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 a course in problem solving for undergraduates not majoring in mathematics or science. The course was unusually successful in bringing average students to mathematical thinking. (Author/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)

Although science and technology are interrelated fields of endeavor, they possess different knowledge bases and procedures. By teaching students how to solve both scientific and technological problems, secondary school educators can increase their literacy. In turn, students' confidence in dealing with the world will deepen, their individuality…

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

Describes a program to encourage students in grades one through three to draw illustrations for word problems and then use the pictures to help solve the problems. (MKR)

Describes four teaching activities to help children extend math problem-solving skills by using their own questions. Activities involve using a chart and symbols to develop equations adding up to 12, going on an imaginary shopping trip, using shapes to represent dollar amounts, using the date on a penny to engage in various mathematical…

Describes the incorporation of audio-taped notes about student work, a rubric for scoring aspects of students' problem solving, and student portfolios in a program of classroom assessment. (MKR)

Two features of a new horizontal conceptualization of expertise are explored. Polycontextuality refers to the multiple ongoing tasks apparent in expert work, and boundary crossing is considered as a cognitive process that characterizes much expertise. Three case studies, one in a Finnish elementary school, illustrate these concepts. (SLD)

A problem-solving test completed by 49 preservice agricultural educators showed a lack of competence in mathematical problem solving. Those who scored higher were more likely to have completed advanced mathematics courses and had higher ACT math scores. (JOW)

Studied fifth-grade (n=10) teachers' and (n=20) students' beliefs about mathematical problem solving, attributions for the causes of performance in problem solving, and beliefs about the teaching and learning of problem solving in mathematics. Gives four general conclusions. (17 references) (Author/MKR)

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)

This column discusses five children's books selected to develop math concepts involving problem solving, reasoning, and communication. The books are "Only One" (Marc Harshman); "The Librarian Who Measured the Earth" (Kathryn Lasky); "Counting Jennie" (Helena C. Pittman); "The Search for Delicious" (Natalie Babbitt); and "The Toothpaste…

A method to increase use of modals by knowledge workers moves from workers' existing knowledge into four stages: (1) illustrating ambiguous things; (2) talking about doubt and certainty; (3) applying modals to models; and (4) reaching consensus about solutions. (SK)

The point-counterpoint technique adapted from "60 Minutes" is a way to examine multifaceted issues in depth. It demonstrates that there is often more than one correct answer, encourages creative problem solving, and establishes a highly interactive learning environment. (SK)