A measurement technique employing photographs and comparative judgment scaling is evaluated for internal consistency and behavioral validity, with positive results. Using the validated technique, the hypothesis is tested that adult designers are insensitive to children's preferences, and the hypothesis is found to be true. The measurements thus…

The article argues that physical education must make more use of games that involve risk and challenge if it is to develop youthful self-confidence and independence. (CD)

Described are the planning and development of a playground designed for trainable mentally retarded children. (SBH)

Describes an incident in an experimental school where use of children's imagination and creativity are utilized to overcome pupil boredom. (SL)

Ideally, playgrounds should encourage development of gross and fine motor skills and present a stimulating play environment that provides children with manageable challenges. In order to provide these challenges, a balance must be found between risk and safety. Over the last few years there has been an increased interest in the use of soft…

The mother of a Down's syndrome four-year-old describes how a slight adaptation in a playground swing allowed her son to experience the joy of independent play. (CL)

Vandalism prevention methods cited by school administrators and a city park director include a silent audio surveillance system; school visits at unscheduled times by a principal dwelling nearby; and prompt repair of broken equipment. Available from the American Association of School Administrators, 1801 North Moore Street, Arlington, VA 22209.…

Ferrocement, a mixture of portland cement, fine sand, and wire mesh, provides an inexpensive medium for creative playground equipment. The steps involved in building a ferrocement playground sculpture are described, and a bibliography for additional information is provided. (JMF)

Forty-five children, ages seven to eight, were required to catch playground balls of various sizes and colors. The smallest ball (6 inches) was caught significantly better than larger ones. Although the main effect for color was nonsignificant, children caught preferred-color balls significantly better than others. Males caught better than…

Outlined are simple activities for studying soil, which can be conducted in the schoolyard. Concepts include soil profiles, topsoil, soil sizes, making soil, erosion, slope, and water absorption. (SJL)

Describes the creation of an arts playground at Queen's University, Ontario (Canada), containing "tools" for children and adults to direct their own explorations in the arts. Discusses how a classroom might function like such a playground, and considers the issues of structure, communication, and evaluation of students' progress. (SV)

Six playground skills of 37 moderately mentally handicapped students in mainstreamed elementary schools were evaluated. Results suggested these children are ill prepared for participation in mainstream recess and lunch hour activities. Although subjects usually could run and jump independently they were less skillful at climbing, swinging, and…

Provides a checklist of safety features to look for when purchasing playground equipment or when evaluating the safety of existing equipment. The checklist covers playground surface, all equipment, slides, swings, climbing and stationary equipment, and equipment spacing. Also lists types of equipment to avoid and playground supervision tips. (TJQ)