"Structures" consists of thirteen "hands-on exploration and minds-on understanding" activities for use with elementary-age children. Each activity incorporates a problem-solving approach to technology education, science, and math. Activities are self contained, (complete with a list of objectives, suggested literature, materials, processes, evaluation and WEBS), so that elementary educators can easily use the "Structures" activities with existing units. In addition, each activity employs literature as a lead-in to a problem-solving situation. This is an unique opportunity for children to experience real-life problems to promote technology, science and math literacy.

"Structures was awarded the 1993 Virginia Public Education Network's (VA PEN's) Telecommunication Grant for Early Childhood by the Virginia Department of Education. The project was presented at the Autodesk Foundation Conference in March (1994) and the International Technology Education Association Conference (ITEA) in March (1994).

"Structures" activities are available via the Internet upon request to the National Public Telecommunications Network (NPTN) affiliate Academy One. Telnet to "nptn.org". Login as "visitor" and go to the Science. Send activities and WEBS directly to your e-mail address. A special discussion group has been established with the author, Catherine Ney, as the moderator. There, teachers can share their experience with using the activities and discuss the effectiveness of various technology education, science, and math techniques in elementary schools. Comments and questions can be sent to xx133@nptn.org.

"Structures" is the prototype for the 1994-95 Christa McAuliffe Project, State of Virginia, titled UNITES (Using Novels for Interdisciplinary Technology Education and Science). The author, Catherine Ney, is expanding "Structures" activities to connect technology education, science, and math through children's literature for all the elementary grades in two teacher's resource books. The module themes for the books include construction, communication, connections, community, exploration, and survival. Themes progress from primary to upper-elementary levels as the children's literature focus changes from simple picture books to books of many chapters and are appropriate for Grades K through 5. The School Science and Mathematics Association (SSMA) has agreed to publish the books, and they will be available to teachers by the Fall of 1995.

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