Provides a brief history of the International Physics Competition (IPC). IPC rules, aims, organization, participants, leaders, finance, language, duration, international jury, problems, evaluation, prizes, and organizers' responsibilities are discussed. Typical problems used and problem solving methods are also discussed. (JN)

Intermediate and junior high school students became very involved with this learning activity which involved detective work. Working in groups, students had to solve a riddle based on a sequence of clues. The answer to each set of clues was either a person, an event, or a place. (RM)

The shift in emphasis of economics education has moved from a descriptive approach to applied and problem-solving aspects. This article discusses the characteristics of the main approaches to economics education and identifies teaching skills to be used in implementation of the problem-solving approach. (Author/DF)

The author attempts to show the value of using actual work problems as vehicles for development of management teams. The use of such diagnostic methods as repertory grids and identity matrices is described. Two case studies of situations in which the approach was applied are given in detail. (SK)

The purpose of this study was to introduce the Mole Solver, a computer based system that facilitates monitors and improves students' problem solving skills on mole concept. The system has three distinct modes that: (1) find step by step solutions to the word problems on the mole concept; (2) enable students to solve word problems on their own by…

Working with his daughter and her friend on a problem-solving task gave Graham Jones the opportunity to reconsider how best he might help. This document describes how he went about assisting the girls in solving the problem. In assisting, Graham decided to present the girls with a three part lesson, which would lead to the solution. He stresses…

This chapter examines research on the cognitive processes involved in mathematical problem solving. The introduction includes definitions of key terms and a summary of four cognitive processes used in mathematical problem solving: (1) translating; (2) integrating; (3) planning; and (4) executing. Examples are then provided and exemplary research…

The definition-construction process is central to mathematics. The aim of this paper is to propose a few Situations of Definition-Construction (called SDC) and to study them. Our main objectives are to describe the definition-construction process and to design SDC for classroom. A SDC on "discrete straight line" and its mathematical and…

No longer solely the domain of Mathematics, problem solving permeates every area of today's curricula. Ideally students are applying heuristics strategies in varied contexts and novel situations in every subject taught. The ability to solve problems is a basic life skill and is essential to understanding technical subjects. Problem-solving is a…

The use of the Prolog programing language is promoted as the language to use by anyone teaching a course in relational databases. A short introduction to Prolog is followed by a series of examples of queries. Several references are noted for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding. (MP)

Discusses a unique computer application called interactive art. The technique involves a series of events in which individuals/groups interact with sensors and television monitors hooked up to a central microcomputer. Numerous examples are provided to illustrate that individuals need not be passive in their entertainment, art appreciation, or…

A social skills program focusing on inhibition training, problem-solving training, and prescriptive skill training for 12 emotionally distrubed students (9 to 13 years old) resulted in a marked decrease in impulsive, inappropriate actions and verbalizations. Teaching techniques and materials for each of the three phases are described. (CL)

Examples are provided which illustrate that both adults and children can become fluent in computing, discussing a juggling program (Logo) which demonstrates the power of the techniques of structured programing to solve problems. Issues related to teaching computer literacy are also discussed. (JN)

Recommends teaching analytical chemistry using an approach that emphasizes the problem as well as the sample. This problem-solving approach would complement and not replace the study of fundamental and applied aspects of chemical determinations. Also considers four components of analytical chemistry: analysis, research, development, and education.…

Schreinemakers' theorem (arrangement of curves around an invariant point), derived from La Chatelier's principle, can be rediscovered by students asked to use the principle when solving a natural problem such as "How does diluting a mineral/fluid alter shape of a pressure/temperature diagram?" Background information and instructional…