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...
Other
Big Life Journal: How to Teach Problem Solving Skills to Kids (Ages 3 14)
How you teach problem-solving to kids depends on their age. Read on to learn key strategies for teaching problem-solving to kids, as well as some age-by-age ideas and activities.
FNO Press
From Now On: Building Good New Ideas
An article, from the online journal From Now On, that discusses a wide range of issues related to originality of thought--the kind of thinking that leads to new ideas, innovation, and creative problem solving. Covers a variety of...
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
Sim Professional Development and Enterprise Learning: 3 Reasons Why Systems Thinking Is Important for Innovation
In a world where interconnectedness and complexity hold sway, systems thinking offers a disciplined approach to make sense of the world and find innovative solutions to problems. How can a disciplined systems thinking approach lead...
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.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Media Lab: All I Really Need to Know (About Creative Thinking) I Learned in Kindergarten
This paper in pdf format focuses on how kindergarten students learn about creative thinking and emphasizes that their approach is ideally suited to the needs of the 21st century.
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.
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
Lego Foundation: The Role of Play in Children's Development
This article reviews research that has been conducted in relation to the five types of play, namely physical play, play with objects, symbolic/semiotic play, pretend play, and games with rules.
Creative Science Centre
Creative Science Centre: Bobbin Holder for Reels of Wire
This very simple device has been made to try and stop 'bird's nest' tangles that can occur when using reels of fine wire.
Creative Science Centre
Creative Science Centre: Home Made Tripod
A simple home-made tripod is described that can be used for a variety of uses including lighting and for antennas. It can be made from pine, plywood and small brass hinges finished off with a coat or two of varnish.
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.
Other
Pocket of Preschool: How to Set Up the Dramatic Play Center
The dramatic play center is a place students can go to pretend, imagine, and be creative. Students can pretend to be anyone and do anything! This is powerful for our little learners. It is a place that promotes high-level thinking,...
Other
Beanz: Imagine: Build a Car
One thing programmers do all day is imagine. When someone asks them to solve a problem with code, they start thinking and dreaming.
Other
Curriculum Rationale
Why are the arts important in education? This article explains why arts education is important to helping develop 21st century skills in todays students.
Other
Roots of Action: How Kids Learn to Take Initiative and Overcome Challenges
Learning to take initiative is a behavior that helps kids navigate their lives with courage and optimism. This article provides insights into how children learn to take initiative. Parents and teachers are key mentors in the process. A...
Other
U.s. House Unanimously Passes Resolution Supporting School Based Music Education
Recognizing that music education develops skills for the 21st century workforce, the U.S. House unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 121 in April, 2007. This resolution supports the need to have music education accessible to...
Other
Global Surgical Training Challenge: How Multidisciplinary Approach Leads to Successful Innovation Projects
To include a designer with no healthcare experience in a medical device project might not make so much sense at first. An artist may feel out of place among the engineers, business experts or medical specialists. But, in fact, it's a...