Developed by the Canada Employment and Immigration Commission for use in Canada Employment Centres and also ultimately used in schools, CHOICES is a unique employment counseling tool involving computers to match individual interests and abilities with suitable occupations. (MF)

The nature of expertise in astronomy was investigated across a broad spectrum of ages and experience in China and New Zealand. Five hypotheses (capable of quantification and statistical analysis) were used to probe types of expertise identified by previous researchers: (a) domain-specific knowledge-skill in the use of scientific vocabulary and…

Presents the problem of doubling dough by creating a mixture of dough that doubles in volume every minute when placed in a warm oven. Discusses ways of proposing this question in the classroom. (ASK)

Children are born naturally mathematical, so why is it sometimes so difficult to observe children being mathematical? Why do so many of us think we are "bad" at maths and how does this subconsciously affect the provision, experiences and opportunities we provide for young children who are starting their mathematical learning journey? This easily…

A year and a half ago, Rena, Cheri, and Cassandra were introduced to each other by a colleague because they shared an interest in exploring the impact newer technologies have on learning in early childhood classrooms. They meet regularly to share ideas and information on how to incorporate tablets using best practices. Cassandra's preschool…

Play dough is the perfect medium for creating, observing, and thinking about change. Whether the use of play dough is seen as play or a demonstration of physics, through its use children learn about transformations of consistency, color, and identity; and teachers observe how young children learn. (LB)

Describes the process for creating a baker's-dough mural that would become a permanent part of the community and relates a visit made to the Sacramento (California) Boys & Girls Club by General Colin Powell. Discusses Powell's part in creating the mural. Includes the steps for how to make a Baker's-dough mural. (CMK)

Many learning activities designed to make metric measurement meaningful to children are described. The manufacture and use of play dough is featured. Several simple recipes for preparing dough are included. (MP)

Describes an activity that integrates art and social studies in which elementary students created a three-dimensional relief map of their home state of Michigan (United States) using salt dough. Explains that by creating three-dimensional relief maps students expand their spatial skills. Provides directions for making salt dough. (CMK)

Presents solutions for a problem concerning doubling a recipe from a previous article on number concepts in the October 1997 issue. (ASK)

Among the practical applications of statistics is the collection of data from manufacturing processes. Often collected in the form of a time series, data collected from a series of measurements show the variation in those measurements, such as mass of a product manufactured. Limits are set for quality control and if these are exceeded then a…

Discusses problems inherent in the content of modern language syllabuses. True communication occurs when the focus of classroom activities is on the message. The success of the lesson derives from the quality of the presentation and, crucially, the vocabulary list and the pupils' prior knowledge of the concepts underlying the content. (six…

Discusses the tactile and kinesthetic areas of learning children experience when using clay. Includes practical tips for using and storing clay for preschool use and notes the differences between potters' clay and play dough. (HTH)

Presents step-by-step procedures for two arts and crafts lessons that focus on mammals. Directions are offered for making mammal-shaped dough magnets and also for creating mammal note cards. Examples of each are illustrated. (ML)

A structured small group instructional setting helps to teach mainstreamed handicapped preschoolers the skills necessary to interact with the classroom materials without direct supervision. Examples are cited of individualized play activities with puzzles, paint, and play dough. (CL)