Describes a science activity designed to stimulate creative thinking in children. The project, entitled Egg Loft,'' encourages students to devise methods for lifting an egg above 20 feet and returning it safely to ground. A number of the successful devices created and built by children are described. (JR)

Impressions of Robert M. Hutchins and his Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions in Santa Barbara. The Center houses a catalytic group of scholars who generate ideas rather than actions. Describes some of their thinking on education, science, retrospective futurology, the use of oceans as a world resource, a new constitution, and the…

Study compared the relative advantages of three training procedures (production, judgment and combined) to a no-training control for three levels of initial ability. (Authors)

Discusses the process of problem solving, stressing the iterative nature of the process and the importance of communication (explaining problems to others). Provides examples of physics/physical sciences problems useful in problem-solving competitions. Also provides examples of problems to be solved in school over several weeks. Lists of materials…

While society rushes into the twenty-first century, educators are pleading to go back--back to the basics and the good old days. Saying we can't afford to go backward, the author urges educators to emphasize thinking and problem solving skills that children will need in the future. (Editor/SJL)

Our culture enforces compliance and obedience in all its institutions and at every level. These institutions systematically discourage independent thought or unconventional action. Schools can play an important role in educating strong, independent thinkers. Teachers should act to reward creative disobedience and to discourage conformity. (JN)

Summarizes results of studies indicating that play training led to significant increases in young children's problem-solving ability, use of language, creative thinking ability, verbal ability, and conservation. (Author/MP)

This paper reviews current models of problem solving to identify results relevant to teachers or instructional developers. Four areas are covered: information processing models, approaches stressing human abilities and factors, creative problem solving models, and other aspects of problem solving. Part of a theme issue on intelligence. (Author/SJL)

The three-week elementary school program in Houston, Texas, offered seminars, student selected interest activities, and group activities in which children planned and constructed a part of a future world and were thus exposed to problem solving, decision making, and research activities. (DLS)

Discusses three books on language and literature instruction that present humanistic approaches to teaching students how to write, think, and express themselves in a creative manner. (FL)

The effects of self-instructional use of programed creativity materials for gifted and regular students were investigated. Pre- and post-tests of creative thinking were administered. Students in the creativity training group attained significantly greater gains on verbal fluency. Creative thinking abilities were improved for both gifted and…

This article discusses the use of meditation in the classroom as a means to reduce tension and anxiety in students as well as to widen their perception of the world and themselves. (JD)

Recommends a constructivist approach to physics laboratory activities to make laboratories a place for personal maturation and cognitive growth. Describes class design in which ideas and techniques are exchanged which allow students the opportunity to initiate investigations based on early conceptual assumptions, and extend the investigation…

Four creativity tests were administered to 264 Sudanese students (ages 15-20) to investigate the differing effects upon creativity of traditional and modern education. Those receiving a modern education performed better on two tests measuring cognitive ability, while the traditionally educated group performed better on an Egyptian test measuring…