States that puzzles are an important tool in helping children engage in the problem-solving process. Claims that children are interested in puzzles because they can be active as observers, problem solvers, and learners, with little or no assistance from adults and others. Defines nine characteristics of good puzzle-making situations. (MOK)

A trend at U.S. colleges and universities in teaching first-year science courses is discussed. An approach in the classroom and lab in which students engage in science through observation and hypothesis is emphasized. Hands-on science, experiential science, and constructing science through cooperative learning are discussed. (KR)