Recent research in problem solving has shifted its focus to actual classroom implementation and what is really going on during problem solving when it is used regularly in classroom. This book seeks to stay on top of that trend by approaching diverse aspects of current problem solving research, covering three broad themes. Firstly, it explores the…

Shares different students' solutions for a problem entitled Food for Thought from Jay's Dinner, which appeared in the March-April 1998 issue of Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School. The problem involves determining the maximum area to be fenced in by 60 feet of fencing. (ASK)

The author uses Stella the Spider as the main character in a number of three-dimensional geometry problems. Eight of these problems are discussed, with solutions. (MNS)

To help mathematics teachers introduce and reinforce concepts and processes by using relevant problems, several such problems are presented and discussed. (MNS)

Presents 14 distinct methods to determine the sine of the angle formed by the line segments joining one vertex of a square to the midpoints of the nonadjacent sides. Nine methods were developed by mathematics club participants preparing for mathematics competitions and the remaining five by faculty members. (MDH)

Given are activities involving the use of triangles and triangle paper, in the form of problems that require searching for different possibilities to fit a given condition. (MP)

From 1984 through 1988, the authors worked with teachers using an inquiry approach to teach high school geometry courses with the aid of the "Geometric Supposers." Problems are a critical component of the approach because they focus attention and energy and guide students in the application, integration, and extension of knowledge.…

Presents six strategies to develop appropriate mathematical applications for middle school children: (1) change the name; (2) make problems appealing; (3) encourage group work; (4) let students generate story problems; (5) encourage a positive attitude; and (6) keep students motivated. Illustrates strategies with three examples involving…

Presents mathematical games that involve a problem-solving matrix, multicolored cubes, and three-dimensional dominoes. The work of Alexander MacMahon is highlighted. (MA)

Circuits are described, with discussion on how to help students find the algorithms to solve a variety of problems involving circuits. (MNS)

A possible method of derivation of prescriptions for solving problems, found in Babylonian cuneiform texts, is presented. It is a kind of "geometric algebra" based mainly on one figure and the manipulation of or within various areas and segments. (MNS)

Can the sum of the edges, the surface area, and the volume of a three-dimensional object be numerically equal? Solutions to this challenging problem are discussed. (MNS)

Discusses possible solutions for the problem of determining how many sandwiches were made with specific ingredients that appeared in the March 1998 issue of this journal. (ASK)

Presents a problem that uses the design show and asks students to find a series of moves to take the design from the top-left corner of a piece of paper to the bottom-right corner while remaining in its original orientation. (ASK)

A problem concerning the ratio of the area of a hexagon and a triangle is presented, with the emphasis on possible extensions of the problem. (MNS)