Describes equipment presented at the International Low-Cost Instrumentation Conference. Discusses the case for hands-on experience, international perspectives on hands-on science, the pivotal role of teachers, cost-effective laboratory practices, and empowerment of the teacher. (JRH)

Examines the work of people who design exploratory exhibits for science museums. Discusses asking good questions, meaningful learning, design criteria from "interest experts," and four concepts about ideal learning environments which include choice in formal and informal learning, expert jargon and natural language, skills and dispositions, and…

Discusses the evolution of the education system in Africa from the 1970s to the present. Looks at the link between schools and local institutions, the value that communities place on education, and the role of the community school regarding adults and out-of-school youth. (JOW)

Three case studies illustrate problems in the identification of gifted students when tests are not used appropriately. The paper concludes that testing must occur within the context of intensive observations of and discussions with the child and family. The importance of all teachers receiving training in gifted education is stressed. (DB)

Compares programs for gifted elementary grade children in the United Kingdom and the United States. It describes cooperative programs with colleges, including Saturday clubs and summer schools, courses for teachers in differentiated curriculum for these students, and courses for parents of gifted children. (DB)

Presents profiles of six gifted Indian children with cerebral palsy. It analyzes their drawings and finds healthy minds and positive attitudes toward life. It also reports on results of participant observation in two schools and interviews with counselors, teachers, and parents. The normality and special talents of these children rather than their…

Briefly describes six interdisciplinary units of study within one advanced course on scientific and literary thought for secondary students. It identifies aims and objectives for the overall course and suggests activities and a reading list for each unit. Units are on metaphor, psychology, spirituality, mythology, chaos theory, and holism. (DB)

The Classroom Practices Survey, a national survey of nearly 4,000 third- and fourth-grade teachers, found little differentiation in teachers' instructional and curricular practices to meet the needs of gifted students. An individualized approach to staff development and encouragement of reflective teaching practices are urged. (DB)

The Classroom Practices Survey was conducted with 606 teachers of grades 3 and 4 in government, Catholic, and independent schools in New South Wales (Australia). Results indicated that teachers made only minor modifications in the regular curriculum for gifted students. Among recommendations are increased training for teachers in gifted education…

Describes a technique for teaching history to gifted students in which the student selects a current event and then researches the event's historical connections as far back as possible. (DB)

Discusses issues in gifted education in the context of the coming turn of the century. These include: (1) mentoring (with emphasis on problem solving and cooperation between mentor and child); (2) results of ongoing brain research comparing gifted and regular students; and (3) the increasing importance of technology and computers in education of…

Describes the pull-out gifted program at the Chinese High School in Singapore, which provides talented students with a differentiated and enriched curriculum in mathematics, science, and computer science. Other program aspects include a mentoring program and a creative computing camp. The program is seen as combining the advantages of both full-…

Gives background information on the development of the Science Across Europe (SAE) project and its goals, which include creating a global dimension to education, raising awareness of how science and technology affect society, and providing opportunities to communicate with other countries. Presents information for educators in the sciences,…

Presents the findings of a qualitative study carried out in a poor and problematic area of Brazil to investigate whether constructivist teaching practices are evident in the daily lessons in state elementary schools. Some teachers were found to employ genuinely constructivist methods. Analyzes the theoretical background, methodology, and…

Reports on the effects of six different primary inservice training courses aimed at teachers' motivation, anxieties, hands-on working skills, and support needs. Results showed that primary teachers felt they needed more continuous support in the area of improving their knowledge and understanding of the subject, especially in chemistry and…