Table of Contents | Apr 2005: Mr. Miller Goes to War

Editor's Note: Let's Encourage Students to Think -- and Do -- for Themselves

Sometimes the most learning is done when adults stay quiet.

Letters: Class Action

A teacher's frustration with the public school system sparks discussion.

Sage Advice: Beyond Report Cards

Report cards rarely give the full picture. What else do you use or do to give parents a snapshot of how their kids are performing?

Features

Let the Games Begin: Entertainment Meets Education

Video games, once confiscated in class, are now a key teaching tool -- if they're done right.

The Virtual Classroom Redefines Education

All over the country, secondary school students are going online for classes.

Standardized Testing Fails the Exam

If enough educators -- and noneducators -- realize there are serious flaws in how we evaluate our schools, maybe we can stop this absurdity.

Online Education Is a New Way of Learning -- and Teaching

Educators can find being a teacher for a virtual school to be a challenge.

Heart and Soul

Students Feel the Impact When Their Teacher Is Deployed

When teachers are suddenly called up for military service, their students struggle to carry on.

Head of Class

Battle of the Belts: Should Kids Buckle Up on a School Bus?

Lawmakers buckle down about buckling up.

On the Road Again: Educational Exhibits on Wheels

Mobile museums are mostly free and always fun.

Camera Obscura: A Focus on Underprivileged Kids

Photography brings hidden children into the light.

Cool Schools

NatureMapping Takes Kids -- and Technology -- Outside and into Active Learning

A data-collection program brings real science to school -- and startles the professionals.

How to Start Counting Critters

A step-by-step guide to bringing a NatureMapping project to your school and getting students excited about maps and science.

Design

From Bricks to Mortarboard: Teens Plan and Build Their Own Learning Environment

One way to design better classroom space: Have the students do it.

Muse: Clean Sweep: Let's Fix the Mess We've Made of Urban Public Schools

A call for support, consideration, and care for urban public schools.

Recess

The Glory That Is Graphite: Pencils Deserve Some Respect

Are you a fan of the No. 2? Get your hands on some of these.

Wristie Business: Watches Aren't Just for Telling Time Anymore

Want to access the Internet from your wrist? Just watch.

Money for Nothing: Educators, Time to Rethink Your Summer Plans

Suggestions for free teacher-training travels.

Dem Bones: Yup, They're in Them Thar Hills

Head to the hills and dig up dinos.

Awesome Otavalo: Ecuadorian Market Extraordinaire

Enjoy breathtaking scenery and an abundance of colors -- and some pretty good bargains, too.

Caveat Ecuador: A Lesson Learned

Mountaineering? Make sure your guide has the right altitude.

Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler: In New Orleans, That Is

Always wanted to visit the Jazz Festival? Here's some good-to-know info for visiting this one-of-a-kind city.

Row, Row, Row Your Bod: Get On the Water and Get In Shape

Use your scull.

Cleaner Creams: What You Don't Know About Your Skin Products That May Hurt You

Think your medicine cabinet is safe? Think again.

Kiss Starbucks Good-Bye: Say Hello to Decaf

The benefits -- and a few bummers -- of quitting caffeine.