Integrating creativity into science classes may pave the way to tapping complex scientific phenomena. Although not yet conclusively defined nor assessed using standardized measures, creativity is understood to support cognitive learning in formal and informal settings. However, the successful integration of creativity in educational modules…

This study explored the effects of design thinking on the conceptual cognition of artificial intelligence (AI) learning, attitudes toward AI, idea creativity, and the product creativity of AI applications. The concept map indicated that design thinking had a significant effect on the conceptual cognition of AI learning, particularly the relational…

The authors examine the pros and cons of games in the context of increasing students' creativity and scientific competence. Research materials and methods consisted of two tests. The first included the use of 7 pedagogical methods that are valid for the mental diagnosis of students: speed of thinking; method of thinking flexibility; method of…

Creativity is a task-specific construct that exhibits diverse characteristics depending on the context it operates in. Currently, there is little consensus on how creativity can be defined and taught within STEM education. In this study, mathematics teachers' beliefs about STEM creativity and their pedagogical approaches to teaching creativity…

Creativity has emerged in the focus of neurocognitive research in the past decade. However, a heterogeneous pattern of brain areas has been implicated as underpinning the neural correlates of creativity. One explanation for these divergent findings lies in the fact that creativity is not usually investigated in terms of its many underlying…

This article critically reviews the extant literature on scientific creativity and metaphorical thinking. Metaphorical thinking is based on a conceptual transfer of relationships or mapping, from a well-known source domain to a poorly known target domain, which could result in creative outcomes in sciences. Creativity leads to products that are…

Recently, the nature of science (NOS) has become recognized as an important element within the K-12 science curriculum. Despite differences in the ultimate lists of recommended aspects, a consensus is emerging on what specific NOS elements should be the focus of science instruction and inform textbook writers and curriculum developers. In this…

This paper surveys some major trends from research on visual and spatial thinking coming from cognitive science, developmental psychology, science literacy, and science studies. It explores the role of visualisation in creativity, in building mental models, and in the communication of scientific ideas, in order to place these findings in the…

Problem finding is a creative process whereby individuals develop original ideas for study. Secondary science students who successfully participate in authentic, novel, open inquiry studies must engage in problem finding to determine viable and suitable topics. This study examined problem finding strategies employed by students who successfully…

A study of 147 Westinghouse Science Talent Search winners classified 57 subjects as independent problem finders. They were asked to select five of the 31 factors in Guilford's Structure of Intellect model which best described the process of choosing their research question. Implications for educating secondary science students are discussed. (VW)

This study evaluated an attempt to increase the divergent thinking of eighth grade students with a five week experimental treatment utilizing student inquiry. In this treatment, students were shown a demonstration consisting of a discrepant event; students then suggested hypotheses and checked their hypotheses by asking questions, as in Suchman's…

Discusses the role of chemical-equation problem solving in helping students predict reaction products. Methods for helping students learn this process must be taught to students and future teachers by using pedagogical skills within the content of chemistry. Emphasizes that solving chemical reactions should involve creative cognition where…

Presents an overview of the four component parts of the activity of problem solving. These are the types of problems to be solved, the necessary prerequisites, the strategies, and the elements used in applying the strategies. (HM)

Suggests criteria to be used in selecting problem-solving activities and criteria to be considered in choosing media, exercises, and problems for the development of problem-solving skills. Provides perspectives on developing creativity and includes a chart on how thinking and attitude components relate. Also lists related reference materials. (ML)

Presents examples that recognize young children's technological prowess and support the case for including two significant curriculum perspectives: an intellectual-processes perspective and a social-expression perspective. Contains 34 references. (Author/PVD)