One of the most fascinating mysteries about creativity is problem finding. How do artists decide what to create, writers decide what to write, or scientists determine what to investigate? The finding of a creative task is the heart of the creative process. We know something about the kinds of behaviors that can lead to problem … Continue reading
One of the roots of creativity is the ability to look at the world in new ways. This may be one of the reasons that experiences in different cultures seem to be tied to greater creativity. A wonderful example of both flexible and multicultural thinking—along with a great teaching resource—comes from ethno-mathematician Dr. Ron Eglash. … Continue reading
When I was young (albeit in the Dark Ages) the marks of a customized bicycle were playing cards that flapped between the spokes to make a satisfying racket, and perhaps an extra-large horn. No longer. How would you like to design a bike that glows in the dark? Thanks to Make, you can do it—just … Continue reading
I don’t often take a week off from blogging, but the end of the semester got away from me until I realized I almost let National Poetry Month go by unrecognized—can’t have that! Of course there are lots of ways to celebrate, starting with the 30 Ways to Celebrate from the American Academy of Poets … Continue reading
How do you think your pen is feeling today? How about your phone? Your keyboard? Your shoes? One of the most essential skills for reading, writing, and creativity is understanding different points of view. While we typically think about point of view when considering the human characters in literature, Drew Daywalt’s The Day the Crayons … Continue reading
I know most of you who live outside the Midwest probably are tired of my comments about our long record-breaking winter. But I can’t help myself. As the snow in my yard slowly melts (and I hear rumors of flurries in the forecast), I’m dreaming of spring flowers. So, just to cheer myself up, here … Continue reading
Years ago at one of our many used-bookstore-quests I bought a book called Daughters of America or Women of the Century by Phebe A. Hanaford. Published in 1882, it celebrates the accomplishments of women in the first century of the United States, from preachers to scientists, and everything in between. It saddens me how few … Continue reading
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