Presents a lesson used with middle-school students where they created their own three-dimensional desserts with the aim of making them lifelike. Explains that the students utilized a problem-solving model in order to complete the project. Discusses the benefits and the methods used to make the desserts look real. (CMK)

Points out that research is an inefficient endeavor as it relates to time, but the rewards can be gratifying and of value. Reports on a compilation of faculty and administration observations, alumni and student surveys, and some readings on the topic. (RT)

Describes opportunities for inquiry-based science learning which can be found in a picture, a set of comparative data, a table, an article, or a phenomenon that illustrates a space/time relationship. Provides a general model of inquiry. (RT)

Computer activities can help children learn fundamental principles and collect information for use in problem solving. Because standardized tests do not accurately measure students' problem-solving skills and teacher-made tests are often unreliable, educators should peruse the "Mental Measurements Yearbook" series for more appropriate…

Reports a case study exploring how 2 16-year olds were enabled to capitalize on the potential of errors to stimulate and support mathematical inquiry. Discusses variations within the strategy of using errors to enhance mathematics instruction. Appendix includes list of instructional episodes and error activities. (Contains 56 references.) (MKR)

A project that introduced scientists to students and engaged students in creative scientific activities is described. Students were asked to help scientists identify patterns on the wing of a species of fruit fly. A combined research/education program is recommended. (KR)

The idea that the methodologies provided by research should serve as models in developing practices in the classroom and in finding adequate solutions to students' and society's problems is discussed. The thoughtfulness of science, the scientific method, and science teaching are included. (KR)

Describes three therapeutic group activities used with adolescents, adults, or families in adventure- and experiential-education settings. Includes target group, group size, time and space requirements, activity level, props needed, instructions, and ideas for post-activity group processing and reflection. Activities involve moving beyond…

A discussion of how to use math manipulatives to teach elementary students focuses on essential program elements: what math manipulatives are and why they are used, common questions about math manipulatives, how one teacher introduced the geoboard into the classroom, and pattern block activities. (SM)

This article highlights Project Adventure, an adventure-based curriculum that teaches students social skills, teamwork, and conflict resolution. It describes how Project Adventure works, what effect it has on students with behavior disorders, and practical steps for teachers to follow as they introduce their students to this social-skills…

Touts using the schoolyard for teaching mathematics. Mathematics is a way of describing the world and its patterns; schoolyards are especially suited to concept application and problem solving. Mathematics in a natural setting also allows students and teachers to meet learning objectives in more than one subject area. Includes math activities for…

Reviews psychological research on learning by doing, noting the role that learning-by-doing can play in education and training. Discusses how one University of Pittsburgh professor/researcher and his colleagues and students implemented this approach and describes lessons learned from the experience, explaining how improved forms of…

A problem solving protocol is described and then applied to a teacher training problematic situation in science and technology education. The problem consists of improving a learning community involved in education research, development and communication. Some remarks concerning the strengths and limitations of using the protocol are made in…

An Introduction to Research course was modified to better teach the process of scientific inquiry to students who were not engaged in research projects. Students completed several tasks involved in research projects, including making presentations in a journal club format, writing mock grant proposals, and working as teams to evaluate grant…

The use of service learning as a means of training future business leaders is advantageous when used as part of learning process and an introduction to problem solving. This study reviews how student knowledge can be enhanced when the learning process is linked with real world experiences such as internships, apprenticeships, cooperative education…