This book identifies the educational problems and issues that could be solved by design and discusses how to overcome these challenges by adopting a design thinking approach. The chapters cover topics such as opportunities and challenges for the futures of education, the emerging models of design thinking for education, learning activity design,…

Now in a fully updated second edition, "Unlocking Mathematics Teaching" is a comprehensive guide to teaching mathematics in the primary school. Combining theory and practice, selected experts outline the current context of mathematics education. They suggest strategies, activities and examples to help develop readers understanding and confidence…

This story is a chemical mystery with an emphasis on qualitative analysis, descriptive chemistry, and forensics. It is as well yet another article in the continuing series, first presented by Thomas Waddell and Thomas R. Rybolt, which presents a scientific problem in mystery format in the context of the popular and beloved characters of Sherlock…

There is need to reform teacher education programs through the creation of active learning environments that support and improve the depth and scope of student learning. Specifically, teachers should provide intellectually powerful, learner-centered, and technology-rich environments for students without undermining sound pedagogical practices.…

A little imagination, a little drama, a little mystery. Using the guided inquiry model in this updated, second edition, students become detectives at Information Headquarters. They solve a mystery-and enhance their problem-solving and literacy skills. Middle school is a crucial time in the development of problem-solving, critical-thinking, and…

This instructional packet is one of a series of five modules that emphasize a systematic decision-making model for common problematic situations. The steps of the model are identifying the problem, gathering information, developing and assessing alternatives, implementing a solution, and evaluating and modifying the solution. Aimed at adult basic…

Two problem-solving skills, guess-and-test and simplification, are introduced and reinforced through a variety of motivating problem situations. Solutions of sample problems and extensive directions for the teacher encourage the use of Polya's four-step model of problem solving. (MNS)

Two map posters are provided. Younger children can use a neighborhood map to locate information and trace paths, while older children can use a wilderness map to read scales. The emphasis is on problem solving with both maps. (MNS)

Uses the context of rock climbing to discuss the science concept of friction. Presents the mathematics equations that describe the concept. Examines the physics of different rock climbing situations encountered and equipment used. A series of related problems with answers is provided. (MDH)

This resource book contains mathematical games, tricks, and quick activities for the classroom. Categories include place value, number lines, basic facts and computation, computation and calculator practice, puzzles for tricky thinkers, and geometry. Ten classroom games and activities are found in the place value and number line sections, 27…

A collection of 90 contemporary mathematics story problems are presented for use by elementary teachers. The problems enable students to exercise the steps of problem solving involving operational skills. Instructions given to students list five directions for finding solutions. The answers to all 90 problems are included. This document is part of…

This activity is designed to help students recognize and extend rectangular patterns and to use patterning to formulate rules for "nth" cases. Three worksheets are included. (MNS)

This instructional module examines a key function of science and technology: problem solving. It studies the meaning of problem solving, looks at techniques for problem solving, examines case studies that exemplify the problem-solving approach, presents problems for the reader to solve, and provides a student self-quiz. (Author/CT)

License plates are used to give students experiences in solving problems, following directions, developing numeracy, and writing number sentences. Four activities for different levels are given on the four worksheets. (MNS)

These three learning activities are on measuring accessible distances, designing a wind powered generator, and designing a hot dog heater using solar energy. Each activity includes description of context, objectives, list of materials and equipment, challenge to students, and evaluation questions. (SK)