The ability to use creativity and imagination to solve problems is a skill that will serve students lifelong. This lesson illustrates this concept through stories and role-playing. Students are shown that situations and problems can be approached from a variety of ways in order to find solutions.

Before the lesson: Ask the students, "Do you know how to solve problems? Is there one answer for every problem you ever have? Do you think one person can have all the correct answers to every problem? Do you use creativity when you solve a problem?"

"Creativity and Problem Solving"
The lesson begins by defining problem solving as using creativity and imagination to figure out how to do things. This includes learning to look at things from different perspectives or points of view. Students should be encouraged to talk about how they solve problems they encounter. Some guidance for this discussion could include simple daily situations such as solving the problem of not enough crayons for everyone to have a favorite color, or what program on television the family decides to watch.

"Mystery Picture Game"
To demonstrate to children a way of looking at things from a different perspective, a variety of common objects are shown in extreme close-up on the Learning Station. Students are encouraged to determine what each picture represents. Ask students to talk about what each image looks like close up. Then, if they answer correctly, ask them to describe what feature supplied the clue to their answer. Talk about the importance of sometimes looking at things, as well as situations, from different points of view to obtain a clearer understanding. This is another form of problem-solving by using their own unique creativity.

"What's Wrong with the Room"
Touch-screen game - On the Learning Station is an image of a bedroom with seven objects that are placed incorrectly. Students must use their problem-solving skills to determine which items should be changed or moved and why. The directions provided by the narration instruct students to first choose one of the items by touching it, then describing to the class what is wrong. After explaining his/her answer, the student touches the icon again to see if their answer was correct as the item moves to the proper location. Talk about the importance of observation in everyday situations. By using an image of a bedroom, younger students who are still developing their ability to transfer information are more able to identify with the problem and understand the concepts.

"The Problem in the Garden"
Hands-on activity - Another situation is presented on the Learning Station representing a problem to be solved. Students must observe the situation presented and solve the problem using their creativity. Encourage the students to listen to the narration as the scenario is presented of a gardener (the students) who wants to protect vegetables and flowers from hungry rabbits. A handout of the garden picture is provided on the teacher's disk. Provide markers for students to draw their solution to the problem. Encourage students to use their best problem-solving skills and imagination. Talk about as many solutions as possible, including some that students may determine to not work.

"The Garden Game"
Touch-screen game - The garden is once again presented on the Learning Station with icons representing some choices the students may or may not have chosen. Icons represent a fence, a scarecrow, a water moat, a bowl of lettuce, and hot pepper plants. Students choose an icon first to move it to the garden. A question is then presented as the student must explain why or why this would be a good solution. After explaining the reasoning, the screen is touched again to illustrate the answer in the story from the rabbits' perspective. Remind students that although they may not have the same answer as the rabbits, it is because they were looking at a situation from a different point of view. The icons can be chosen as often as desired. To advance the program, use the fast-forward button on the top of your screen.

"Rabbit Role Play"
Role-play activity - Divide the class into teams of rabbits. Three images from the story are shown on the Learning Station for students to role-play. Each image represents a solution chosen by the rabbits in the story. Students are instructed to pretend to be rabbits and choose one of the situations. Then, using teamwork and problem-solving skills, students must determine a way to overcome their obstacles. Encourage students to think of solutions that may not have been discussed yet. Remind students to use their creativity and imagination. Little hints may spark their thinking process. Would they build a huge ladder? Would they fly in a balloon?

"The Bugs and Their Problem"
This story demonstrates more complex problem-solving skills by using more characters, bigger problems, and the benefit of teamwork. A small bug finds a large obstacle blocking the door to his home. As each bug friend enters the story, he or she offers a solution by using his or her own problem-solving skills. Because the problem is a large one, no one bug is able to solve the problem alone, despite the unique skills of each bug. Students are asked questions throughout the story, encouraging the students to put look at the story from each character's perspective. Teamwork and working smarter, not harder, is offered as a successful solution. The obstacle is moved, only to find another problem. A rock is blocking the bugs' movement of the obstacle. The old beetle, who was discounted earlier as being helpless, demonstrates how he can contribute by digging a hole to move the rock. This affords the opportunity to talk about how everyone has different skills and talents. Some are more apparent than others. Encourage students to talk about a unique problem-solving skill they may or may want to possess.
Touch-screen - At the end of the story, the little bug wants to go home but it is getting too dark to see the path. Lightening bugs flying overhead offer their assistance. Students are asked how little lightening bugs can be of help. The concept of teamwork is reinforced as the bugs individually offer little assistance, but as a team they offer a bright light. Students must determine that by dragging the lightening bugs into a group, a bright light is provided.

"Bug Puppet Show"
Hands-on activity & videotaping - Provide students with pictures of the bugs (on disk) to color and make finger puppets. The tabs on the pictures can be wrapped around little fingers and taped to create simple puppets. Students then are instructed to role-play the story of the bugs and how they used their creativity to solve problems. If available, provide a toy bear and yarn (caterpillar thread) as props. The teacher should ensure that each character is represented in the story. Encourage students to use voices that they think would be appropriately representative of their character. After a short 'rehearsal' of the play, videotape their performances.

"Before You Get Home"
Students are instructed to tell their family the different stories and how problem solving was used. Teachers may want to review this concept and how everyone uses observation skills, creativity and teamwork to solve problems.

Supply List for Activities
Handout of garden for students to protect from rabbits (on disk)
Cutouts of bugs to make finger puppets (on disk)
Tape, glue or stapler to complete finger puppets
Optional - teddy bear, string or yarn, rock (puppet show props)
"Today I Discovered" - parents handout
video tape