lack of student motivation in an introductory course on U.S. politics. Describes a course centered around a small group project that requires students to gain government action on a group proposal. Presents project format. Discusses student successes and failures. Includes suggestions for course implementation. (RW)

Discusses the use of cooperative learning in advanced journalism and broadcasting courses. Presents two one-semester studies, "snapshots" of how a group of students tackled team reporting and how a group of broadcast regulation students dealt with group argumentation. Notes the lack of serious theoretical development to guide journalism…

Describes a set of techniques designed to provide teacher support for children engaged in story re-enactment. The techniques were developed at the Early Childhood Development Center at the University of Vermont, and found to be useful with preschool children. (BB)

Describes an economic development simulation in which student groups roleplay the leadership of a developing nation. Suggests a semester schedule and provides a number of student materials that include a map and a project participation rating check sheet. Describes information sources where materials may be obtained for further study. (KO)

Describes an open-ended, structured, highly intensive therapy group for sexually abused preteen girls that was the primary mode of treatment for 11 girls from low-income, rural White families with numerous problems. Unique features of the group included simultaneous group and individualized goals. (Author/BB)

Discusses using the geologic history of the Paleozoic era for presentations. Describes methodology involved including data collection, summarizing and presentations. Notes the approach has received an enthusiastic response from students and is a rewarding change from the traditional lecture format. (Author/MVL)

Describes a map activity for studying the nine nations of the United States using cooperative learning techniques. The concept of geographic region is discussed and linked to the term "nine nations." Lesson plan, student worksheets, maps, and other materials are included. Indicates the software used to produce maps. (KO)

Middle-school students were asked to determine the dimensions of a hotel atrium so that guests could enjoy the maximum area of scenic view, given that 650 feet of brass railing could be used around each floor. Several solution approaches are described. (MKR)

In today's rapidly changing world, science fiction can provide a bridge and a stimulus to the imagination of children. Provides an annotated bibliography of 25 science fiction titles for grades 1-3, 4-6, and 7-9. Suggests classroom applications including individual assignments, group discussion topics, and other activities. (LZ)

Maintains that growing grapes for winemaking has increased dramatically in the United States. Describes a college class assignment in which students analyzed climate and soil type to identify appropriate viticulture areas. Reports high student interest in the assignment and includes four figures illustrating the approach. (CFR)