Presents an interview with Erno Rubik, creator of "Rubik's Cube." Included are comments about the creation of the cube and the role of the cube in educating people, especially in problem-solving activities. (JN)

The difficulty many students have in solving complex problems stems not from a lack of mathematical skill but from an inability to visualize the problem. An appropriately-structured computer game may assist students in achieving this visualization and in solving problems better. A heuristic approach in programing one game is provided. (Author/JN)

Describes a practical, university level course which applies principles of social science and public administration to the engineering of social change. The course, modeled on the Michigan Department of Human Rights, provides realistic exercises simulating the operations of a real agency involved in social planning and policy change. (GC)

Assessed effects of orally presented storybook models on preschool children who were asked to perform a related achievement task. Results indicated that children given one exposure to the model did no better than controls, although story recall did correlate with task solution. Repeated exposure produced uniform retention. (Author/JAC)

Describes the current use and potential of the LOGO programing language in a variety of educational situations. (JL)

Classroom creative problem-solving activities were developed around clearly defined problems having many possible solutions and entailing a situation where reality is slightly skewed. Working in small groups, students role-play by becoming "experts" at the matter in hand. A group secretary keeps students accountable for their time. Problem-solving…

The approach is to fill positions in a star shape with values from a set so that the sum of each line is equal to the sum of every other line. There are four values in each of five lines. Related problems based on other shapes are noted. (MP)

Activities used with seventh and eighth grade students in Western Australia are described. The instructor guides pupils towards experimental solutions and encourages discovery of solutions for similar and more general problems. Investigations include study and construction of polygons, polyhedra, and one and two-sided surfaces. Commercial kits are…

The material presents an alternative method for arranging proofs, which arranges development in levels. The method is described as triggered by recent ideas from computer science and is intended to increase the comprehensibility of mathematical presentations while retaining their rigor. Several examples using this approach are presented.…

The author shares 12 problems he has found effective in stimulating the imagination of students. (MNS)

Describes Business Dynamics, a full-year high school course covering five units: human relations, decision making/problem solving, the working citizen, economics of work, and computer literacy. (SK)

Explored possible differences in students' identity between groups planning to attend college after high school, those not planning to attend college, and those undecided. Found no differences in identity between those who planned to attend college and those who planned not to attend. (PAS)

An attempt is made to show that algebra is rarely obvious, and merely expecting children to learn rules is an oversimplification. Sections cover: (1) The Non-visual Nature of Algebra; (2) The Apparently Arbitrary Nature of Algebra; (3) The Relationship Between Symbolism, System and Question; (4) The Complex Nature of Algebra; and (5) Some…

Geometrical probability deals with probability on infinite sample spaces where each outcome of an experiment is equally likely to occur. Geometry which identifies sample space regions and event subregions leads to a method of finding a desired probability. A collection of problems with solutions is presented. (MP)

The material is designed to help students build a cone model, visualize how its dimensions change as its shape changes, estimate maximum volume position, and develop problem-solving skills. Worksheets designed for duplication for classroom use are included. Part of the activity involves student analysis of a BASIC program. (MP)