Debunks five misconceptions about improving creative thinking. To encourage students to think creatively, instructional techniques should reflect an integrated set of mental skills, use materials mimicking real-life situations, consider students' beliefs and tendencies toward creative thinking, show metacognitive sensibility, and foster a creative…

Describes a simulation game developed to introduce elementary school students to basic economic concepts, including scarcity, availability, resource utilization, trade-offs, and demand and barter. The simulation, based on a shortage of chocolate milk in the elementary school lunch room, stressed problem solving skills. (DB)

Reviews evidence that children use diverse cognitive strategies; discusses the adaptive value of using diverse strategies; describes models of strategy choice based on rational calculations; and presents an overview of the distributions of associations model of children's strategy choice. (RH)

A study examined three different approaches to the teaching of economic concepts and the development of problem-solving skills: a real life problem-solving experience, a contrived experience using simulation and gaming, and a discussion-workbook experience. (Author/JR)

Described is the development of a simulation, or model of an existing congested pedestrian crossing situation by elementary school students in order to conduct trials of their solutions. (MN)

These background papers are written to provide information for the teacher on technical problems that might arise as students carry on various USMES investigations. Background papers are also written which include information about the types of investigations which may provide good opportunities for learning in specific areas. This set includes…

An investigation designed to test the effectiveness of a computer program is described. The purpose was to determine whether the use of a simulation referred to as "The Factory" leads to higher scores on a standardized test of problem-solving ability. The procedures, results, and implications for science teaching are included. (KR)

Describes a computer curriculum for 7- to 12-year-old children which is designed to integrate the computer into multiple subject areas and stimulate the development and sharpening of critical-thinking skills. The course is divided into eight conceptual units, each containing educational computer games or simulations and some related off-line…

This economics simulation game complements the third grade Gold Mining Unit developed by Project Social Studies at the University of Minnesota. The simulation is designed for three purposes: 1) to reinforce the prior learning which occurs in the gold mining camp unit; 2) to involve eight-year-olds in the process of solving simulated economic…

Described in this article is an energy conservation simulation game in which students participate in a space mission to Mars. Activities such as decision making, valuing, and problem solving occur during the game. (SA)

This study explored the conflict resolution ability of 30 children with specific language impairment (SLI) and 30 children with normal language (NL) in grades 3 through 7. Children with SLI suggested fewer types of strategies to resolve hypothetical conflicts than their NL peers. The groups did not differ in the number of strategy types used in…

The program outlined in this manual is an interdisciplinary method of teaching required curriculum (plus additional skills) to elementary students within the framework of a series of activities that relate subject matter to real-life situations. The activities of the program are divided into four slightly overlapping phases or topic areas, each…

This paper describes a computer-controlled simulation game designed to teach social skills to elementary school pupils. The major purposes of this man machine social system are to develop in students the ability to: (1) observe pupil behaviors in group problem-solving situations, (2) identify and analyze the relationship of these behaviors to the…

Four uses of microcomputers in elementary science education are discussed. These include: (1) drill and practice; (2) simulation; (3) problem solving; and (4) programing. Indicates that mathematics instruction may be enhanced in the same ways. (JN)

Describes two classroom activities that introduce critical-thinking skills into social studies instruction. One is a debate, followed by position papers, on the contribution of Christopher Columbus. The other is a simulation of a Constitutional Amendment conference. Discusses which parts of the lessons specifically focus on critical-thinking…