Scholastic
Scholastic: Problem Solving in Action
Toddlers imitate what they see, preschoolers try hands-on trial and error, and kindergartners tap language and abstract thinking skills to solve problems. This article takes a look at the ages and stages of developing problems solving...
Writing Fix
Writing Fix: Showing Creative Problem Solving
After reading excerpts in which Buck solves a problem in Jack London's The Call of the Wild, students write their own three-paragraph animal stories imitating London's style and word choice. Teacher and student instructions are provided...
Other
Atlas Mission: The 8 Best Problem Solving Strategies for the Preschool Mind
A Kindergarten teacher offers 8 strategies for fostering problem-solving in the classroom. A free app is available to download.
Other
Emsl: The River Crossing Problem
The lesson plan for an interesting word problem concerning swimming and rowing across a river, being swept downstream by the current, and walking back up the other side. Basic arithmetic skills are all that are needed to approach the...
Other
Infinite Innovations Ltd.: Tutorial on Creative (Lateral) Thinking
Learn how to use creative-thinking techniques within a problem-solving framework involving problem definition, problem analysis, solution generation, solution analysis, solution voting, and next steps.
Other
Improve Your Creative Thinking by Drawing Mind Maps
One way to help your creative process is to use mind maps. This article provides information about mind mapping and how it can help you discover new connections you may otherwise never have seen.
Other
Creating Systems to Reinforce Creativity
Although this article was written from a business perspective, the ideas throughout can easily be adapted to the classroom. The formula for creative output is explained and is a good way to encourage creativity among your students.
Other
Best100 Ideas: The Six Hats of Creative Communication
One of the more popular models of initiating creative thought is that of De Bono's six hat thinking strategy. This article explains the role of each hat and how they are used to develop creative ideas.
Goshen College
Goshen College: Teaching Creativity
A comprehensive article about creative critical thinking written by an art teacher for art teachers.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Egg Drop
Students are challenged to use the technical problem solving to dump radioactive material (eggs) into water without touching them. Lesson plan includes timeline, student handout and discussion questions.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: Saving Money 2
The purpose of this task is for students to relate addition and subtraction problems to money and to situations and goals related to saving money. A problem is given that will contain multiple solutions, this allows students to think...
Other
Odyssey of the Mind Curriculum Activity: Extend Sive Thinking
Encourage students to apply creative thinking to historical research in order to predict the future. This page provides three different activities that encourage creativity.
PBS
Pbs: Flexible Thinking: How to Encourage Kids to Go With the Flow
Kids who are able to think about a problem in a new way engage in flexible thinking, while kids who get stuck in their ways tend to engage in rigid thinking. Flexible thinking skills can be practiced at home and at school. Try a few of...
Other
Odyssey of the Mind Curriculum Activity: Made Up Math
An interesting way to make math more creative. This page gives ideas for three different exercises that encourage students to use math in a creative way.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: Christina's Candies
The teacher will pose a sequence of questions for learners to solve using objects, pictures, or equations. Students will develop a sense of quantities and how they are related to a problem situation.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: 6.ee Morning Walk
This task presents a straight forward question that can be solved using an equation in one variable. The numbers are complicated enough so that it is natural to set up an equation rather than solve the problem in one's head. Aligns with...
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: 2.nbt How Many Days Until Summer Vacation?
This lesson plan has students solving a real world word problem using addition or subtraction.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: 1.oa School Supplies
This is a complete lesson that has students solving word problems using addition and subtraction within 20.
Other
Aventis Learning Group: Systems Thinking: The What, Why, When and How
Systems thinking is a holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way that a system's constituent parts interrelate and how systems work over time and within the context of larger systems. It is particularly useful in addressing...
Other
What Is Brainstorming?
Brainstorming can be a helpful tool during the creative thinking process. Learn the origins of brainstorming, what it isn't and the general guidelines associated with this technique.
FNO Press
From Now On: Filling the Tool Box
Dr. Jamie McKenzie offers this comprehensive look at how to help students develop questioning skills. Practical suggestions for how to implement the ideas are also included.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Simple Machines and Modern Day Engineering Analogies
Students apply the mechanical advantages and problem-solving capabilities of six types of simple machines (wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, pulley) as they discuss modern structures in the spirit of the engineers and...
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: A Rei Quinoa Pasta 3
For this problem, students must determine how much of a quinoa-based gluten-free pasta is actually quinoa. They must study the ingredient list and set up linear equations to solve the problem. Aligns with A-REI.C.6.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: 7.g Map Distance
This lesson plan has students solve problems using scale drawings on a map.