Targeted as a highly desired skill for contemporary work and life, problem solving is central to game-based learning research. In this study, middle grade students achieved significant learning gains from gameplay interactions that required solving a science mystery based on microbiology content. Student trace data results indicated that effective…

The study concerned (1) identifying component processes of discovery and rule learning; (2) describing differences in learning outcomes produced by the two instructional methods, and; (3) optimizing learning. It was believed that understanding the effects of aptitude, instructional methods, and their interaction is important in the study of…

Three worksheets are provided to help secondary students explore relationships among the areas of a variety of similar figures constructed on the sides of right triangles. The activity is extended to include the relationship among the lengths of the sides of the right triangle. Included are several student worksheets. (DC)

This booklet uses both words and photographs to describe behavior patterns typical of children from one to two years old and to suggest home play activities appropriate for use with children of this age. The booklet is organized into four age ranges: 12-15 months, 15-18 months, 18-21 months, and 21-24 months. Within each of these sections, a…

The Young Scholars' Program of the National Science Foundation is designed to stimulate and extend the interests in science and mathematics of students entering grades 7 through 12. An additional goal of the program is to encourage them to investigate and pursue careers in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. The program strongly…

Elementary teachers and principals enrolled in an elementary education graduate course developed this guide which interprets and applies the concept of inquiry teaching and learning. The purpose of the guide is to bridge the gap between the theory of the inquiry process and its use in the classroom. It is written for use by elementary educators as…

This review features new examples of using the computer relative to college-level mathematics to enhance pedagogy, solve problems, and model real-life situations. Included is a LOGO program that can be used to create and to stimulate subsequent investigations of spirolaterals, those figures generated by repeatedly drawing basic loops. (JJK)

Museum objects can be the springboard for exercising critical thinking. There are four main thought processes associated with critical thinking: (1) fluent thinking, the ability to produce many ideas; (2) flexible thinking, the ability to view something in different ways; (3) original thinking, the ability to produce unique ideas; and (4)…

Discusses possible approaches to solving the problem of how many different triangles can be formed on an n x n geoboard and the different geometric concepts utilized to formulate a solution. Approaches include counting strategies, writing a computer program, and using difference equations. (MDH)

Presents two worksheets that ask students to count and classify the triangles that can be formed with a given total number of toothpicks or a given number of toothpicks for one side of the triangle. A third worksheet asks students to identify patterns observed during the investigations. Provides reproducible worksheets. (MDH)

Describes three activities that the teacher can employ to help students develop thinking skills through mathematics instruction: (1) memorization using the technique of chunking; (2) higher order thinking with magic squares; and (3) predicting games. Identifies eight facets of the teacher's role in promoting thinking skills. (MDH)

Describes an activity that demonstrates a teaching-learning model in which students ask yes or no questions to determine an unknown number on a number line. Provides a sequence of five steps to carry out the activity and suggestions for extending and expanding the activity for different grade levels. (MDH)

A practical guidebook of ideas, lesson materials, and related resources for developing imaginative and productive thinking skills of children is presented to assist teachers and parents. Emphasis is placed on the use of strategies and techniques that enhance originality, mental imagery, reverie, reflection, humor, novel playfulness, and divergent…

Proposes that problem scenarios are activities that give students opportunities to employ mathematics across the curriculum by asking them to define problems, identify information needed and potential sources of data, and make related conjectures. Discusses an example of a scenario involving transportation. (MDH)

N:4$2 N:4$N Reported are results of a Technical Education Research Centers (TERC) project describing telecommunication interactions between groups of students using the computer software unit "Connectany." Polygons are formed through repetitive "jumps" between points on a circle. Investigation questions and results are shared…