Provided is a list of winners of the 43rd annual Westinghouse Science Talent Search. Highlights of several research studies conducted by the winners are included. (JN)

This lesson plan features a classroom simulation that helps students understand a command economic system. The lesson plan states a purpose; gives student educational objectives; suggests a time duration for the activity; lists materials needed; and outlines a step-by-step teaching procedure. Instructions for a research and writing homework…

Students delved into the patterns of prejudice within their school at Herricks Senior High School in New Hyde Park, New York. (Editor/CB)

Two experiments are presented on the planning of ideal towns by undergraduates. The basic approach involved a modified map-sketching technique in which subjects placed sixteen town elements into two-dimensional physical environments. Results were analyzed by information theory, cluster analysis, and multidimensional scaling. (BL)

Poses a series of questions to start student investigation of the effect of varying the dimensions of a piece of grass or other flat ribbon of material on the sound that is produced when it is used as a reed between the thumbs. (AL)

Describes the results of a study of the ecology of the bean plant/aphid/ant/associated insects/fungi system and suggests a series of experiments that secondary school students could undertake by observing or manipulating this system. (Species recorded are British) (AL)

Reproduces a questionnaire prepared by a high school science club, and summarizes and discusses responses from elementary, secondary, and college students and their parents. (AL)

The Council on Undergraduate Research is dedicated to strengthening science and undergraduate science education. Central to Council-sponsored activities and programs is the recognition that the investigative process, especially undergraduate student research, plays a key role in undergraduate science education. Council publications, conferences,…

Describes a Northwestern University project exploring how to orchestrate distant mentoring ("telementoring") relationships between science students and workplace scientists. The goal was to develop an audience of (volunteer) scientists to offer students ongoing advice and criticism. Challenges included finding appropriate volunteers,…

Ways to encourage students to look beyond encyclopedias for doing research are suggested, including teaching students about the importance of questions and alternative resources such as people and packaged information. (CB)

Describes a prewriting activity in which students form questions about their classmates' research topics. Notes that this activity provides students with multiple questions concerning their topics, and conveys the message that they will be writing for a real audience of peers. (MM)

The Parnassus Program at an Australian school matches gifted students with mentors who guide them in conducting subject-oriented projects and help them learn research techniques and data interpretation. Students acquire specialized skills and increase self-confidence and sense of responsibility. (SK)

Describes ways laptop computers are used in two high school Advanced Placement History classes. Discusses notetaking on laptops, small group assignments via modem, cooperative-learning groups, and laptops as a research tool. (SR)