Examined how elementary students in three classes using different teaching strategies, presented with discrepant event problems in science, begin the problem-solving process by exploration of the problem space. Because of the constraints imposed by each teaching strategy, none of those used was considered entirely satisfactory. Appendix contains…

This research study was conducted to examine particular metacognitive monitoring and regulatory skills in the context of solving science problems in a computer-based learning environment. An effort was also made to extend the work of H. Swanson (1990) using a different measure for metacognition and multiple measures of ability, achievement, and…

Reports results of study examining the effect of inservice education program on middle school science teachers attitudes toward teaching and on teaching behaviors. A nonrandomized control group pretest/posttest design was used with a sample of 44 teachers. Results showed no significant attitude difference between the treatment groups. However,…

A middle school science teacher describes the learning and thinking processes of his class as they worked and played with pendulums and learned to build a swing that could tell time. The article illustrates how students can learn the value of the scientific method for problem solving. (DB)

Compared the impact of robotics (computer-powered manipulative) to a battery-powered manipulative (novelty control) and traditionally taught science class on science achievement and problem solving of fourth through sixth graders. Found that the robotics group had higher scores on programming logic-problem solving than did the novelty control…

This paper documents the dynamics of the social interactions within two small groups of sixth grade students as they solved problems and attempted to understand the concepts related to the nature of matter and molecular theory. Similarities and differences of social interactions between the two groups are compared, and interpretations presented…

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT (Except for the Evaluation Summary Table): PRODUCER: MECC Publications, 2520 Broadway Drive, St. Paul, MN 55113. LOCAL DISTRIBUTORS: Contact producer for list. EVALUATION COMPLETED: Fall 1981, revised February 1, 1982. VERSION: 4.3. COST: Varied; sold in package of several programs on a disk at $30…

Outlines a format using Bloom's taxonomy of educational processes to create critical thinking centers in the classroom. A sample unit on birds is presented along with guidelines for implementing the unit. The method has been successful and is used monthly by the author. (DH)

Describes an activity designed to teach students geology vocabulary while challenging them to solve the case of the missing marble. Can be adapted to teach vocabulary for different topics. (JRH)

This paper uses the topic of rain forests to demonstrate how a meaningful and relevant Science, Technology, and Society program can be designed for intermediate-level students. Students create and immerse themselves in a tropical rain forest, explore the forest ecosystem and peoples, and consider solutions to the problem of deforestation. (JDD)

Describes a science competition challenge that has students solve several hands-on physical science problems, thus reinforcing both problem-solving skills and science knowledge. (PR)

This paper presents a synthesis of several studies that support the hypothesis that properly scaffolded design problems lead to the types of convergent thinking and knowledge integration that have been difficult to achieve in the Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment (CSILE) system. The focus is on a middle school science unit on…

The ways in which students in grades five and six solve problems is the focus of this paper, which provides background for the staff of the Skills Essential to Learning Television Project, (a multi-level series of video and print resources for classroom use). It considers the problem-solving process categories of understanding, transformation, and…

The role of performance assessments in making cognitive activity apparent to teachers and students was studied through descriptions of the cognitive activity of 31 fifth-grade students. Differences while carrying out a science performance assessment reveal critical differences between those who think and reason well with their knowledge of…

Design technology integrates problem solving with an awareness of the effects of technology on society and the environment. This book places problem solving in a realistic context and addresses situations that are meaningful to students. Design technology aims to develop confidence in problem solving and competence in using technology wisely. This…