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.
F for Assessment: Standardized Testing Fails
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
Mr. Miller Goes to War: 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.
