The classic Chickens and Pigs problem is considered to be an algebraic problem with two equations and two unknowns. In this article, the authors describe how third-grade teacher Maria is using it to develop a problem-based lesson because she is looking to her students' future needs. As Maria plans, she considers how a series of problems with the…

In teaching primary teacher trainees, an awareness of the characteristic features, especially commutativity and associativity of basic operations play an important role. Owing to a deeply set automatism rooted in their primary and secondary education, teacher trainees think that such characteristics of addition are so trivial that they do not need…

Presents an example of a problem-solving opportunity found in a daily newspaper. Illustrates how the newspaper can supply problem-solving opportunities with connections to language arts, social studies, and science. (ASK)

This USMES unit challenges students to find ways to influence rules and the decision-making process in the school. The teacher resource book for the School Rules unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of the USMES…

This USMES unit challenges students to find ways to overcome the difficulties in getting from one place to another. The teacher resource book for the Getting There unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of the USMES…

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)

Reports on how a school-university partnership used Virginia's Public Education Network to help third graders learn about metamorphosis in insects and the scientific method of experimentation, observation, and data collection. (MKR)

This USMES unit challenges students to find the best way to learn or teach someone else certain things. The teacher resource book for this unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of the USMES "challenges" and of classroom…

This USMES unit challenges students to collect and maintain a variety of animals in the classroom. The teacher resource book for the School Zoo unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of the USMES "challenges" and of…

This USMES unit challenges students to find ways to help themselves and/or others to adapt to new situations. The teacher resource book for the Orientation unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of the USMES "challenges"…

This USMES unit challenges students to build a burglar alarm which will give adequate warning. The teacher resource book for the Burglar Alarm Design unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of the USMES "challenges" and of…

This USMES unit challenges students to find out what is the best information to put in a description so that a person can be quickly and easily identified. The teacher resource book for the Describing People unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a…

This USMES unit challenges students to invent a new soft drink that would be popular and produced at a low cost. The teacher resource book for the Soft Drink Design unit contains five sections. The first section describes the USMES approach to student-initiated investigations of real problems, including a discussion of the nature of the USMES…

Cites need for properly integrating computers into curriculum, warning about past mistakes and looking at methods to promote curricular change. Identifies as important goals a clear definition of mathematics education and the benefits of a technologically integrated curriculum presenting ideas/strategies for achieving these goals. (JM)

Prior to college-level mathematics coursework, students are not routinely provided with the opportunity to engage in the kind of sustained mathematical thinking necessary to solve complex, multistep problems, most likely because of the difficulties that school mathematics teachers face in communicating problem settings and contexts that are…