Emperor penguins, the largest of all the penguin species, attain heights of nearly four feet and weigh up to 99 pounds. Many students are not motivated to learn mathematics when textbook examples contain largely nonexistent contexts or when the math is not used to solve significant problems found in real life. This article's project explores how…

Analyzes a classroom videotape of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) with a view toward current and future teaching practices. (Author)

Explores the similarities and differences among three thinking skills programs that help students analyze and evaluate their own problem-solving skills. (MLF)

A legal education course that teaches senior high school students how different cultures resolve conflicts is described. Students need to see that our system of justice is only one among many, all of which have shortcomings, external influences, and internal variance. (RM)

Presents facts about a super-jumbo jet and poses 11 questions on different subjects, including estimation and comparison, concerning the super-jumbo jet. Gives hints and solutions for the answers to those questions. (ASK)

This laboratory exercise encourages upper level biochemistry students to build and expand upon previously developed laboratory skills and knowledge as they conduct a comparison of two methods of plasmid preparation based upon cost, quality of product, production time, and environmental impact. Besides creating an environment that mimics a more…

This teaching guide contains 20 activities for students in grades 6-9 on the topic of conflict in Northern Ireland. These materials can be adapted to lower and higher grade levels. Objectives are to examine the conflict in Northern Ireland, to discern ways a conflict escalates and can be peacefully solved, and to compare the perceptions of the…

Gives an overview of the components of the problem-solving process, emphasizing its iterative, not linear, character. Describes how individual characteristics influence problem solving choices and outcomes, and discusses ways in which understanding of problem-solving informs some innovative teaching techniques, with examples from individual…

Discusses how to help students apply thinking skills to library research and provides examples of techniques for teaching comparing and contrasting, sequencing, classifying, cause and effect, problem solving, and decision making. Examples were effective with middle schoolers but could also be adapted for high school or older elementary school…

This monograph is designed to provide practical classroom suggestions, including sample lesson plans, to show how teachers can improve the problem-solving competence of students at all educational and ability levels. The examples provided show that problem-solving instruction can be integrated with teaching the content of particular topics. While…

Techniques for providing variety and effectiveness within the lecture format are described, including the oral essay, participatory lecture, problem-solving approach, alternating mini-lectures and discussions, modeling analytical skills, debate, simulation and role-playing, and the affective/emotional media lecture. (MSE)

Discussion of differences in elementary and secondary school mathematics instruction between the United States and The Netherlands focuses on a Dutch project brought to the United States that uses print materials and software products. Topics addressed include integrating technology into the curriculum; cultural differences; designing assessment;…

Examines how the holiday of Thanksgiving is treated in primary books and offers comparisons of 28 popular titles in print. Innovative classroom and media center projects are described, including discussions, drawings, bulletin boards, problem-solving activities, and cooking. (LRW)

This guide is intended for use in teaching a course in human and product transportation systems. The purpose of the course is twofold. First, students are introduced to the design process and the steps used to analyze various solutions to basic problems. Second, the course focuses on the application of the design and evaluation process to review a…

Many of the most talented authors and artists of the past and present have shared their thoughts and their gifts with young children through picture books. Many picture books allow young children to explore important ideas and to stretch their minds far beyond rote memorization. Young children absorb knowledge at a very rapid pace. In an age of…