This document offers science teachers a reference for various student projects that are intended to increase student interest in engineering, science, and technology. The book contains information, guidelines, and specific ideas for: (1) engineering design competitions; (2) engineering problem solving competitions; and (3) short-term…

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…

The purposes of the paper are to discuss use of a concept formation model in art education and to suggest ways in which teachers might plan and develop art instructional activities consistent with the model. Based upon a social studies model designed along the lines of Robert Gagne's learning theory, the art education model utilizes rule, concept,…

GROUP FUNCTIONING AND ACTIVITIES WERE STUDIED IN TWO CONTEXTS, THE LABORATORY AND THE REGULAR SCHOOL CLASSROOM. THE LABORATORY STUDY INVOLVED SMALL GROUP PROBLEM-SOLVING IN ARITHMETIC AND IN SOCIAL STUDIES. STUDIES CONSISTED OF GROUP PERFORMANCE, THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE HIGH ABILITY STUDENTS TO GROUP PERFORMANCE, THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF…

Discusses how children's literature can be used as a context to develop problem-solving tasks. Illustrates this idea by developing tasks to teach concepts related to multiplication through the context of "The Patchwork Quilt," a children's book by Valerie Flournoy. Suggests activity extensions to determine unit sizes, draw scale models,…

Proposes three types of supplementary problems to develop students' skill in interpretation of graphically represented data. Eleven examples are presented and solved for the following types of problems: comparison of one quantity to another, comparison of two quantities that each depend on a common parameter, and reasonable data prediction. (MDH)

The problem-of-the-week (POW) and problem-solving class openers are exemplified as methods for the integration of course-relevant problem solving into a first-year algebra classroom without sacrificing time spent on developing skills and learning concepts. Illustrated examples, as well as problem sources, are included. (JJK)

Describes a teaching activity consisting of a problem-solving story about a company in a small town that is burying hazardous material which may create future problems for the community. The activity challenges students to address ethical issues relative to responsibility and accountability for protection of the water supply. (PR)

Many students doubt that statistical distributions are of practical value. Simulation makes it possible for students to tackle challenging, understandable projects that illustrate how distributions can be used to answer "what-if" questions of the type often posed by analysts. Course materials that have been developed over two years of classroom…

Too often, looking at middle school math classrooms through the eyes of the students reveals a monotonous routine with no clear application to life outside of school. In this article, the author suggests a few strategies for putting the life back into middle school mathematics: (1) mix it up by changing the physical environment and classwork…

Last year, the author worked with a group of Key Stage 3 (KS3) consultants at a regional roadshow devoted to the topic of information and communications technology (ICT), "Embedding ICT in mathematics teaching." The roadshow was organized by the Association of Teachers of Mathematics (ATM) and the Mathematical Association (MA), and the…

The books in this series provide an essential ingredient in the transition from concrete mathematical experience to the symbolic reasoning used in algebra. They aim to guide the student in building and extending manipulative patterns, collecting numerical data, and analyzing the results. The main objective of the activities in this book is for the…

Calculation of the percentage of work completed when the edges of jigsaw puzzles have been assembled provides interesting problems. (SD)

Measures for developing creativity by exploring inner space are recounted: the procedure for deliberate dreaming, exercises in producing new patterns, the steps in bioheuristics, a description of "wilderness seminars", and staying in bed to problem-solve while dozing. (AJ)

The guide examines creative problem solving strategies for gifted and talented students (kindergarten through intermediate levels). The 33 strategies are arranged alphabetically by title and include the name of the developer, grade level, purpose, time allotment, strategy instructions, examples, application and/or variation, resources, and…