Analyzes difficulties of students experiencing their first contact with heuristic hypotheses. Attempts to interpret these difficulties and suggest remediations. Uses an example from the chemistry of aqueous solutions. (MKR)

Presents a mathematical game called the dinner-guest problem that deals with Steiner triple systems. (HM)

Describes activities that will help students calculate the volume of water carried by a river or stream and how to measure the amount of water wasted by leaky faucets. (MDM)

Describes the specifics of instruction in thermodynamics using a problem-solving technique introduced in a previous issue of this journal. (CS)

This book details the findings from a research team that used cognitive principles and a large range of experiments to devise a variety of instructional designs. Their recommendations are based on 20 years of objective, published research. Although the program focused on technical subjects, the findings can easily be applied to a range of…

Discusses the important concepts involved in problem solving. Presents a chain representation of problem solving and gives an example of the application of this method. Provides a strategy for teaching controversial issues in a science classroom and gives an example of the implementation of the strategy. (CW)

Discusses collaborative work as part of the school reform movement. Includes case examples of five collaborative programs. Also provides a list of guidelines for developing collaborative programs. (MD)

Many science curriculum development projects have the goal of increasing students' ability to employ scientific or formal reasoning strategies. Argues that longitudinal data of students who acquired formal reasoning strategies as a consequence of specific instruction are needed to provide evidence that these skills will help in other academic…

The theme of the seventh yearbook of the Association for the Education of Teachers in Science (AETS) involves the relationship of psychology of teaching thinking and creativity as this activity is performed in a science education context. Eleven chapters follow a foreword by Jean Piaget and the reproduction of Part I of "The Central Purpose of…

Suggestions for the use of two different conventions in difference and rate terms in thermodynamics are made. It is shown how this approach lends itself to an accurate and concise discussion of function changes for a chemical reaction. (CW)

This document identifies five types of learning experiences which are relevant to understanding students' understanding of concepts and principles. These include exploring existing concepts, honing and clustering concepts, developing analytical and reasoning skills, developing problem solving skills, and structuring knowledge in memory. Each of…

The planning and organization of problem-solving workshops for teachers are discussed. Suggestions for activities and anecdotes of teacher participation at workshops are provided. (CW)

This document is intended as a resource and guide to help teachers integrate a problem-centered approach into their curricula. It outlines the typical components of problem-centered mathematics and science activities, and offers practical suggestions, examples, and resources to assist this endeavor. The first section of this document, "What is…

Two representations useful in teaching transmission genetics are described. Details of the representations and problem solving using these instructional aids are discussed. The importance of developing representations which help remedy specific difficulties that students commonly encounter is stressed. (CW)

Provides details of a science teacher inservice model centered around the methodology of problem solving and ownership of outcomes associated with an issue or problem. Describes perceptions of the program by staff and participants. (Author/MKR)