Compares two laboratory treatments: (1) Constructing and Applying the Concepts of Physics (CACP) which is guided-inquiry; and (2) Toys in Motion (TIM) which focuses on problem solving skills and design work. Discusses the two laboratory courses and assessment procedures. (YDS)

Explores the interrelationship between students' problem-solving ability and their science-process skills in earth science. Statistical analyses indicated that a significantly moderate correlation existed between students' problem-solving ability and their science process skills. Results of a t-test also revealed that there were significant mean…

Discusses the integration of decision-making exercises into biology courses. (MKR)

Explores strategies in the situation of a runner trying to evade a tackler on a football field. Enables the student to test intuitive strategies in a familiar situation using simple graphical and numerical methods or direct experimentation. (JRH)

Presents an application of fundamental principles of mechanics for an isolated system in solving problems related to rocket velocity and exhaust elements. (JRH)

Develops a research-oriented method of studying the digestive system that integrates species' ecology with the form and function of this system. Uses problem-posing, problem-probing, and peer persuasion. Presents information for mammalian systems. (27 references) (MKR)

Uses change (mostly pennies) in a one-liter plastic soda bottle to get students to practice estimation skills and creative thinking in an effort to determine the amount of money in the bottle. (MVL)

The impact of 15 hours of medical decision-making instruction (provided during a clinical preceptorship) on ratings of students' problem solving during subsequent third-year clinical clerkships is reported. Problem-solving ratings were not found to be better for students who had the instruction and clinical experience than for students in the…

From a survey of 1,000 high school students, the following science anxieties were found: (1) danger anxiety, (2) test anxiety, (3) math and problem-solving anxiety, (4) squeamish anxiety, (5) performance anxiety, and (6) classroom anxiety. (PR)

Describes a teaching method used to tackle a team project in which students may use every form of communication except speech. Students must analyze a problem and collaboratively develop and test possible solutions without talking. This process often changes preconceived ideas about themselves and others, and about scientific knowledge and problem…

Reports on the approaches of two classroom science teachers, supported by a research group, to understanding the consequences of a classroom change implemented in response to a perceived problem. Focuses on the consequences of using problem solving tasks for all students. (Author/YDS)

Argues that high school teachers have given up on trying to teach equations and mathematics to poorly prepared, inner-city, or very average students. Describes a mathematical problem-solving physics course for all types of students from average to honors. (CCM)

Presents a prototype of an instructional task that aims at improved problem-solving skills based on the understanding of domain knowledge. (Author/CCM)

The National Science Education Standards (NSES; National Research Council [NRC], 1996) include Science and Technology as one of the eight categories of content standards. The science and technology standards establish connections between the natural and designed worlds and provide students with opportunities to develop decision-making abilities.…

Imagine--you must bring water to a hurricane-ravaged area. There is only one bridge and only one truck, and the bridge can only hold so much weight. Your calculations determine if the truck--and its load of water--can make it safely over the bridge. This is a typical challenge during two-week summer camps for third-through fourth-grade students…