Explains that European engineering students are not well prepared to integrate socio-economic and environmental issues efficiently into their future professional activities. Argues that necessary changes include a more interdisciplinary and systems-oriented approach to problems and better training in communication skills. Provides an example of an…

Use of problem-based learning in a large upper-division general education class at McMaster University (Canada) provides opportunities for students to identify and practice skills for inquiry into societal problems and solutions. Classroom techniques and processes preserve the essence of problem-based learning despite the fact that the class is…

Recommends using the Storypath method for introducing social studies concepts into the primary grades. Storypath introduces children to an imaginary environment (a neighborhood) and, working in teams, students provide details and people. Eventually they face a problem (litter), then bring the story and the problem to some kind of resolution. (MJP)

Presents two models of group decision making that integrate mathematical, multicriteria models with behavioral problem-solving concepts. The results of an empirical test that used the Business Management Laboratory simulation game are reported, and the performance of the two integrated models is compared with the performance of a nonintegrated…

Uses a discrepant event to teach students about volume and area. Outlines directions for class demonstration, needed materials, questions, a story problem, and related activities to perform this assignment. (Author/RT)

In this interdisciplinary unit for grade six, kids' natural fascination with heroes is channeled to a consideration of the values and actions needed to solve global problems. Students are exposed to positive, nonviolent role models, creative thinking, problem solving, and creating artwork that expresses thoughts on environmental issues. (LZ)

Describes a method of teaching geology and scientific writing to nonscience students that combines active integration of lecture, reading, and laboratory materials with field observations into a writing assignment on a real scientific problem. The writing assignment is completed in stages: a prospectus, a detailed report outline, a bibliography, a…

Discusses "connectionism," an alternative learning model wherein meaning resides in the function of the whole state of a network, rather than being localizable in certain symbols or areas. Topics discussed include integration with other learning models; the culture of the mathematics classroom; and characteristics of alternative…

Introduces the Envirobox Project that involves six classes from diverse regions of the United States where each class sends a shoebox including environmental samples to others. Explains the planning and preparation procedures of the project. Uses an interdisciplinary approach in the project which incorporates language arts, mathematics, social…

A study examined the teaming efforts of a master-level, preservice, transdisciplinary team as reflected in a conversation during a planning meeting. The use of problem solving, conflict avoidance, role expansion, and role release techniques are described. Implications are discussed for intervention teams in the schools and preservice preparation…

Teacher educators routinely encounter middle grades teachers who like to include more environmental literacy in their curricula. These educators of children in grades four through nine believe that it might be considered "fluff," take away from the class time needed to meet varying state mandates or standards, be difficult to implement, or all of…

The purpose of this symposium was to provide a forum for the interchange of state of the art mathematics and science education teaching in two Southeast South Dakota National Science Foundation Statewide Systemic Initiative projects. Presentations include: (1) "To Get This Car Moving, We Will Have to Put It in Gear" (Delmar Janke); (2)…

This book is intended to introduce teachers to the practices of "environmental education," and is the first in a series published by the Institute for Environmental Education. The series focus is on problem-solving in the community as the subject matter for environmental education. Problem-solving is used as a process of investigatory…

The CHEMATH course at Edmonds Community College integrates instruction in algebra and chemistry. The course emphasizes problem-solving techniques and relies on active learning through the use of structured group process techniques. CHEMATH is team taught by science and math faculty and is intended primarily for students planning to major in…

There are many reasons for studying Antarctica. It is the key element in the world's climate. Some of the secrets of the earth's past are locked beneath its icecap. It has a fascinating physical environment and a unique and fragile ecosystem. It is a frontier of scientific research and technological development. Its history is an important and…