Materials designed to promote student investigation of factoring quadratic polynomials over the integers through using a physical model are presented. Pupils are expected to discover regularities that will permit them to factor such polynomials at the symbolic level. Worksheet masters designed for classroom use are provided. (MP)

Explores the similarities and differences among three thinking skills programs that help students analyze and evaluate their own problem-solving skills. (MLF)

The use of a computer to help honors second-year algebra students graph quadratic and higher-order polynomials is discussed. Sample computer programs are included. (MP)

A discussion of the mathematics of rugby is related to an earlier article about mathematics and the physical world. (MP)

Activity requires secondary students to make an entrepreneurial decision concerning a conflict between long-term and short-term results. Students read a dilemma story involving an automobile manufacturer. They must write down positive and negative consequences for alternative decisions on a "Human Consequences Matrix" and an "Economic Consequences…

Consultation is a relationship between two or more professionals for the purpose of exchanging information and cooperation. Guidelines which define the consultation relationship include: (1) the job-centered relationship; (2) the strength-building relationship; (3) the communication relationship; and (4) the choice of action. (JN)

In Colorado, a project was developed to teach participants a collaborative planning process for staff development and to assist in the design of a system of personnel development. Areas covered included: (1) selection of cadre members; (2) participation; (3) program design; and (4) consultants' reflections. (JN)

The application of learned helplessness theory to achievement is discussed within the context of implications for research in learning disabilities. Finally, the similarities between helpless children and learning disabled students in terms of problems solving and attention are discussed. (Author)

Describes the reconstruction of a conventional thermodynamics curriculum using the Galperin theory of stage-by-stage formation of mental actions and Landa's description of the "through" systematization of knowledge, and discusses the generalizability of the procedures followed in developing the plan for instruction. A 33-item…

Two experiments were conducted to examine behaviors that characterize play with convergent and divergent materials and the effects of play on convergent and divergent problem solving among 64 3- and 4-year-olds. (Author/RH)

Presents a science project involving the production, transportation, handling and preparation of food for human consumption. Calculations of caloric value of the food intake and the energy costs of cooking are included. (Author/SA)

The authors outline Piaget's "mountain task" which measured egocentrism and perspective taking in young children, then present three studies of the same construct which used a different task, the "hiding game." These studies indicated much less egocentrism in young children than Piaget found. These differences are discussed.…

The influence of an adult model's degree of persistence and statements of confidence were studied with 100 first and second grade Black and Hispanic children from a lower-class, urban school. The model duration of performance and statements of confidence increased the children's degree of persistence. (Author/GK)

Empirical validity of nonoverlapping scores of original problem solving on a lenient solution-standard predictor was evidenced in college students by high correlations with corresponding scores on stringent solution-standard criterion tasks. Findings support the construct validity of conceptualizations of original problem solving based on…

Aspects of daydreaming and associated mental activity were examined for sex differences in well-educated middle class Whites aged 17 to 92 years. Females reported daydreams of a problem solving nature, and lower levels of daydreams of a sexual, bizarre-improbable, heroic and achievement-oriented nature. Daydreaming contents decreased with age.…