Integrating STEM education within the elementary school science curriculum in Ontario, Canada, elevated the expectation for elementary preservice teachers to teach STEM skills such as problem-solving through coding. Research shows that educational robotics can promote STEM knowledge and skills. This mixed methods study investigates the effect of…

This study explores the integration of Design Thinking into the Key Stage 3 Design and Technology (D&T) curriculum at a school in North-West England, focusing on fostering 21st-Century Skills alongside subject-specific knowledge. The research draws on a multiple case study approach derived from the 'Solving Genuine Problems for Authentic Users…

The article describes the theory of synectics, an idea producing process, and shows how upper elementary gifted students can be taught to use synectics in more effective problem solving. Steps in the synectics process are reviewed. (CL)

Twenty skills are identified and illustrated by example activities which should help the student receive, organize, and analyze data; manipulate it at a symbolic or model level; and treat it in imaginative ways through purposeful distortion and fantasy. (CL)

Using sequential chains of regular n-gons in a row with one side touching, as for example, one triangle, two triangles, three triangles, and so on, students graph the length of the perimeter versus the number of n-gons and determine the functional relationship for different values of n. (MKR)

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)

Describes two problem-solving videodisc adventure stories related to geometry and reports reactions of (n=25) teachers and their students who used the adventures. Results found teachers and students had increased knowledge of ways to apply geometry. (12 references) (MKR)

Conventional experimental research in mental imagery and visualization presents conflicting findings. Naturalistic inquiry offers an alternative approach for the study of mental imagery and problem solving. Paulo Freire, for example, used a naturalistic approach that emphasized active involvement in learning. Imagery can play an important role in…

The lesson plans for gifted/talented students in grades 5 and 6 focus on logical thinking enrichment activities. Information on each activity is presented in terms of objectives, entry skills, teacher's approaches, student activities, resources, and followup/evaluation. Among activities described are completing analogies and determining analogous…

Asserting that problem solving is the most important mathematical skill that elementary students need to learn, the authors present teaching tips and sample problems geared to the primary and intermediate grades. (SJL)

Offers two problem-solving ideas for hands-on pattern-block activities. A primary level activity introduces area and gives students experience with a problem that has multiple solutions. An intermediate level activity provides first-hand experience with similar shapes. (SM)

Reviews the literature of the critical thinking/problem solving approach to learning and discusses how these concepts relate to teaching research skills. Two activities designed to teach critical thinking and research skills in the context of grades 5 and 6 social studies are summarized. (2 references) (MES)

Presents four problem-solving activities which require only simple, readily available materials. Comments about the activities and ready-to-duplicate worksheets are provided for each activity. Activities are suitable for students in the lower secondary grades. (JN)

Intermediate level academically talented students learn essential elements of computer programming by working with robots at enrichment workshops at Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, New Jersey. The children combine creative thinking and problem-solving skills to program the robots' microcomputers to perform a variety of movements. (JDD)

This activity allows fourth- and fifth-grade students to integrate math, language arts, problem solving, decision-making skills, and art design in the creation of their own business. Includes teacher preparation and a step-by-step guide to the activity. (JOW)