The paper will examine the role of technological tools, especially computers, as facilitators and non-facilitators in problem-solving in mathematics education. Examples of problem tasks will be given in each case. The paper will focus on over-generalizations made regarding the power of technology in mathematical problem solving. These over…

This paper reports on a nationwide, random telephone survey conducted with parents and teachers of children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The survey measured parents' and teachers': (1) interest in and attitudes toward science; (2) comfort level teaching and talking about science; (3) use of hands-on science activities and teaching methods;…

This introductory activity explores the advantages of different roof shapes for different climates or situations. It addresses questions such as "When you walk or drive around your neighborhood, what do the roofs look like?" and "What if you lived in an area with a different climate, how would that affect the style of roof that you might find?"…

This study reports on cultural and gender differences in the spatial abilities of children based on the Water Level Task. The Piagetian theory of age-related developmental differences in performance on the Water Level Task was explored with Chinese and Malay children living in Singapore. Results indicate that children in this study did not perform…

This document presents a sample of the Arkansas science curriculum and identifies the content standards for physical science systems, life science systems, and Earth science/space science systems for kindergarten students. Each content standard is explained and includes student learning expectations, kindergarten benchmarks, assessments, and…

This research project studied the effects of hierarchical versus heterarchical hypermedia structures of Web-based case representations on complex problem-solving skills and knowledge assembly in problem-centered learning environments in order to develop a system or model that informs the design of Web-based cases for ill-structured problems across…

Many studies of college chemistry students have found a gap between students' success in solving computational chemistry problems and their success in solving conceptual chemistry problems. This paper examines college students' understanding of the concept of stoichiometry, the particulate nature of matter, and chemistry problem solving. This…

This book is one of four books in the Science-by-Design Series created by TERC and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This series presents directed instruction on how to successfully formulate and carry out product design. Students learn and apply concepts in science and technology to design and build a pair of insulated gloves, a…

This book is one of four books in the Science-by-Design Series crated by TERC and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). It integrates history, physics, mathematics, and technology in its challenge to high school students to design and build a working catapult system. Students investigate elasticity, projectile launching, and learn about…

Consistent with the current reform movement in science education, the purpose of this study was to examine how the introduction of an innovative curriculum influenced teachers' beliefs. Six teachers each implemented an Acids & Bases Curriculum Unit in a variety of middle school settings. The teachers were interviewed regarding their beliefs…

Volume 1 of this sourcebook is a compendium of information about tests used to assess critical thinking, problem solving, and writing. It serves as a tool for people who want comparative data about the policy relevance of specific student outcomes measured in these areas. An interactive version of Volume 1 allows users to specify their areas of…

This book is a practical survival guide to unemployment that offers a thoughtful, step-by-step process for getting organized and getting the work one needs for a satisfying, productive, and happy life. It does not teach the reader how to set up a resume or how to interview. It does teach how to find out what the reader wants to do, what he or she…

This paper examines issues related to reflective teaching, noting its role in teaching in general. The first section surveys the literature on reflection, exploring reflection from different angles as it applies to teaching and noting that these angles comprise a single concept of reflection. The rest of the paper examines what reflection is, in…

This study developed a method to assess group process in a collaborative problem-solving situation. Participants were 32 fifth- and sixth-grade students. Students in seven collaborative groups worked on a two-part mathematics problem first individually, then in groups, and finally individually again. Groups engaging in behaviors that facilitated…

The ability to understand and frame problems encountered in practice is a critical skill for school leaders. This paper reports on a study that inquired about the teaching and learning of problem-framing skills in the Prospective Principals Program at Stanford University, a preparation program for school administrators that relies on problem-based…