“Horsing Around”: Curriculum-Instruction-Assessment Problems

by: Thomas O'Brien

The nature of science (NOS) involves actively seeking (rather than avoiding) challenging problems that may require looking at situations differently and thinking outside of artificially imposed constraints. Science, like art, is a creative endeavor that involves a sense of purpose, passion, planning, and persistence. Science involves both systematic and serendipitous horsing around with nature’s unending puzzles. In this activity, a manipulative puzzle and a verbal logic challenge (both involving horses) with unexpected-twist-type answers are used to help learners think about the importance of how we define problems and the need to develop a playful, inquisitive orientation to problem solving.

Details

Type Book ChapterPub Date 3/1/2011Stock # PB271X2_11

NSTA Press produces classroom-ready activities, hands-on approaches to inquiry, relevant professional development, the latest scientific education news and research, assessment and standards-based instruction.

Learn More