Running Head: Using Jigsaw Puzzles

The process of quickly getting students into small groups and quickly on-task can be challenging. One solution is to make sure that the transition itself is not only quick and smooth, but a valid learning experience in its own right. We have found that activities with jigsaw puzzles can facilitate just such transitions. The puzzles also provide practice in using science process skills involving classification and problem-solving. Additionally, puzzles can be designed to focus on numerous other specific science content.competency objectives across the K-12 grade levels. For example, we have found the puzzle activities useful in helping students learn about basic cycles affecting the earth, such as water cycles and seasons (grade 3, goal 5.2). The strategies described here are broadly applicable for teaching concepts in other content areas, as well. For example, in a resent article Huber and Lockledge (1997) provide examples of how the puzzle activities can be used in middle school science and social studies classes. Overview of the Basic Puzzle-Grouping Activity The strategy for using puzzles to make meaningful group assignments is ver