Attached please find a brochure that I have developed for a workshop presentation I am putting together for high school and junior high school teachers. The whole presentation is premised on the idea that conflict simulation in all of its many forms is a valuable educational tool. Conflict Simulation lends itself to curriculum integration; that is it can utilize different areas of the curriculum, like History, English, Economics, Math, Political Science, etc. It is a plausible, hands-on, authentic way to deal with lessons presented usual via lecture or workbook.

It also fits in nicely with what research is discovering about learning and with the new wave of technology being brought into schools. Many researches are now saying that students learn best by constructing information in ways that are meaningful to them. One of the tenets to this constructionist approach is that information should be perceived as relevant and should allow the learner to build upon a base of knowledge as he or she can. Another key component of this is problem based learning, where a situation or problem is outlined and the students invent and defend solutions. Wargaming, in the form of historical miniatures, board games, pbm or pbem games, computer games, and especially campaign games fit in nicely with what current research says is a effective way to learn. To make a long story short, I believe wargaming can teach positive team-building and problem solving skills in a non threatening environment where everyone is equal. Pretty powerful stuff! Additionally, with the installation of e-mail and servers ongoing in most schools, conflict simulation can be utilized in a variety of ways and accessed as needed or when desired. For example, it would be quite easy to have an ongoing campaign, graphic or e-mail, on a server that kids could access whenever. Every student and staff member in my high school, for example, can e-mail me directly at any time. Also, we are in the process of submitting a grant that would allow us to place a laptop computer in every student's hand for their time in high school (at a nominal fee) and then purchase that machine for $1.00 at the end of 4 years.

I know there are other programs in place that are doing wonderful things with this, such as Mr. Birdseye in Georgia. Chris Engle has done some wonderful work with matrix gaming that I know would interest many teachers. I know of at least one newsletter that focuses on gaming in education. At present, to the best of my knowledge, we have nothing in my area. I would like to take this opportunity to call upon the considerable body of knowledge possessed by the readers of this wonderful publication. I know there are many ideas and resources out there that would help our hobby, our industry, and, most importantly, our children.

Please feel free to send ideas or request a brochure from: Michael Davis, Peotone High School, Number One Blue Devil Drive, Peotone, Illinois 60468 USA.

Finally, I can't resist an update on what is happening in my own school. We are slowly building on the principles that I have touched upon earlier. I appear as a "guest lecturer,' from time to time in both World History and English classes. These are brief spots, but at least with World History they are set. I give a one day down and dirty presentation on the Roman military system and how it fit in with the whole of Roman society. The following day I do a TACTICA or Armati game to help illustrate what was discussed in class. Rules debates aside, I find these two vehicles lend themselves to fluid play in a few minutes. In each of the last two years, the girls, playing Rome, have edged out the ancient British, being played by the boys. I then follow that up with an analysis of the game and field questions from kids who drop by the office, corner me at lunch, or, now, e-mail me. If a do a gig in English on Medieval literature for one day, I of course follow up any reference with a Medieval or Dark Ages game. Kids and staff alike eat this up.

My game club, which started with 3 kids, is now at 20 to 25 kids. We meet most every other Saturday at the high school. The club is starting to get aggressive. Last week we did a TACTICA demo game at an area Barnes and Noble Bookstore. we drew a total of 50 people for the 2 hours we were there. I am happy to say that we were invited back this summer and plan to do a day- long ACW or F and I War scenario. The public will be invited to join in and play as little or as much as they desire.

Well, those are my thoughts for now. I really look forward to hearing from anyone out there with thoughts or ideas. In particular, if I may be so bold as to ask publicly, I'd really like to hear from Jim Birdseye and Chris Engle as their great work is just the direction I believe I need to head in. Thank you in advance everyone. (Editor's Note. I can vouch that Michael does very good work with this project, he enclosed a brochure which [found difficult to print, so if you are interested in obtaining one, please contact him at his address above. Also, if you can spare any painted/unpainted troops, please send them off to him)