The language-experience approach to problem solving is discussed. A theme park unit provides illustrations of how problem solving can be developed. (MNS)

The Australian Mathematics Competition was designed around the content of common school mathematics, and thus is intended for almost all mathematics students, not just exceptional ones. The competition's conceptual and organizational basis and the three levels of competition papers are described. Sample questions are included. (MNS)

A procedure using calculators is described to test Ulam's conjecture that all positive integers converge to 1, if subject to certain iterated transformations. (MNS)

The evolution of educational games during the 1960s and 1970s culminated in a renewed awareness of the nature and potential of games. Simulations and games are suitable for instruction in urban growth, environmental problems, and in decision making in general. (KC)

Applications problems collected from industries, businesses, engineers, and government agencies are described. (MNS)

Suggests techniques for teaching students to comprehend test questions in a manner that requires them to think about both what is in the question and what could be in the passage. (HOD)

A series of problem solving situations designed around a hypothetical birdhouse factory is explored. The original material is designed around solving systems of equations, but the approach used is designed to be easily modifiable to incorporate other mathematical content. (MP)

Contains five lesson plans designed to help students understand the causes of violent behavior and vandalism and to give them experience in solving problems of real-life situations. Students examine the causes and implications of violence in schools and among adolescents and effect of mass media on violent behavior. (AM)

Problems with apportioning seats within the House of Representatives every 10 years are discussed. The history of the problem and the nature of the politics involved are reviewed, and the current method in use is detailed along with its flaws. A call for a more sensible system is made. (MP)

An approach to using the method of least squares, a scheme for computing the best-fitting line directly from a set of points, is detailed. The material first looks at fitting a numerical value to a set of numbers. This provides tools for solving the line-fitting problem. (MP)

Typical difficulties involved in solving combinatorial problems are examined and seven common pitfalls are discussed. (MP)

A computer simulation of the Buffon Needle Problem for estimating the value of pi is discussed. (MP)

A distinction is made between estimation and checking, and an analysis of standard errors made on calculators when pupils are checking answers is given. (MP)

A new version of a standard old problem is presented. Ways of solving, extending, and continuing the problem that make it applicable to many grade levels are discussed. (MK)

Considers how elementary school classroom teachers can employ exploration methods (gathering, evaluation, and synthesis of data related to a specific topic) to help students develop readiness for intellectually complex problem solving. (Author/DB)