A thematic approach to curriculum enables students to connect topics and supports meaningful inquiry. Presents 4 activities for levels K-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 in which students explore problems of interest to them involving the theme of construction and architecture. Includes reproducible worksheets. (MDH)

A project is an extended, in-depth investigation of a topic, ideally one worthy of children's attention and energy. This catalog, prepared for an annual meeting of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, combines articles explaining the project approach in the classroom with summaries of projects displayed at the meeting. It…

College algebra is currently being taught using graphing calculators such as the TI-81. This document presents exploratory and problem solving activities that have resulted from classroom experiences with the TI-81. The activities have been designed to enhance the learning of some standard college algebra topics through the easy access to…

Cognetics provides an exciting cooperative learning experience for students that develops both thinking skills and content knowledge. In Cognetics, teams of students in grades 3 to 12 create solutions to problems. This set contains a student manual and a teacher's manual. The teacher's manual explains the concept of cognetics and then provides…

Teaching critical thinking, a relatively new area and concept in physical education, can take the form of problem solving--the development and presentation of physical and mental problems that challenge students to reach a solution. Providing students with conceptually well-defined and designed problems can give physical education teachers an…

This collection of readings is primarily addressed to the teachers of the academically talented in mathematics. The readings touch upon a variety of topics, with a special focus on problem solving, applications and mathematical structure. The introductory article discusses the role of enrichment in teaching mathematics. The remaining four sections…

The parish administrative board--the Session--is an interactional group according to the operational definition as advanced by Gibb, Proshansky and Seidenberg. As a group it shares relatively common religious and moral values, as well as institutional goals. The perimeters of the Session's group life are clearly, if not legalistically, defined by…

A simulation game of strategy relating to alternate confession choices of two prisoners is described. The game, Prisoner's Dilemma, is designed to help participants learn about trust, cooperation, competition, intergroup dynamics, and their own life role and feelings. Three choices are offered at the beginning of the game to two prisoners, held…

This paper reports on one dimension of a longitudinal study that researched the impact on student creativity of a unique intervention program for elementary (year 6 and year 7) students. The intervention was based on the Australian National Profile and Statement for the curriculum area of Technology. The intervention program comprised…

Describes a mathematical investigation centered on collecting and analyzing data in a scientific setting. The first experiment teaches the basics of data collection--students should be able to identify variables that might have affected experimental results. The second activity includes designing an experiment to control for these variables. The…

Exponential growth is examined through an example describing the number pattern formed by postage stamp issuance. Number tables and graphs are used to discover the functional relationship between the number of new stamps issued and time. (MDH)

Presents five activities for the family and K-2, 4-3, 5-6, and 7-8 levels that focus on the connection between mathematics and music. Activities examine the mathematical concepts of counting, estimation, measurement, statistics, fractions, and patterns involved in the topics of rhythm, beats in a measure, music preference, the music scale, and…

Describes two investigations suitable for grades seven and eight that explore the properties of the figure created when the midpoints of an equilateral triangle or square are joined. (MDH)

The quadratic function can be modeled in real life by a suspension bridge that supports a uniform weight. This activity uses concrete models and computer generated graphs to discover the mathematical model of the shape of the main cable of a suspension bridge. (MDH)

Presents a series of activities developed from the "Arithmetic Teacher's" regular feature entitled "Problem Solving: Tips for Teachers" to help students develop skills in each of the four steps of Polya's problem-solving process: (1) Understanding the Problem; (2) Making a Plan; (3) Carrying Out the Plan; and (4) Reflecting…