Creative Problem Solving: Be an Inventor teaches students to become not only problem solvers, but problem seekers as well. The program combines two learning theories: a creative problem solving (CPS) model and Benjamin Bloom's taxonomy of the levels of thinking. These two theories provide students with a detailed, systematic approach to evaluating and acting on given situations.

The kit includes lessons and exercises designed to teach creative problem solving (CPS) and Bloom's Taxonomy. In addition, there are forty-eight activity cards that present hypothetical, futuristic problems related to cloning, weightlessness, transportation, space colonies, robots, future foods, energy sources, new life forms, sports, environmental terrorism, video systems, and other exciting topics that generate great student interest.

The activity cards are grouped into six sections corresponding to Bloom’s levels of thinking. As students work through each problem using what they have learned about CPS, they gain new insights into the possibilities and challenges of the future while practicing valuable problem-solving skills that are transferable to real-life situations. Because each activity card is a self-contained lesson, students can work independently and at their own pace. Particularly creative students will enjoy the wild card selections that spur original efforts. On the back of each card are questions to stimulate divergent thinking.

The kit also contains a section of reproducible worksheets and visual aids designed to teach the concepts of CPS and Bloom, and a student record sheet.

While Creative Problem Solving: Be an Inventor is intended primarily for the academically gifted in grades three through nine, the program is adaptable for most other students in those grades. It is designed so that the teacher can provide as much latitude and flexibility as possible for each learner. Some students, however, may require more direction and structure than others.

It should be noted here that there may be an unlimited number of answers for each activity card, depending upon the student's creativity and problem-solving skill. The word “solution” is used throughout the program to denote any product or outcome the student may come up with. It should not imply that there is only one correct answer or that the student must find a flawless remedy to a given situation.

Included in the package are a teacher's guide, 26 reproducible sheets, and 60 activity cards.

Download the Table of Contents page here.

Grades 4-9