Table of Contents | April 2005
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.
Highschool.com: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
