Presents an activity for students to construct their own two-cup balances. Suggests some alternatives for rejuvenating weak bar magnets. Describes how to remove burnt carbon deposits from glass vessels. (NB)

Explores acids and bases using different indicators, such as turmeric, purple grape juice, and lichens. Because some of these indicators are not as sensitive as cabbage juice or litmus paper, determining to which acids and bases each indicator is sensitive presents an enjoyable, problem-solving challenge for students. Presents directions for…

Examines the problem-solving processes of social studies and mathematics and discusses their commonalities. Considers how those processes might be taught so that students will see that there is indeed a relationship between those two seemingly discrete disciplines. (RS)

A study of 288 hospital employees engaged in problem-solving groups found that previous group problem-solving experience, educational level, work expertise, and problem-solving confidence were the best predictors of self-efficacy. (SK)

Considers well-structured problems versus ill-structured problems and presents models for how learners solve them, as well as models for designing instruction to support problem-solving skill development. Information processing theories of learning, an emerging theory of ill-structured problem solving, constructivist learning, and situated…

Introduces a problem that can be used to help children develop graph sense. Involves two graphs of which students must determine which one applies to which situation. (KHR)

Describes the model-revising problem-solving strategies of two groups of students (one successful, one unsuccessful) as they worked in a genetics course to revise Mendel's simple dominance model to explain the inheritance of a trait expressed in any of four variations. Finds differences in the groups' abilities to recognize anomalous data, use…

Describes experiments with Australian high school students that investigated differences in performance on chemistry word problems between two learning strategies: text editing, and conventional problem solving. Concluded that text editing had no advantage over problem solving in stoichiometry problems, and that the suitability of a text editing…

Focuses on quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the training model for Investigating and Evaluating Environmental Issues and Actions (IEEIA). Investigates the relationship between IEEIA implementation rates and types of training; workshop participants' perceptions of support for their use of IEEIA; and the impact of the instructional…

Poses a practical woodwork problem in which maximizing the perimeter of a square-based pyramid is required. The pyramid is constructed from four identical trapezia to be cut from a given rectangle of wood. A simple mathematical analysis suggests a number of different strategies for the solution of the problem. (Author/NB)

Compared the performance of grade 9 mathematics students trained to use a self-explanation procedure during study of a new theorem in geometry to that of students using their usual study procedures. Results for 47 high school students reinforce the view that a self-explanation procedure can be seen as a simple but potentially powerful technique…

Presents a way of using counterintuitive mathematics problems to help keep students actively involved in mathematics education. (KHR)

Presents a new problem for students and discusses the results of a previous one. (Author/YDS)

Presents responses to the Painting Tiles problem. (Author)

Describes the mathematics curriculum proposed by the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (PSSM)in which students build new mathematical knowledge through problem-solving. Compares the role of PSSM problem solving with that in the 1989 curriculum standards. (YDS)