Two grade 4 classes provided subjects for a study in the teaching of estimation in computation. A second study was conducted with two grade 5 and two grade 6 classes that supported the idea that estimation in whole number computation can be taught in a short period of time. (MP)

Describes an interdisciplinary program which uses simulation to investigate social, cultural, economic, and political dimensions of environmental change. Summarizes the underlying process, outlines topics and activities for each of the four phases of the program, and presents one sample activity for each unit. (DC)

Introduces a teaching method called guided design which involves a series of problems and solutions with feedback that leads students in a logical sequence through material being taught. Presents 15 worksheets to demonstrate the use of this technique in an introductory ornithology course. (Author/DC)

An attempt to make problem solving a real part of the mathematics program in a second-grade classroom is described. It is felt that teachers can aid children in establishing attitudes of willingness to take risks and tackle unfamiliar tasks by focusing early on problem solving as a process. (MP)

Efforts directed to emphasizing problem solving and using the immediate environment to create problem situations are described. Teachers are urged to incorporate problem-solving activities in their instruction. (MP)

Describes aspects of Guided Design, a recent instructional strategy designed to teach process skills, in which students engage in the decision-making process to devise solutions for a series of open-ended problems. (CS)

The author discusses mathematics problems given to a group of primary teachers studying properties of numbers. Using a milk crate and bottles as a problem, the teachers diverted to exploring extrapolations. (MP)

A list of five broad skill areas common to science and mathematics is presented and discussed. Also considered are the learning and teaching of basic skills. (MK)

Discusses the process of learning to construct and interpret representations from a social practice perspective. If students need to construct tables and graphs to complete a project report in mathematics or science, they can learn to consider whether these forms are effective at communicating important information. If students merely complete…

Describes two approaches to connecting literature and problem solving with mathematics. One approach is to focus on a particular strategy of problem solving, then find a storybook related to the strategy. Another approach is to find a favorite children's book and develop the problem-solving portion of the lesson from the book. A resource list and…

There is evidence to suggest that mature students learn particularly effectively in a problem-solving environment, and that they appear to be especially responsive to analogies and metaphors. Three examples are given of domains where the student has to convert a formulation into an equivalent diagram. Arguably, the process of performing this…

Investigates the arithmetic and algebra word problem-solving skills and strategies of future primary and secondary school teachers. Describes the evolution of these skills and strategies from the beginning to the end of teacher education. Indicates that, in the education of preservice primary and secondary school teachers, there is need for an…

An English-as-second-language teacher feels that everyone has creativity and imagination, and the teacher's role is to nurture those qualities. Drawing on the Foxfire core practices, she acknowledges and reinforces those moments when learners reveal their own unique insights into learning, and she facilitates exploratory and innovative thinking…

Three activities which require a calculator with integer division capabilities are presented. In each activity, procedures and questions for discussion are included. Game boards, samples, and answers are included where appropriate. (CW)

One method of making magic squares using a prolongated square is illustrated. Discussed are third-order magic squares, fractional magic squares, fifth-order magic squares, decimal magic squares, and even magic squares. (CW)