Provides guidelines for designing an "authentic project," which is the result of an information search based on a problem-driven task; it is a library research project in which authentic content is integrated with transferable skills in a real-life context. Presents three questions for assessing student performance and learning objectives.…

Describes classroom projects in a second-grade classroom based on the Foxfire approach to instruction. Projects planned and implemented in the classroom by students included: (1) sub shop; (2) recycling; (3) Black cemetery; and (4) garden. Students engaged in brainstorming, creating webs, weekly planning, and writing about their activities. (KS)

The relationship between specific gravity, salinity, and density in brine solutions is investigated. Students construct hydrometers to reinforce concepts learned in oceanography. Background information, salt requirements for the unknowns, directions, and reproducible worksheets are included. (KR)

Let's Get Real, a competitive program in its 5th year, challenges teams of secondary students (in public, private, and home schools) to solve actual problems posed by corporate co- sponsors. Proposed solutions are presented at corporate headquarters and judged by corporate executives, scientists, and engineers. (MLH)

Authors were conducting research in different disciplines and carrying it out by apparently different methods. This combined paper is a reaction to their mutual discovery that the theories used by each to examine the data have interesting similarities. The two projects studied encouraged creative strategies and evaluative reflection in the…

Designing inquiry-based-learning with and for university students develops problem-solving skills and logical reasoning, as well as reflective thinking. It involves working as a member of a team, questioning, being creative, shaping the skills for continued intellectual development. It is argued that inquiry-based group work is one of the most…

This book presents 20 projects for technology education students. The emphasis is on problem solving and hands-on learning through projects dealing with a wide variety of technologies/industries, including the following: robotics, information storage and retrieval, communications, transportation, electronics, manufacturing, construction, materials…

This handbook has been designed as a teaching resource to be used in the development of student attitudes and competencies, reflecting an awareness of the environment, and a motivation to work toward solutions to its problems. Listed activities are to be adapted to the abilities and interests of students, school locale, and teaching situation.…

This paper describes how a small group of people representing one community both identified and set in motion a strategy to deal with the perceived drug problem in their community. The emphasis of the paper is on the process by which this group moved rather than on the specific details of their efforts. The paper is actually a case study of one of…

Engineering Practices Introductory Course Sequence (EPICS) is designed to introduce freshmen and sophomores to skills of self education and open-ended problem solving so that high levels of competence can be obtained. Rationale for the program, description of theme projects (including management and instruction), and pilot program evaluation are…

A workshop program sponsored by the Pasadena Art Museum to help overcome cultural handicaps. Results justify the use of creative art in changing the personality and learning patterns of disadvantaged children. (Author/AP)

Describes two model water education programs. The River Ecology Program teaches students basic ecological concepts related to rivers, explores the impact of human activities on rivers, and helps students develop an attitude of stewardship for rivers. The Wetlands Watch Program has students conduct studies related to local wetlands and respond…

Describes an exercise for a business writing class which provides teams of students with a simulated encounter involving extended conflict with an adversarial business person, extending over several weeks, and requiring extensive problem solving and a range of business writing. (SR)

This article describes how teachers combined schoolwide enrichment and differentiated instruction models to design a fifth-grade fantasy literature unit. Small groups explored novels to learn the germane content and genre characteristics and then regrouped to refine and apply what was learned to a variety of open-ended problems. (Contains…

A teacher describes a Foxfire project in which learning-disabled seven year olds made and sold Christmas cards to help the homeless. Outcomes included improved writing skills, understanding of money and math applications for the elementary students, and positive teaching experiences for high school computer students who assisted. (SV)