Uses a blackboard eraser to illustrate solutions to three problems commonly posed to students. The problems are determining (1) the frictional force acting on a stationary body; (2) the maximum acceleration a truck can have without sliding a tray of eggs sitting on the truck bed; and (3) the distance a horizontally thrown object will travel. (MDH)

Proposes that state legislatures are a laboratory for mathematics. Discusses the mathematics involved in the three income tax proposals submitted to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1991 and the effects that each plan would have on families. The proposals included a flat rate plan, a graduated rate plan, and a compromise proposal. (MDH)

Experience at Rio Salado Community College (Arizona) has shown that an administrative issue should be examined first to determine whether application of the continuous improvement process is an appropriate use of resources. Areas truly in need of significant improvement should have priority. (MSE)

Discusses computer-based training (CBT) methods that emphasize an interactive learning environment but do not require video. Topics addressed include cognitive processes; different levels of interaction, including simulation or problem solving; the use of icons and buttons; hypertext; differences in learning styles; and thought-provoking…

Examined life stress and problem-solving interactional model of suicide by comparing 33 hospitalized suicidal adolescents, 21 hospitalized adolescents with other psychiatric problems, and 89 controls. Suicide group could be discriminated from psychiatric control group but not from high school control group. Found that life stress did not…

Describes a method of fostering decision-making skills among students by employing the computer as a way of promoting small group discussion. Provides data from original research designed to measure the effectiveness of the techniques. Finds that adolescents can engage in decision making and discussion that involves higher order thinking. (HB)

Teachers need to be trained in skills for coping with increasing conflict and aggression in the classroom. Specifically, they need to be able to (1) teach social problem solving and conflict resolution skills; (2) implement verbal and nonverbal intervention techniques; and (3) physically intervene, when necessary, to protect all concerned.…

Describes the method that Archimedes utilized to calculate the volumes of spheres and other solids. The method found the volume of a sphere by comparing the mass of parallel slices of a sphere and a cone with that of a cylinder of known mass. (MDH)

Solutions to quadratic equations found in solving physics problems sometimes make no sense. Investigates problems in which solutions, such as negative numbers, have significant physical meaning in the problem. Problems are chosen from the topics of kinematics, conservation of mechanical energy, inelastic and elastic collisions, electrostatics, and…

Presented is a conversation with students that gives an insight into the ways students think about decimals. Students were introduced, with the use of a calculator, to decimal notation and systematic experimentation. What students had learned throughout this conversation is discussed. (KR)

Within the next two decades, calculators will be standard tools in mathematics classrooms. They should be used regularly but carefully in classroom instruction and testing to allow use of realistic data and exploration of mathematical concepts, but not to allow finding the answer without understanding the question. (MSE)

Activities that show students a practical use for chemistry using common items such as food products, pharmaceuticals, and household products as sources of chemical compounds are presented. The importance of having adequate resource materials available for students is emphasized. (KR)

Describes generative learning environments for teaching mathematical problem solving that were developed at the Vanderbilt University Learning Technology Center. The theoretical framework is discussed; design principles are explained, including a video-based presentation format; and the use of videodisc and hypermedia is discussed. (37 references)…

Examined whether performance on scales reflecting problem-solving dimensions of personality could predict ego-strength in college students (n=348). Findings did not support statistically significant relationship between all problem-solving scales and ego-strength. Individually, evidence supported hypothesis that ego-strength can be predicted from…

Describes Interplay, a program to help problem kids develop the confidence they need to become active learners. The idea is to create a sense of cohesive group identity, using activities that help children respect each other, support each other's learning attempts, and accept each other's mistakes as necessary steps in learning. (MLH)