For four amazing days each summer, downtown Ann Arbor is overrun by art. The Ann Arbor Art Fairs (four of them, simultaneously) are usually crowded, steamy hot, colorful, and amazing. My husband and I look forward to them every year. This year as I gloried in the amazingly cool weather, I was struck by how … Continue reading
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
Problem finding is not on the list of typical creative thinking strategies. But I include it here because I wonder if it should be. For me, the notion of “problem finding,” the strategies used to select creative problems and projects, is one of the most fascinating topics in the study of creativity. How did Picasso … Continue reading
Materials needed: Two or three gadgets (vegetable peeler, pencil sharpener, etc.) An assortment of catalogues Picture of Chester Greenwood (optional but fun) Opening Have you ever heard anyone say, “Boy, I wish I had a problem?” What kind of a problem might someone want to have? We all know that there are some kinds of … Continue reading
If there is one discipline that is associated with the terms “question” or “problem,” it seems to be math. When preparing to write this I thought, “Well, I have some ideas, but let’s see what’s out there on the web.” When I used my trusty search engines to look for “mathematical questions” or “student questions … Continue reading
It’s cold in Michigan. We’re expecting record-breaking low temperatures tonight and I just discovered a new gelato place a mile from my house. My husband and I love gelato, but I just can’t do it. So you can imagine how I chuckled reading Dan Meyer’s Frozen Code post. The post relates an actual frozen code … Continue reading
Do you know someone with Alzheimer’s Disease? If you do, you’ll wish you lived across the street from this remarkable young man. 15-year-old Kenneth Shinozuka followed in the footsteps of many great inventors when he looked at a problem near to his heart and was spurred to action. He is a fine example of real-world … Continue reading
Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is a model for addressing problems and challenges in a creative way. It originated with Alex Orborn and Sid Parnes, and has continued to be developed for more than 50 years by several theorists. The most recent model of Creative Problem Solving divides the creative problem solving process into three general … Continue reading
Dan Meyer says he spends his days trying to sell a product to a market that doesn’t want it but is forced by law to buy it—he teaches high school math. He believes math class needs a makeover, and is ready to lead the charge. From a creativity perspective, Dan is a master of problem … Continue reading
Which is denser, concentrated detergent or regular strength? Which fish swim more quickly, those with plants in their tank or a mechanical aerator? Which cleaner kills more bacteria on cafeteria tables? What would happen if we poured milk instead of water on bean plants? These are just a few of the questions from my elementary … Continue reading
