Techniques for applying mathematical concepts in the real world: six rarely taught but crucial tools for analysis, research, and problem-solving. Many young graduates leave school with a solid knowledge of mathematical concepts but struggle to apply these concepts in practice. Real scientific and engineering problems are different from those found…

Masters of worksheets are given that are designed to help students develop the problem-solving skills of analyzing information, identifying the question, and selecting pertinent facts. (MK)

Motivational classroom materials that provide direct instruction on problem-solving skills are given. The activity highlights and provides opportunities for practice with two problem-solving skills, make a drawing and work backward. (MNS)

Problems involving record-setting events are presented, with comments on both the mathematics skills and the reading skills that are involved with each. (MNS)

Problems and activities are presented for which "I can't do it" or "It can't be done" are the correct responses. Including problems of this type in the curriculum adds a new dimension to students' learning and helps to develop better problem solvers. (Author/MK)

Suitable for those contemplating a program alternative to school suspension, this student handbook describes a special class for middle school students who have been removed from their regular classes because of serious behavior problems. Separate sections describe the nature of the class, reasons for the students' placement in the class, the…

The focus of this book is on a rationale and a set of strategies for problem generation in mathematics. Six chapters attempt to involve readers in the process of posing problems and in understanding why that process is important. Chapter 1 discusses two problem posing perspectives, while chapter 2 looks at the first phase of problem posing. The…

These two documents address the issue of dealing with blame for farm families in crisis. The first document, for the adult student, discusses how and why people blame each other, with emphasis on the current farm financial crisis. It is noted that blaming occurs primarily at the anger and depression stages of the loss cycle and that, when losing…

In this simulation, secondary students explore the potentials for cooperation and conflict that have existed in relation to control of the seas. Through playing roles of decision makers of various nations, students learn about issues and positions involved in exploiting the wealth of th sea, including minerals, oil, and fish. (RM)

These activities involve students in interpreting story problems, drawing their own conclusions, and making guesses. Four worksheets, for levels 1-8, are included, along with teaching suggestions. (MNS)

In this lesson, junior high students consider two instances of exponential population growth--one at the local community level and one at the world level--as a way of illuminating some of the problems posed by growth and the limits that may curtail it. (RM)

This section presents four worksheets for grades 1-8 on problem-solving activities with a "things to do this summer theme." Problems relate to a county fair, a library summer reading program, camp, and summer jobs. (MNS)

This document addresses the need to provide problem-solving materials for teachers of mathematics in the upper elementary grades. The activities are designed to: help teachers emphasize problem-solving techniques, develop positive attitudes toward mathematics and problem solving, provide problems that could be used whenever free time exists,…

This case study describes an experienced high school teacher's difficulties in an Alaskan town with severe tensions between Caucasian and Eskimo students and between community members and teachers. This "teaching case" helps preservice teachers understand the complex, ambiguous situations which arise in rural teaching. The limitations of…

This simulation helps students in grades four to eight see their planet as one environment with limited resources shared by all. Students learn that the earth is a large system comprised of small systems, that systems are interdependent and often have irreplaceable parts, and that resources are not equally divided among countries. (RM)