In this article, the author describes a 200-year-old ladder problem that can carry learners to high levels of mathematical thinking and activity. This problem requires learners to go from a word problem to an equation to a graph and from there to a solution. As this problem of specifics is turned into a problem using variables, technology,…

This analysis of solutions to the Tower of Hanoi Problem underscores the importance of subject-by-subject analysis of "What is learned" in understanding human behavior in problem-solving situations, and provides a technique for describing subjects' task performance programs in detail. (Author/BJG)

The purpose of the study was to observe the extent to which preschool children's actions were guided by private speech utterances in free play and puzzle solving conditions. A second purpose was to examine how the structure of private speech utterances varied according to the context in which they were uttered. Fifteen preschoolers were videotaped…

Discusses some theorems and properties of figures produced when circles are tangent to one another. (GA)

Results of a study of 38 preschool children observed and videotaped during performance on a jigsaw-puzzle task indicate that puzzle solutions accompanied by a high rate of verbalizations were judged as more proficient, solved with a high rate of puzzle-solving moves, and completed in a shorter period of time. (Author/RH)

The transfer between problems having related structures was investigated. The results indicated that transfer occurred for both algebraic and puzzle problems, and significant transfer resulted when the generalization was solved first. (MP)

Illustrates how mathematicians work and do mathematical research through the use of a puzzle. Demonstrates how general rules, then theorems develop from special cases. This approach may be used as a research project in high school classrooms or math club settings with the teacher helping to formulate questions, set goals, and avoid becoming…

Recursion is a programming paradigm as well as a problem solving strategy thought to be very challenging to grasp for university students. This article outlines a pilot study, which expands the age range of students exposed to the concept of recursion in computer science through instruction in a series of interesting and engaging activities. In…

This publication is designed to educate high school students about the problems and challenges of transportation. The parent project was conceived as a mathematics curriculum project, but developed into an interdisciplinary project to ensure that students would become well informed regarding the transportation decisions they make. In the…

Presents a problem drawn from real life that addresses finding a way to cross all seven bridges of Konigsberg, Russia. Illustrates a set of simple examples and an instructional approach in order for students to make sense of a seemingly impossible problem. (ASK)

Explores a variety of approaches to solving one geometry problem illustrating the work of teachers, the flow of their ideas, and the diverse areas of mathematics they applied. (KHR)

A company designs and delivers treasure and scavenger hunts for corporate and institutional clients. Groups are divided into teams that must solve puzzles for directions or clues. The hunts build creativity, teamwork, communication skills, and an appreciation of others' strengths. An insert includes a four-puzzle mini-treasure hunt. (TD)

Providing entertainment and recreation at home and in the classroom, this book presents over 125 verbal, visual, and logic puzzles which may also enhance problem-solving abilities and improve language skills. The games in the book are arranged in chapters: (1) Picture Puzzles; (2) Word Play; (3) Games and Trivia; (4) Mystery, Logic, and Numbers;…

Five characteristics necessary for a computer puzzle to be considered ideal are listed along with an example of such a puzzle. Several other puzzles lacking some of these characteristics are also listed and discussed. (MN)

This book features a collection of 54 decimal number puzzles designed to provide experiences in problem solving and mathematical reasoning for middle and high school students. Each puzzle consists of a sequence of 10 clues about an unknown decimal number. The clues, when revealed one at a time, lead students through deductive reasoning to the…