problem solving college course

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Advanced Problem Solving Certificate

Program requirements, why choose a certificate.

Delivery Method

The Advanced Problem Solving Certificate will teach you how to solve problems that can threaten not only productivity and profit, but can jeopardize companies and derail careers. Whether you’re managing a team or just starting your career, mastering an array of strategies, managing risks, and envisioning probable outcomes before taking action can help you become more effective no matter your industry.

Certificate Requirements

• Effective January 2015, courses can only be applied to one certificate. If a core course for a certificate has already been applied to a previously-awarded certificate, then an additional elective must be taken.
• Certificates must be completed within 6 years; courses completed more than 6 years ago may not be applied toward certificate.
• All courses applied to a certificate program must be taken from Georgia Tech.
• This certificate does not require an application.

How it works

Your path to achievement is easy! Most certificate courses are offered in classroom locations around the U.S. You can also inquire about training at your location .

• Course load determines the cost of a certificate program.
• Calculate your total by identifying the courses needed and tallying individual course fees. Some programs offer discounts for course bundling.

Registration

• Select a certificate program, review the requirements, and determine your timeline for completion.
• Add courses to your shopping cart for purchase as you are ready to take them, or as a bundle if desired.
• Proceed to checkout to complete your registration. We accept multiple forms of payment including credit card, purchase order, a private loan (upon request), and VA benefits for certain programs.
• Certificates must be completed within six years.
• After successful completion of most individual courses, a Certificate of Course Completion will be sent.
• After successful completion of all required courses, request a transcript and program certificate audit .
• Upon verification, GTPE will email your transcript and mail your Certificate of Program Completion. Some programs host a certificate award ceremony during the final course.

Once you earn your Georgia Tech Program Certificate, tout your success on your resume and LinkedIn profile, share with your employer, and celebrate an important career growth achievement!

Professional Certificates are ideal for developing new skills and building deep expertise in a specialized area to update your professional profile, advance your career, or broaden your knowledge base.

Certificates are an “anytime” credential Start anytime - after graduation or later in your career - and gain deeper know-how in a specific area without the commitment to a degree.

Certificates demonstrate commitment The dedication of time to earn a certificate demonstrates that you are committed to achieving a higher standard of professional knowledge in your industry.

Certificates provide immediate “ROE” Georgia Tech learners master real-world skills and apply them to their career the day after completion.

Certificates stand out on your resume A Georgia Tech credential carries the professional weight to give you a competitive edge.

Who Should Attend

This certificate is designed for anyone who wants to become more successful and systematic in the way they solve problems, from engineers and scientists to business professionals, artists, and anyone in between.

How You Will Benefit

• Learn successful strategies and methods to use for solving problems in a wide range of circumstances, including how to properly frame the problem and identify potential courses of action.
• Discover how to take an opportunity-driven approach to problem solving to tackle the most pervasive and threatening problems.
• Increase the productivity of yourself and your team to gain a competitive edge in your industry.
• Establish and deepen contacts with peers and others throughout industry and government.
• Earn a recognized industry credential.

Grow Your Professional Network

Taught by experts in the field, course offerings, requirement a, principles of problem solving (def 4519p).

Effective problem solving is recognized as being universally important across all sectors of the economy and aspects of our lives. Regardless of the size of the problem, from setting personal goals to creating a strategic plan for your organization, the basic problem solving process is the…

There are no sessions scheduled at this time. Please check again later.

Requirement B (choose three)

Modeling and simulation for systems engineering (def 4003p).

Simulation is the process of designing a model of a system and conducting experiments to understand the behavior of the system and/or evaluate various strategies for the operation of the system. Modeling and Simulation (M&S) has become an important tool in all phases of the acquisition process…

Fundamentals of Modern Systems Engineering (DEF 4501P)

By taking the Fundamentals of Modern Systems Engineering course, you will be able to structure and lead a conceptual design effort and apply the most essential systems engineering tools to realistic problems at your own organization. Designed with substantial industry input, the class…

Leading Systems Engineering Teams (DEF 4503P)

Key competencies of accomplished systems engineers include team leadership, communication skills, problem solving, systems thinking, strong technical acumen, and mastery of personal attributes such as credibility and trust. Sound familiar? Since most systems engineers develop knowledge in…

Fundamentals of Systems Architecting (DEF 4511P)

Discover the fundamental concepts of systems architecting as a critical part of systems engineering and development. In the Fundamentals of Systems Architecting course, learn classic methods associated with systems architecting and extend those concepts to complex systems of systems. Gain the…

• Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025 Register By Sep 11, 2025 Atlanta, GA $1,895

Creativity Hacks - Psychology and Tools for Creative Thinking (DEF 4516P)

Like problem solving, everyone has the ability to improve their creativity skills. As team leaders, it's important to know how to foster your team's creativity and promote problem solving skills. In the Creativity Hacks course, you will explore how to substantially improve individual…

• Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024 Register By Oct 10, 2024 Atlanta, GA $1,695

Craft of Problem Solving (DEF 4522P)

This class builds on the core ideas in the Principles of Problem Solving class and introduces a rigorous problem-solving framework built around the notion of the modern problem solver — and encourages you to become one! The modern problem solver is a person who can build informative models …

Applied Systems Thinking (DEF 4523P)

In a world where complexity and pace of change continue to increase, there is an accelerating need for holistic viewpoints and a systems approach to decision making and leading change. Effective development of enterprises, organizations, and large engineered systems requires a problem-solving…

Effect to Cause Problem Solving (DEF 4533P)

Would you like to learn a disciplined approach to quickly identify the driving causes of complex technical issues? No training is needed to attend this Effect to Cause Problem Solving class — just come ready to learn! This course provides you with critical skills to quickly get to the heart of…

Design of Experiments (DOE) I: Introduction to DOE (DEF 5003P)

A properly designed experiment should be efficient, informative, and directional. Sadly, technical professionals are almost never taught the rigorous techniques of experimentation that allow them to make informed, statistically meaningful decisions. This course introduces students to the long…

• Aug 20, 2024 - Aug 22, 2024 Register By Aug 15, 2024 Las Vegas, NV $1,400
• Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024 Register By Sep 5, 2024 Lake Buena Vista, FL $1,400
• May 6, 2025 - May 8, 2025 Register By May 1, 2025 Denver, CO $1,800
• May 20, 2025 - May 22, 2025 Register By May 15, 2025 Atlanta, GA $1,800
• Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025 Register By Aug 7, 2025 Las Vegas, NV $1,800

Missile Design and System Engineering (DEF 8200P)

Build upon your foundational knowledge of missile design and system engineering. In this course, you will identify key considerations, including the broad range of alternatives in meeting performance, cost risk, and other measures of merit requirements such as robustness, lethality, guidance,…

• Dec 10, 2024 - Dec 12, 2024 Register By Dec 5, 2024 Atlanta, GA $2,095

Inactive Courses

The following courses from Group A are no longer applicable, but may be applied if taken within the six-year rule:

• Introduction to Human Systems Integration (DEF 4504P)
• Advanced Problem Solving Methods (DEF 4506P)
• Applied Systems Engineering Laboratory (DEF 4512P)
• Cybersecurity: A Systems Approach (DEF 4513P)
• Visual Problem Solving (DEF 4521P)
• Perspectives on Problem Solving – an Applied Approach (DEF 4524P)

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Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

• Register for Course

WOOT early bird pricing ends on Monday, August 19th!

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Who should take.

Students should have a mastery of basic algebra up through and including quadratic equations before taking this course. Typically this class follows our Introduction to Geometry class.

This course goes beyond what you would find in a typical honors Algebra curriculum. Algebra courses vary widely in their definitions, but our Intermediate Algebra class covers topics typically found in honors Algebra 2 and Precalculus classes, as well as many topics that are not found in most other curricula. Students who have completed a typical honors Algebra 2 course elsewhere may be ready for Intermediate Algebra.

Required Textbook

This was the best math course I have ever taken. I have always been very strong in math and have taken many challenging courses. Intermediate Algebra challenged me at a greater level. Writing problems are the main way that Intermediate Algebra challenged me at a new level. If I had not taken this course, I never would have known the complex proof methods I have learned. The writing problems have also made me more prepared to succeed at contests like the Mandelbrot Competition and the USAMO, as I have learned proof-writing strategies. I always like to know a lot about topics, especially topics that I have a passion for, like math. Intermediate Algebra fulfilled that desire. This was also a great help for preparing for contests like the AMC 12. All in all, this was an excellent course.

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Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Course

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking considers how most successful professionals of the 21st century will be able to assess an environment, analyze a situation, design alternative solutions, and assist organizations in creatively overcoming challenges and reaching strategic goals.

This course focuses on the development of reasoning and problem solving skills by using the scientific method to analyze case studies and controversial topics. Learners consider cultural differences in reasoning, inductive and deductive logic, and how to use positive inquiry and synthesis to solve individual and organizational problems. Emphasis is placed on successful models and proven methods that are transferable within the work environment.

Course level

Undergraduate

Course duration

max. 8 weeks

Estimated time per week

10-15 hours

Course prerequisites

Course credits

Relevant jobs

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Course Overview

Explain the central elements of problem solving and decision making

Develop a strategic approach to individual growth and development and organizational performance

Identify the human factors that impact the results in problem solving and decision making processes

Apply problem solving and decision making processes and methods to real-world situations

Explain the essential components of problem solving and decision making and the obstacles associated with them

Analyze how cultural differences in beliefs can impact higher-order reasoning processes and social norms

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Course Skills

How will i learn, learning experience.

Your course starts on the first of the month. The course consists of 6 modules, and is designed to take you eight weeks to complete. Nexford’s learning design team has purposefully created courses to equip you with competencies mapped to the skills employers are looking for. Each course has 5-7 learning outcomes based on the skills employers need. Everything you learn gives you measurable skills you will use to succeed in today’s world of work.

Nexford courses are not live or recorded lectures. Instead, they’re reading, videos, interactive elements, quizzes and relevant case studies. Programs include assessments, peer-to-peer discussions, and a final project to practice what you’ve learned in a real-world context. Program content is available 24/7 during the course, and you have opportunities for collaboration and networking with learners during and after your program. Our global community of learners work at top companies such as Microsoft, Deloitte, and Google .

You'll have 24/7 access to success advisors to support you. Faculty also provide you world-class support. Book appointments with them, get individual feedback, and attend regular optional webinars.Nexford courses are rigorous and they encourage critical thinking - because we care about what you know how to do not what you know you have regular hands-on assessments reflecting the business world.

Course Outline

How will I be graded?

View the catalog to learn about how this course is graded.

What will I get after completing the course?

You'll get real skills you can use at work, straight away. At the end of this course, you'll also get a digital badge that you can put on your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills.

Once you've taken one course, you can take more. Using stacked credentials, you’re able to take enough courses to make a certificate, and take enough certificates to build a degree.

If you apply for a Nexford certificate or degree, you'll get credit for each course you take.

What support will I receive?

When you have a dedicated team on your side, you'll never be alone studying at Nexford. Hailing from many different countries and with online education expertise, our faculty provides you world-class support. Ask them questions during one-to-one office hours or live chat , email them any time, and get individual feedback on your assessments.

While you’re learning, you’ll also have full access to the Nexford online library, which includes access to millions of full-text articles, industry reports and key sources such as the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times and The Economist.

LinkedIn Learning: unlimited access with Nexford

Support your Nexford goals with access to LinkedIn Learning during your program, at no additional cost. Explore the learning hub of the globe’s biggest professional networking platform to:

• Power your career: choose from over 16,000 expert-led courses, from remote working to data science
• Show off your skills: earn a certificate when you complete a course
• See what’s trending: LinkedIn Learning adds 25 new courses each week
• Tailor your learning: choose relevant courses based on your experience, LinkedIn profile and goals
• Test what you’ve learned: use LinkedIn Learning assessments

Questions? We’re here to help

Frequently asked questions

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Course Testimonials

When I started at Nexford I found a direction.

Each course is like a door opening.

My weekly reflective journal is my Nexford highlight. Thanks to faculty support, I continually apply principles to my enterprise – and I've been able to scale beyond considerable measure.

I don't have to spend a fortune to earn a high-quality MBA.

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Online College Algebra

MAT 117 - College Algebra

This online college algebra course equips you with the skills to effectively solve problems using algebraic reasoning. What sets this course apart from a standard algebra course is its strong emphasis on the techniques that are used to solve problems. Throughout this course, you will be able to participate in discussions with other students and the professor to help build your conceptual understanding of algebra. In this course, you will learn about systems of linear equations, rational functions, quadratic functions, logarithmic functions, general polynomial functions, and exponential functions.

Course prerequisites and requirements

To be successful in this course, we recommend English language fluency and computer literacy. We also encourage you to make sure your laptop or desktop computer meets the technical requirements .

Quick facts

Next start date:

Jan. 09, 2024

• Credits:  3
• Length:  Self-paced or 16 weeks
• Cost:  $25 + $400

What you’ll learn

• How to apply algebraic reasoning to solve a range of problems
• How to identify functions, domains, ranges, intercepts and other critical algebraic concepts
• Skills required for success in future studies in calculus

What to expect in class

ALEKS topics, quizzes, active learning assignments, practice exams, and final exam

Exams and grading

Unit Quizzes (4)

Midterm Exam

This course appears on your transcript identically to how it appears on the transcript of an enrolled ASU student who has taken the course on one of ASU’s campuses.

This course satisfies 3 credit hours toward the Mathematics (MA) General Studies requirement at Arizona State University. It is strongly encouraged that you consult with your institution of choice to determine how these credits will be applied to their degree requirements prior to transferring your credit.

Faculty and course staff

Carla van de.

Associate Professor,

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences

Arizona State University

Online Course Manager,

Learning Enterprise

Why take ASU Universal Learner Courses

Related courses, mat 170 - precalculus, mat 210 - brief calculus, mat 265 - calculus for engineers i.

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• Number Theory
• Probability
• Everyday Math
• Classical Mechanics
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Computer Science
• Quantitative Finance

Take a guided, problem-solving based approach to learning Logic. These compilations provide unique perspectives and applications you won't find anywhere else.

What's inside

• Introduction
• Puzzles and Riddles
• Multi-Level Thinking
• The Rational Detective
• Syllogisms and Sets
• Logic Machines
• Arithmetic With Logic Gates
• Propositional Logic
• First-Order Logic

Community Wiki

Browse through thousands of Logic wikis written by our community of experts.

• Truth-Tellers and Liars
• Cryptogram - Problem Solving
• Solving Propositional Logic Word Problem
• Mind Reading with Math
• Information Compression
• K-level thinking
• Chess Puzzles
• Arithmetic Puzzles - Operator Search
• Arithmetic Puzzles - Fill in the Blanks
• Elimination Grids
• Grid Puzzles
• Combinatorial Games - Definition
• Combinatorial Games - Winning Positions
• Tic Tac Toe
• Sprague Grundy Theorem
• Chess Puzzles - Reduced Games
• Chess Puzzles - Opening Strategies
• Chess Puzzles - Rook Strategies
• Rook Polynomial
• Game Theory
• Nash Equilibrium
• Zero-Sum Games
• Prisoner's Dilemma
• Braess' Paradox
• Utility Functions
• Cognitive Bias
• Monty Hall Problem
• Birthday Problem
• Two-Envelope Paradox
• Simpson's Paradox
• Berkson's Paradox
• Newcomb's Paradox
• Benford's Law
• Mathematics of Voting
• Survivorship Bias
• Russell's Paradox
• Zeno's Paradox
• Gabriel's Horn
• Truth Tables
• Proof by Contradiction
• Mathematical Logic and Computability
• Mathematical Logic and Computability II (continuation)
• Propositional Logic Using Algebra
• Venn Diagram
• Predicate Logic

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Sharpen your critical thinking skills

Complex Problem Solving

Online Executive Certificate

Master complex problem solving

Are you often unsure of the best way to approach complex problems? Do you feel you need to strengthen your decision-making skills?

IMD’s Complex Problem Solving program will equip you with  a systematic three-step process and tools  that you can apply to both professional and personal contexts.

Understanding what a problem is and what you want to achieve when you tackle it can be surprisingly difficult. You will discover how to  frame a problem, identify its root causes, explore solutions, and make the best decisions  for your context. You will also learn how to  engage stakeholders  throughout the process, comprehend their needs, and convince them to support the solutions you opt for.

The program draws on theoretical and empirical knowledge from multiple disciplines and explains it in accessible terms. The program will enhance your creative and critical thinking capabilities and enable you to develop highly sought-after problem-solving skills.    

Learn a systematic, modular, and pragmatic approach to complex problem solving.

Create innovative solutions and identify key stakeholders’ needs, reframing as needed.

Decide on the on-balance best solution and support it with aligned decisions.

Engage stakeholders throughout and, eventually, convince them to support the solution.

You are a team leader or mid-level manager developing a new strategy, leading a turnaround, reorganizing or improving your organization’s impact. You are an analyst looking to apply a new problem-solving methodology. If you are seeking to improve profitability, negotiate disruption and re-orient R&D initiatives within your organization, this program is for you.

Your class is individually put together through a selection process to ensure that you experience the most impactful learning with a truly diverse group of global peers. Your class will become a trusted resource, encourage your learning journey, and surprise you in many unanticipated beneficial ways both during and beyond your classroom experience. Read more about the admission criteria .

2023 class profile (average data)

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Choosing an executive program is a difficult choice, we’re here to help you. Check our FAQ section for quick answers or schedule a call with a Program Advisor for personalized help.

Interested in an IMD online program? Don’t miss this opportunity to get all your questions answered by our Program Advisors at 12:00 (CEST).

Join us on 27 August 2024

Product Marketing & Client Leads – Area Leader, Sonae MC, Portugal

The Complex Problem Solving program provides a sound but flexible framework for a structured approach to business or personal dilemmas. It enables a situation to be better understood and a clear, detailed reasoning of the possibilities for resolution. Totally recommended!

Former Senior Global Finance Head | Finance Director | Business Strategist, Nestlé, Switzerland

The Complex Problem Solving program is a great platform to develop a solid framework and structure to support problem-solving.  It helps to ground decision making and deal with complexity in any environment.

Sales Manager, Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Scotland

Great curriculum, providing a widely applicable framework for decision-making and complex problem solving, whether an investment decision, operational efficiency analysis or a corporate strategy fine-tuning task.

Designed for impact and delivered for you, IMD’s online programs help you achieve your aspirations wherever you are in your career or the world. Here’s what makes the IMD online program experience exceptional.

Programs designed and taught by IMD faculty, world-renowned experts in their fields.

One-on-one support from an experienced executive coach to ensure that learning objectives are attained.

Group and pair work with participants from around the world enriches learning through exposure to fresh perspectives.

Micro-learning focused on improved knowledge retention and actionable insights.

Programs grounded in practical assignments guarantee the immediate application of new knowledge and techniques.

Length: 5 weeks (4-6 hours per week).

Ready to elevate your career and personal development? IMD’s Online Executive Certificate  offers an  immersive ,  fully online experience  designed to  enhance your expertise and skills in key business areas.

Choose between three learning tracks –  Leadership, Strategy, and Digital Acceleration  – to propel your executive career to new heights.

Discover more .

Browse our strategy portfolio

Become a better strategist

Unlock your strategic mindset by delving into key challenges, evaluating trade-offs, defining must-win battles, and crafting a winning strategy for success.

Lead your strategic initiative to successful implementation

Overcome the key challenges inherent to strategic change, and learn practical frameworks to successfully implement your strategic projects and initiatives.

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College Magazine

College Life, Colleges, Career & Campus Advice

Essential Problem Solving Skills For College Life

You’ve found yourself in a pickle and you’re endlessly looking for a solution but somehow things just keep getting messier. It’s okay, we’ve all been there. Just take a step back, and take control of the situation. Finding easy problem-solving ideas for all problems, big or small, isn’t a difficult task with the right mindset. Whatever your strategy is, do what works for you. The question remains, how are you supposed to find those problem-solving skills that work for you?

Read on to discover some problem-solving techniques to try out, who knows, maybe one or more of them will work for you.

  try to prevent a problem in the first place.

This first one goes without saying. What better way is there to solve a problem than doing everything in your power to prevent a problem from occurring in the first place?  While sometimes this cannot be accomplished because some things happen beyond anyone’s control, there are times when certain problems or situations can be prevented. Some ways to try to prevent a problem are by planning ahead and staying organized . Students can stay organized by buying, and using a planner or a bulleting journal to write things down. If students prefer to not write things, they could use their phones to set reminders and to take notes. “Try to avoid a problem arising in the first place. Plan things out and just execute your plan,” Temple University junior Kennedy Catrambone said. If you try to plan things out to the best of your ability, in an organized manner, you might be able to prevent a problem from arising.

Weigh the Pros and Cons

Weighing the pros and cons of every option is a great way to problem solve. Yes, every solution has positive and negative aspects surrounding. In some cases, the pros, outweigh the cons and some choices prove better than others. Some ways to weigh the pros and cons of a situation include asking other people for advice, conducting background research and writing a list. Personally, I know I had to weigh the pros and cons when it came to picking which college to attend. I applied to around twenty colleges and  conducted research. I then wrote lists containing the pros and cons of each school I was considering. “The first step is not to panic. Then, keep a calm mind and assess the situation. Next, I look for pros and cons to make the best decision based on that,” SUNY Bighamton University senior Max Kline said.  College students can weigh pros and cons by asking what the good, and the bad things are. After all, we all always want the good to outweigh the bad. So why not weigh the pros and cons?

Use Process of Elimination

Another great problem solving skill is using process of elimination to eliminate possible solutions to a problem that might not make sense.  Like on an exam where choices might be unfitting for the question, there are answers, or solutions to problems that might not be applicable to the given situation. I know that I have used process of elimination many other times in my life such as when I had to decide what major to stick with in college. I picked out the few majors I felt could be a good fit for me, and used process of elimination to determine which ones weren’t until I ultimately made my choice. “Usually, I think about my options and then eliminate things that I don’t want to do or I feel like aren’t important,” said first year graduate school student at A.T Stillwell University, Marissa Credle. Eliminating solutions based on criteria like personal feelings is a great way to use process of elimination as a problem solving tool. In the end, process of elimination is a great way to approach problems.

Problem Solve Piece by Piece

Sometimes, there will be problems or situations that are more complex, and might be more difficult to find solutions for, or to solve than others. The best way to handle these kind of scenarios is to break it down into different sections, or pieces and try to solve the giant problem through steps. Personally, when I have a complex issue that I have to deal with concerning other people, such as arguments between friends, I try to solve them piece by piece to make sure every party involved is satisfied.  “I like to break down the problem, separate it into pieces and take care of it one piece at a time,” SUNY New Paltz sophomore Cody Bostino said. Though this method of problem solving might seem time consuming, it is one of the most effective ways of making sure the entirety of an issue is resolved. When looking at a problem piece by piece, you are more likely to find the best solutions – so channel your inner Nancy Drew and take it step by step.

Be Dependable

Dependability is vital to solving problems, especially in a college oriented environment. Those who are dependable typically solve problems and come through with long term solutions benefiting themselves, and all those involved in the end. For example, making sure you are present when need be, effectively paying attention to details and being a team player are ways one can be dependable.These aspects can definitely be worked on and someone can gain dependability. Someone who is dependable always has time to be there for you and if something goes wrong, they will have your back. Think about it this way: would you want a best friend who isn’t dependable? This also applies to bosses, co-workers, classmates etc. Having people who are dependable around you, and being dependable yourself definitely benefits everyone in the realm of problem solving.

Be Open-Minded and Accepting

Open Mindedness and being accepting are two key aspects of coming to terms with whatever life throws at you. When it comes to having an open mind, and accepting others, it is important to make sure you stay at ease and go with the flow. For example, if you are stressed out about an exam, going into it and being able to accept the fact that your life will go on, regardless of the number grade you receive, helps the situation. If you go into the exam feeling anxious and stressed, you are less likely to do well on it. In general, when you are feeling more relaxed rather than stressed, you are more likely to succeed. Looking at all of your problems differently, and embracing an accepting, open mindset will greatly benefit the problem solving process.

Communication is Key

When it comes to problem solving, most problems that come about involve multiple people. One of the best ways to make sure all of the people in a given situation are on the same page is to create an environment that thrives off of communicating . Talking face to face, texting, emailing, talking on the phone or any other form of communication where ideas are shared are acceptable in assuring that nothing is left unsaid. All of these outlets of communication are applicable for situations including a fight with a roommate, a boyfriend, or any other sort of girl drama or boy problems. Like the saying goes, communication is key, and it can prevent and solve any given problem.

Utilize Your School’s Resources

While you’re at college, you will surely come face to face with different problems and situations. However, lots of college students tend to forget that their college has resources for them to utilize. When it comes to academics, college students can contact their academic advisers or professors. When it involves a physical health related issue, students can visit their campus health clinic. Finally, if students are struggling with mental health, they can speak to specialists working at their respective colleges. If you have trouble with something, remember that colleges have resources for you to use, so use them. “Just get things done,” Catrambone said. Whatever the problem is, your college surely has a resource that can help you.

Look to Others for Help

When it comes down to it, you know that your loved ones can always be there for you. Your family and friends provide different insights and perspectives that you probably wouldn’t get if you didn’t ask them. Remember that asking for help is okay , it helps you in the long run. “If I had a problem I would most likely get advice from my parents, or friends,” rising SUNY New Paltz junior Katherine Parente said. When it comes down to it, more insight only helps you get closer to, if not find a solution to your problem. So, why not look to others for help?

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Online Programs

Problem solving strategies.

• Mathematics

Develop strategies for solving a wide variety of word problems using resources from Ken Johnson and Ted Herr’s Problem Solving Strategies: Crossing the River with Dogs and Other Mathematical Adventures . Explore diagrams, systematic lists, elimination, working backwards, matrix logic, and unit analysis as you strengthen your ability to use these strategies to solve a wide variety of complex problems. Problems in this course are designed so that there are multiple strategies and combinations that will lead to a correct answer, which allows you and your peers to share your ideas and compare/contrast the different ways of problem-solving.

Fall and Spring Time Commitment: 4-5 hours per week (1-hour of class time, 3-4 hours of independent work). Summer Time Commitment: 12-15 hours per week (3-hours of class time, 9-12 hours of independent work).

Course Overview

What we'll do

We’ll learn how to identify and solve word problems using various strategies. The course consists of nine units; each unit includes a synchronous group meeting held on Zoom, and asynchronous activities including assigned readings, discussion forums, problems sets, and assignments.

What we’ll learn

• How to identify and use problem-solving strategies such as draw a diagram, eliminate possibilities, create subproblems, solve easier related problems, etc., that are applicable to a wide range of problems you will encounter in school and in life
• How to collaborate with peers to solve problems

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify a strategy or strategies that would be useful to solve an unfamiliar problem
• Execute the use of the eight strategies covered in the course
• Write your own problems that can be solved using a strategy or strategies from the course

How we'll measure learning

Write Your Own Problems: Students write their own problems and solutions, each of which can be solved using a different strategy covered in the course. Students demonstrate their learning by adapting an existing problem or creating their own from scratch, writing out a solution that shows how the problem can be solved using the given strategy.

Final Problem Set: Students solve the final problem set, which is a compilation of WYOP submissions. Students can demonstrate their learning through written work in their submission and verbally through the class discussion of each problem.

This course is

Register for an Online course by selecting an open class below. If no open classes are listed, then course enrollment is currently closed. Note: You will need to have an active CTY Account to complete registration through MyCTY.

Testing and Prerequisites

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

Cost and Financial Aid

Application fee.

• Nonrefundable Application Fee - $15 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
• Nonrefundable International Fee - $20 (outside US only)

Financial Aid

CTY Financial Aid Availability for Online Programs:

We have concluded our financial aid application review process for the Academic Year 2024-2025 Online Programs (Courses with start dates July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025). Our application for Academic Year 2025-2026 Online Programs is expected to open in early 2025 We encourage those who may need assistance in the future to apply for aid as early as possible.

Course Materials

Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course . If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected] .  

Book Title: Crossing the River with Dogs: Problem Solving for College Students, 3rd Edition Author: Ken Johnson, Ted Herr, Judy Kysh ISBN: 978-1119441298

• Graph Paper

Technical Requirements

This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.

This course uses a virtual classroom for instructor-student communication. The classroom works on standard computers with the Zoom desktop client , and on tablets or handhelds that support the Zoom Mobile app . Recorded meetings can only be viewed on a computer with the Zoom desktop client installed. The Zoom desktop client and Zoom Mobile App are both free to download.

About Mathematics at CTY

Our online Mathematics courses—spanning elementary through college-level curricula—cover a wide range of topics, from algebra and geometry to chess, cryptology, and AP Calculus and are guided by expert instructors. You’ll join group sessions with classmates to ensure you stay on track with challenging course content. Whether you’re looking for pure math fun and enrichment, to move up the math ladder and advance your honors and AP (and beyond) academic standing, or to train for mathematics competitions, there’s a CTY course that’s right for you.

New math enrichment courses available!

Explore our new math enrichment courses, including Excursions in Pre-algebra and Introduction to Logic and Proofs .

Join the exciting world of competitive math

Participate in the High School Math Club or enroll in 6 IP courses:  Middle School Competitive Math I , Middle School Competitive Math II , Middle School Competitive Math III , Competitive Mathematics Prep , Competitive Mathematics I , Competitive Mathematics II .

Meet our Mathematics Instructors

I love helping students understand difficult topics and make connections between them. Understanding Calculus is what makes advanced engineering applications possible, so it is extremely relevant to today's world and to the inventions of tomorrow.

Donna Miller

Mathematics Instructor

I am so excited when students are able to persevere and decode a very challenging cipher in the course! I love that Cryptology teaches patience and dedication, and that mathematics is so much more than just the study of numbers and equations.

Jillian Green

I love that through CTY, I get the chance to work with gifted students from all over the world. I consider it an honor to be part of their journey!

Amanda Broton

Module 5: Thinking and Analysis

Problem-solving, learning objectives.

• Describe how critical thinking skills can be used to problem-solve

For most people, a typical day is filled with critical thinking and problem-solving challenges. In fact, critical thinking and problem-solving go hand-in-hand. They both refer to using knowledge, facts, and data to solve problems effectively. But with problem-solving, you are specifically identifying, selecting, and defending your solution. Below are some examples of using critical thinking to problem-solve:

• Your roommate was upset and said some unkind words to you, which put a crimp in the relationship. You try to see through the angry behaviors to determine how you might best support the roommate and help bring the relationship back to a comfortable spot.
• Your campus club has been languishing on account of lack of participation and funds. The new club president, though, is a marketing major and has identified some strategies to interest students in joining and supporting the club. Implementation is forthcoming.
• Your final art class project challenges you to conceptualize form in new ways. On the last day of class when students present their projects, you describe the techniques you used to fulfill the assignment. You explain why and how you selected that approach.
• Your math teacher sees that the class is not quite grasping a concept. She uses clever questioning to dispel anxiety and guide you to new understanding of the concept.
• You have a job interview for a position that you feel you are only partially qualified for, although you really want the job and you are excited about the prospects. You analyze how you will explain your skills and experiences in a way to show that you are a good match for the prospective employer.
• You are doing well in college, and most of your college and living expenses are covered. But there are some gaps between what you want and what you feel you can afford. You analyze your income, savings, and budget to better calculate what you will need to stay in college and maintain your desired level of spending.

Problem-Solving Activity

Now let’s practice problem solving by working through the following activity.

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Problem Solving

• Self-Efficacy
• Time Management

Problem solving is central to success in any college course. Throughout their academic careers and their lives, students will encounter problems that need to be solved. These problems may range from the personal (how to pay for college) to the interpersonal (how to work with a partner on a project) to the occupational (how to solve an issue relating to school or work). Although every course requires students to engage in problem-solving, mathematics is a course that students readily associate with the task—the questions written on a whiteboard or on a page are more often than not math problems that need to be solved.  

Although problem solving is a task that students engage in throughout their academic careers, they frequently have little experience in the metacognitive process of problem solving. Traditionally, students are taught subject-specific tools to apply to a subject-specific problem (example: how to add or how to use a dictionary) rather than problem solving strategies. This results in students who do not understand the process behind problem solving and has a direct impact on student success. Research indicates students who are successful problem solvers are those who are taught how to use and develop metacognitive problem-solving techniques and who engage in the deliberate and reflective process of problem solving (Mason et al.) Problem solving is a multi-step process that students must be taught and must have practice engaging in. Although multiple problem-solving processes exist, some more complex than others, most of them include variations of Polya’s four-stepped approach:  

• understanding--What is the problem? What is the purpose? What is known/ unknown?  
• planning--How does this connect to prior knowledge? Where are there gaps in knowledge? How to proceed?  
• solving--How to carry out the plan? Where to stop and check progress along the way?  
• reflection--Is the solution correct? What have I learned?  

Students who are not college-ready in math struggle with problem-solving as a process. Often, they try to answer problems by using subject-specific tools like formulas or equations without stopping to understand the problem and engage in problem-solving. This results in students who frequently fail to arrive at a solution and end feeling defeated and demoralized about their success in math (Yuan 99). Students who are not college-ready in math benefit from being taught stepped problem-solving techniques and strategies, practicing those steps, and reflecting on their learning. Engaging in this process results in students who are able to make connections and understand the material that they otherwise would not (Yuan 99-104). Students in Soar Towards Success will be taught problem-solving strategies and engage in this metacognitive process. This practice will benefit students in all their courses and will help them develop the necessary readiness skills for their college-level math courses.  

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Creative Problem Solving

• DES 1111, 3 credits
• Faculty Coordinator: Brad Hokanson
• Sponsoring U of M Department: Design, Housing, and Apparel
• Fulfills U of M Requirement(s): Meets U of M degree credit requirements for all majors such as departmental major, minor, or elective requirements; course is required for BS in Retail Merchandising
• Teacher Applications: Apply to Teach a Course

U of M Catalog Description

University Catalog Link

Development of creative capability applicable to all fields of study. Problem solving techniques. Theory of creativity/innovation.

Class size limit: 34

Sample Syllabus

Recommended Course Description for High School Registration Guides

This course provides the chance to explore and engage with contemporary and historic practice in the creative fields, principally in art and design through a series of personal and creative activities. This course promotes the exploration of new media as well as traditional practice through personal involvement in creativity and creative practice. Central to the mission of the course is the development of your personal traits of creativity, thoughtful analysis, ingenuity, experimentation and the ability to solve problems. The goal of this course is to create a lasting, permanent, and integrated connection between the student, their own creativity, and the creative fields.

This course provides the chance for students to develop their own creativity and problem solving skills through a series of personal and inventive activities.

Central to the mission of the course is the development of your personal traits of creativity, thoughtful analysis, ingenuity, experimentation and the ability to solve problems. The goal is to create a lasting, permanent, and integrated connection between the student, their own creativity, and their own areas of study.Open and valuable to students having a wide range of interests, the course develops a skill that is valuable in all fields, creativity. 

Student Qualifications

Juniors or seniors from all fields with 3.0 GPA or instructor approval are welcome to apply. Open to 10th graders only with instructor permission.

Instructor Qualifications

Instructors apply and are selected by faculty in accordance with the U of M policy governing Academic Appointments with Teaching Functions. Once approved, an instructor is appointed as a Teaching Specialist 9754 (University Job Title and Code) in the College of Continuing and Professional Studies. Instructor qualifications are determined by the sponsoring University department.

Visit the Apply to Teach a Course page for course-specific qualifications and application steps.

Required: Johnson, S. 2009. Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation , Riverhead Trade, NY. (Cost is approximately $11 for a paperback, $15 for an ebook on Amazon in 2024)

Optional: Hokanson, B. 2017. Developing Creative Thinking Skills in Learners , Routledge, NY. (Cost is approximately $29 for a paperback, $28 for an ebook on Amazon in 2024)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a training and mentoring system for teachers new to CIS?

The faculty coordinator welcomes phone or email check-ins with individual teachers during the term to supplement the workshops during the school year and summer. A cohort listserv facilitates easy communications. New teachers also benefit from an orientation to College in the Schools that will familiarize them with the support available through CIS as well as prepare them for administrative tasks such as registering students and posting grades.

High school class schedules vary: can this course be taught by teachers on a block schedule?

The course is flexible and can be taught in a variety of schedules. A minimum of three sessions per week is required, but the course can be paced to accommodate a five class sessions a week schedule as well.

What happens at typical teacher workshops?

CIS teachers attend professional development workshops each term and in the summer to stay current with U of M curricula and the CIS program, to learn about innovative research and developments in the field, network, and share materials. Workshops serve as faculty meetings with course and program development discussions with special attention dedicated to content, pedagogy, assessment, and grading of the college courses.

What happens at typical student field days?

Students will visit the College of Design and view opportunities for study in the College, including graphic design, architecture, and product design.

High Schools Offering This Course

• Academy for Sciences and Agriculture (Vadnais Heights)
• Anoka High School
• Benilde-St. Margaret's (Saint Louis Park)
• Minnetonka High School

Free College Algebra Course with Python Code: A Comprehensive Expert Guide

Algebra provides critical skills for solving complex problems and unlocking careers in technology, engineering, science, and beyond. That‘s why I‘m thrilled to showcase this free full-semester college algebra course from freeCodeCamp, taught by an experienced university math professor who is also an expert Python coder.

In this comprehensive 2600+ word guide, I‘ll leverage my expertise as a full-stack developer to explore the course in-depth, including expanded coverage of the coding curriculum, supplemental resources, real-world applications, and the immense value of algebra for aspiring technologists.

Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash

What Makes This Algebra Course Special

While there are many free college algebra courses available online, this course from freeCodeCamp.org stands out in two important ways:

1. It‘s taught by an experienced math professor and Python developer. The instructor, Ed Pratowski, has years of university-level math teaching experience paired with expert-level Python coding abilities. This rare combination enables him to effectively teach abstract algebraic concepts while grounding lessons in concrete real-world coding examples.

2. Hands-on coding projects reinforce concepts. Rather than just seeing formulas and graphs, students use Python in Google Colab notebooks to code algebraic functions, solve problems, and visualize solutions. Creating these mini-programs cements understanding and builds valuable programming skills.

Additionally, the full 15-week curriculum is structured as a university-level semester-long course and available entirely for free on YouTube.

Who This Course Is For: Key Audiences

This algebra course is designed for a wide range of learners – both those new to algebra and those looking to fill in gaps. Specific audiences who may benefit include:

Aspiring Engineers & Computer Scientists: Algebra skills are non-negotiable for technical careers, with coding amplifying usefulness. High schoolers can build readiness. College students can solidify understanding.

Data Science & Analysis Hopefuls: Mathematically expressing relationships between variables is the foundation of modeling data. Algebra feeds directly into learning data science programming.

Career Changers: As more roles demand tech literacy, algebra and programming help transition careers. The course is paced for beginners.

Lifelong Learners: Even recreational learners can benefit from sharpening logical thinking and analysis abilities through algebra. And the coding element adds valuable real-world skills.

The hybrid course format does involve hands-on coding, so some prior programming experience can be helpful for faster traction. However, instructor walkthroughs allow coding novices to also build skills over time.

Course Curriculum Walkthrough: Key Algebra Topics

Over 15 weeks, this course methodically builds algebraic skill and coding technique covering all the core concepts in a typical college algebra course:

Week 1: Ratios, Proportions, Conversions

• Define variables, set up proportions, solve proportions
• Python coding: variables, if statements, modulus

Week 2: Linear Equations (One Variable)

• Solving equations via addition/subtraction
• Python: sympysolve symbolic math module

Week 3: Fractions, Decimals, Percents

• Connect representations, convert between forms
• Python: clean fractional/decimal conversions

Week 4: Functions, Multiple Variables

• Relationships between inputs and outputs
• Python: generate/plot coordinate tables

Week 5: Slope, Graphing Lines

• Find slope from graph or points, linear equation forms
• Python: matplotlib plots, numpy linspaces

Week 6: Factoring, Simplifying

• Factor out greatest common terms
• Python: Factorization, reduction loops

Week 7: Graphing Systems of Equations

• Visualize intersections of two equations
• Python: Plot two equation lines

Week 8: Solving Systems of Equations

• Algebraically solve two variables per equation set
• Python: Symbolic solution, numerically approximate

Week 9: Linear System Word Problems

• Model real-world scenarios as equation pairs
• Python: Logic to construct systems

Week 10: Quadratic Equations

• Vertex forms, discriminate, factorization
• Python: Dynamic parameterizable graphs

Week 11: Polynomials & Parent Graphs

• Forms, transformations, connections to exponents
• Python: General high-order polynomial graphs

Week 12: Costs, Revenues, Profits

• Model business scenarios across variables
• Python: Surfaces, optimize profits

Week 13: Exponents, Logarithms

• Scientific notation, compound interest forms
• Python: exponential curves, logistic growth

Weeks 14-15: Final Projects & Growth

• Cement core concepts, link algebra to real-world data/models
• Python: personalized data analysis

As evident by the syllabus walkthrough, this course goes far beyond textbook equations. The coding projects create meaningful connections between abstract symbols and tangible programming output.

Why Algebra Matters for Tech Careers

Beyond the intrinsic intellectual value of understanding algebraic abstraction, math and programming skills enable exciting and lucrative technology careers.

It‘s no secret that software engineering and developer roles top pay rankings year over year . The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 22% growth for these positions over the next decade, with six-figure average pay .

And developers are just one piece of the industry puzzle. Careers throughout the entire tech stack depend on mathematical competence , from data scientists and machine learning engineers to business and systems analysts.

Average Salaries for Technology Careers Requiring Math Proficiency (Source)

College algebra specifically establishes critical capacities for logical and computational thinking :

• Abstractly modeling real-world systems
• Identifying meaningful patterns and variables
• Designing functions, training predictive models
• Analyzing and optimizing complex processes

Whether you aim to be running regression analyses or recursion algorithms, algebraic intuition provides a key foundation.

Combined with coding applications, the algebra lessons in this course directly equip learners for continuing into specialized technical fields.

Comparison to Other Algebra Courses

While algebra has become a staple offering among major online course providers, most lack key elements that set the freeCodeCamp course apart:

Khan Academy: Wide range of math content but algebra videos are purely theoretical. No coding applications. Instructor not a programmer.

EdX: College algebra courses available but most still traditional lecture/textbook style. Some coding options but additional paid certifications.

Coursera: Specialized advanced algebra offerings common but few beginner-oriented. And still no integrated coding or custom solutions.

Udemy/Skillshare: Quality varies widely based on instructor. Most very short form without ongoing support. Success depends heavily on self-direction.

Ultimately, none match the expert instruction, coding interactivity, and comprehensive curriculum that the freeCodeCamp algebra course provides, complete with full-semester scope.

For motivated learners, it represents an unparalleled opportunity to build enduring algebraic competence and programming abilities without any financial barriers.

Real-World Algebra Applications

While abstract in isolation, algebra offers immense power to model real-world phenomena when paired with code implementation:

Data Science: Connecting abstract variables to real datasets via NumPy arrays or Pandas DataFrames

Finance: Using algebra to express interest rates, investments, and loans over time through Python

Science: Transforming mathematical relationships into simulation models of physics, biology, and chemistry systems

Machine Learning: Establishing statistical relationships between input data and target variables that ML models exploit

Economics: Equilibriums, supply and demand, marginal costs/revenue and associated optimizations

Social Sciences: Quantifying and predicting human behavior patterns, perceptions, decision variances

These examples just brush the surface of applied use cases. Core algebraic functions underpin many mission-critical processes across industries. Paired with coding implementations, the possibilities expand exponentially.

Supplemental Resources To Further Math Progress

While comprehensively covering typical college algebra curriculum, focused supplemental materials can help cement and even extend concepts:

Wolfram Alpha: Sophisticated computational knowledge engine useful for checking algebraic work and explorations. Can explain step-by-step solutions. Offer targeted recommendations based on gaps.

GeoGebra: Open-source graphing applet ideal for intuitive understanding before coding visualizations. Features 3D graphing, slider variables, and even calculus tools. Built-in algebra and geometry lessons available too.

Microsoft Math Solver: User-friendly algebra/calculus problem solving tool and grapher. Excellent for double-checking or walking through hairy multiline solutions. Fully explained step-by-step solutions.

Schaum‘s Math Guides: Classic series covering algebra, geometry, calculus, differential equations, and more. Concise explanations with targeted problem sets to practice core competencies. Get older editions cheaply.

Algebra Desmos Activities: Self-paced explorations of concepts like quadratic functions, transformations, factoring. Great for building graphical intuition before equations or coding.

The course instructor, Ed Pratowski, also maintains an excellent YouTube channel with further algebraic content including pre-calculus. Well worth reviewing and subscribing!

Conclusion: Invest in Transferable Skills

For any technology career path, few skills open more doors than fluent algebraic and programming abilities. This free college algebra course from freeCodeCamp offers an accessible on-ramp complete with expert instruction and hands-on coding.

The content breadth provides rock-solid conceptual foundations while the programming integration encourages practical applications. Supplemental with targeted graphical practice, extra problem sets, and leveraging powerful computational tools, and you have a recipe for excel

Whether you‘re pursuing a degree/certification, advancing your career, or just looking to exercise your mind – don‘t underestimate algebra. Combined with coding implementations, you gain a framework for understanding the world and a springboard to keep reaching higher. This course helps set you up for long-term success.

Dr. Alex Mitchell is a dedicated coding instructor with a deep passion for teaching and a wealth of experience in computer science education. As a university professor, Dr. Mitchell has played a pivotal role in shaping the coding skills of countless students, helping them navigate the intricate world of programming languages and software development.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Mitchell is an active contributor to the freeCodeCamp community, where he regularly shares his expertise through tutorials, code examples, and practical insights. His teaching repertoire includes a wide range of languages and frameworks, such as Python, JavaScript, Next.js, and React, which he presents in an accessible and engaging manner.

Dr. Mitchell’s approach to teaching blends academic rigor with real-world applications, ensuring that his students not only understand the theory but also how to apply it effectively. His commitment to education and his ability to simplify complex topics have made him a respected figure in both the university and online learning communities.

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10 Problem Solving Activities for College Students

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines – Robert H. Schuller. 

Rightly quoted by Schuller, every problem comes with a solution that needs exploration through creative thinking and analysis. Problems appear in different sizes and nature and any one solution does not apply to all of them. Hence, it is essential to acquire and practice the necessary problem-solving skills that help students deal with various challenges at different stages and areas of life.

Problems cannot be avoided however, we can always equip young adults with the necessary skills to tackle them. As college students start their journey of making new friends, building networks, and understanding a fresh world of opportunities, they are likely to come across various difficulties. For example, some college-going students might find it hard to communicate with their fellow mates while others may find it awkward to offer answers to a question asked by teachers.

Know that it is not wrong to have minor difficulties in the college year. However, it is significant to indulge students in problem-solving skills through creative games and exercises. Problem-solving skills include time management, critical thinking, and decision-making. These skills can be fostered through interesting problem-solving activities. Activities that indulge students in communication and coordination also help them become better problem solvers. In this blog post, we will explore different activities that help a growth mindset in college students.

Engaging problem-solving activities for college students

Real-life problem solving does not follow any standard procedures or formulas just like solving a mathematical problem does. It requires one to critically analyze the problem from every possible angle and come up with creative, innovative, and practical possible solutions for the same. Given that, the below-mentioned activities are based on a combination of various essential skills that play an important role in overall development.

1. What’s the Situation?

College students are likely to come across many problems in everyday group discussions and projects. This activity focuses on expanding their thought process and building a growth mindset.

• To conduct this activity, divide students into teams of 3 each
• Now, write different situations on a chit of paper and put them all in a bowl
• Call each team and let them read the situation aloud
• For example, the situation can be about hierarchical problems in a group, lack of coordination with other students, or dealing with a bully
• Give 5 minutes to the team for brainstorming and invite an open discussion of the solution 
• Inspire the students to contribute and share their views

Being an analytical thinking activity , it helps students carefully analyze situations and brainstorm potential solutions. Teachers can also offer thoughtful insights into situations. 

2. Clarity of Words

Communication is an important aspect of a problem as it is needed for analyzing the problem and discussing solutions. This activity purely focuses on joint efforts to solve a problem within a stipulated time frame.

• To conduct this activity, get building blocks and divide the students into teams of 4 
• Now, give the structure of the final product to an only team member
• The other team members should have all the building blocks
• One team member guides the other 3 members to start with the construction without having the final image
• The team member with the image is responsible for communication 
• Calculate the time taken by each team and share results at the end 

Problem-solving skills enhance when teams come together to only focus on the solution and get it done. Such an activity inspires teams to think creatively and also improve their active listening skills. 

3. Where’s the Key?

Treasure hunts are always fun; however, this activity comes with a twist. The activity incorporates communication, coordination, and brainstorming between team members.

• To conduct this activity, divide the students into teams of 3 members each
• Now, hide a key somewhere in the college 
• Give teams different hints at different levels to find the key
• For example, the first hint can be in the library and the second one can be in the auditorium 
• As students find the hint, offer them the next one and that’s how the leading team shall find the key

Solving realistic problems and getting solutions from different clues enhances creative thinking in students. They are more likely to develop a problem-solving mindset due to the challenging environment.

4. Survival of the Fittest!

When students face a real situation, they are more likely to broaden their horizons and think practically. This activity focuses on understanding life situations and being active throughout the process.

• To conduct this activity, set a situation for students 
• For example, the situation can be how students are stranded on an island
• Now, write the names of different elements that are needed for survival on an island 
• Out of the list, students can only select 5 elements to survive
• Once they have selected, present different scenarios where they need to think about the usage of elements to solve the problem 
• Invite an open discussion about solutions and cross-question them to make it interesting 

This activity can either be conducted individually or in teams. It offers practical learning where students learn the application of solutions rather than just finding them. 

5. How many Solutions?

At times, there might be no problem but many solutions that one can think of. This tricky activity tests the critical thinking of students with reference to everyday life.

• To conduct this activity, have many different products in a box
• Now, ask students to pick one and think of different uses 
• For example, if it is toothpaste, it can be used to clean teeth, clean mirrors, and even clean glass surfaces
• Have many such products and let students think of as many solutions a product can offer 

With creative thinking, students get an opportunity to understand and maximize the usage of existing products. It helps develop realistic solutions for everyday life with common products. 

6. Puzzled Us!

Puzzles are commonly used in various activities to motivate communication, thinking, and problem-solving in students. The activity is focused to help students solve something really common in an uncommon manner.

• To conduct this activity, get two huge puzzles and divide the class into two teams
• Let the class turn into an activity area 
• Now, jumble some pieces of the puzzle and let students find the missing pieces from the other team
• Here, both teams shall start building the final puzzle but simultaneously keep finding the missing pieces too
• Reward the team that finishes the puzzle first

As you mismatch some pieces of the puzzle, you are indirectly asking students to focus on the big picture. Along with problem-solving skills, leadership skills are also enhanced in this activity.

7. Quick Fix!

Finding solutions to a problem is a time-consuming process, however, some situations demand promptness. This activity focuses on empowering college students to think creatively in a quick manner. 

• To conduct this activity, have many balloons in the class
• Each balloon should have a problem stated in a chit 
• Now, divide the students into teams and make chits of all roll numbers of students
• Pick one chit and that roll number needs to burst the balloon 
• As the student bursts, he/she needs to read the problem aloud and offer a quick solution to it within a minute 
• Reward the student who successfully offers creative solutions at the end

When students are set in a challenging mood, they are more likely to arrive at solutions at a faster pace. It enables individualistic thought processes without worrying about right and wrong.

8. Hey, Challenge Me!

Everyday problems are also a unique way to foster this skill in students. This activity mainly focuses on analyzing everyday problems and finding solutions in a creative way.

• To conduct this activity, divide students into teams of 4 members each
• Now, let 2 teams sit opposite each other for the round
• Team A needs to vocalize their everyday problems and Team B needs to find creative solutions that are workable in nature
• For example, a member from Team A might say how he/she faces problems when communicating with senior teachers 
• To this, Team B now has to come up with viable solutions and solve the problem. For example, Team B might suggest Team A’s member take his/her friend along when communicating with senior teachers 
• The teacher needs to be the decider if the solutions offered are valid and workable 

As students get an opportunity to vocalize their issues, other students are likely to get motivated and raise their voices too. In such a way, students can find common ground and deal with bigger problems in unity. 

Problems come in different natures and situations. It is equally important to teach students how to deal with different problems in different ways. This activity purely focuses on taking the right course of action to solve the matter at hand.

• To conduct this activity, make 3 cards – Act, Confront, and Apologize
• Now, place the 3 cards on the table and be ready with as many situations as possible
• Call one student and speak the situation aloud
• After listening, students need to decide the course of action to solve the problem at hand
• My friend did not choose me for the group project. It is bothering me but I am not able to do anything.
• I was scolded by a teacher for an imperfect presentation. However, I’m not very good at it.
• My mind is occupied with the thought of flood conditions in other countries.
• For such situations, students have to choose if they want to act, confront or apologize 
• Ask them to state reasons as to why they would choose a particular card and how will it solve the problem

Students are more likely to broaden their thinking capabilities when given situations that they don’t exactly relate to. With such an activity, instruct them about examples of self-management skills which allows them to better understand their choices in the problem-solving concept.

10. Brand Failure!

Giving realistic situations to students helps them become better at problem-solving. It also allows them to look at the big picture and solve problems from different perspectives.

• To conduct this activity, turn the classroom into an office
• Now, make teams of 10 students each and let them sit just the way employees sit for a conference 
• For example, you may present the case study of how the product of Nestlé, Maggi, was banned due to contents of lead and MSG found in it
• After this, invite an open discussion as to how they would tackle the problem 
• Ask them to think of marketing campaigns or advertisement initiatives to deal with the problem

As students learn about branding and facing problems from the consumer perspective, they get a border opportunity to think like marketing managers. It boosts their confidence as no solution is right or wrong.

Wrapping up…

Problem-solving activities are an effective way to showcase students’ various problems and how to deal with them. Practical application of skills helps to boost their morale. As college students are also exposed to problems of different levels and perspectives, they are more likely to learn, evolve and become thoughtful of their actions. It should be noted that every student learns at a different pace and encouraging them to arrive at creative solutions is a must-do! 

Along with this, teachers can also use different examples of problem-solving skills , games, and interesting quotes to create a diversified learning environment. In conclusion, the skill is an essential step for students to perform better in their future endeavors with a growth-oriented focus.

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of  Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

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AP Statistics

Ap statistics course and exam description.

This is the core document for the course.

Preview the Revised AP Statistics Course Framework

This draft AP Statistics course framework (.pdf) includes proposed revisions to the course content. Revisions would take effect in the 2026-27 school year or later.

Course Overview

AP Statistics is an introductory college-level statistics course that introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students cultivate their understanding of statistics using technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they explore concepts like variation and distribution; patterns and uncertainty; and data-based predictions, decisions, and conclusions.

Course and Exam Description

This is the core document for this course. Unit guides clearly lay out the course content and skills and recommend sequencing and pacing for them throughout the year. The CED was updated in March 2021.

Course Resources

Ap statistics course overview.

This resource provides a succinct description of the course and exam.

AP Statistics Course and Exam Description Walk-Through

Learn more about the CED in this interactive walk-through.

AP Statistics Course at a Glance

Excerpted from the AP Statistics Course and Exam Description, the Course at a Glance document outlines the topics and skills covered in the AP Statistics course, along with suggestions for sequencing.

AP Statistics CED Errata Sheet

This document details the updates made to the course and exam description (CED) in March 2021.

Course Content

Based on the Understanding by Design® (Wiggins and McTighe) model, this course framework provides a clear and detailed description of the course requirements necessary for student success. The framework specifies what students must know, be able to do, and understand, with a focus on three big ideas that encompass the principles and processes in the discipline of statistics. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students for advanced coursework in statistics or other fields using statistical reasoning and for active, informed engagement with a world of data to be interpreted appropriately and applied wisely to make informed decisions.

The AP Statistics framework is organized into nine commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.

Course Skills

The AP Statistics framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like statisticians.

AP and Higher Education

Higher education professionals play a key role in developing AP courses and exams, setting credit and placement policies, and scoring student work. The AP Higher Education section features information on recruitment and admission, advising and placement, and more.

This chart  shows recommended scores for granting credit, and how much credit should be awarded, for each AP course. Your students can look up credit and placement policies for colleges and universities on the  AP Credit Policy Search .

Meet the AP Statistics Development Committee

The AP Program is unique in its reliance on Development Committees. These committees, made up of an equal number of college faculty and experienced secondary AP teachers from across the country, are essential to the preparation of AP course curricula and exams.

AP Statistics Development Committee

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Introduction to engineering courses

Each of the seven engineering departments teaches an introductory engineering elective course. Every first-year engineering student must select one such course per semester (for a total of two). The purpose of these courses is to allow students to get a glimpse of engineering from the beginning of your study at Carnegie Mellon and to become broadly educated across engineering disciplines while learning how to solve engineering problems.

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All introduction to engineering courses are 12 units. Please note that Engineering & Public Policy and Biomedical Engineering are double majors ONLY. To pursue undergraduate study in these areas, they must be paired with one of the five traditional majors.

Introductory engineering course options

06-100  introduction to chemical engineering.

We equip students with creative engineering problem-solving techniques and fundamental chemical engineering material for balanced skills. Lectures, laboratory experiments, and recitation sessions are designed to provide coordinated training and experience in data analysis, material property estimation for single- and multi-phase systems, basic process flowsheets, reactive and non-reactive mass balances, problem-solving strategies and tools, and team dynamics. The course is targeted for College of Engineering First-Year students.

12-100  Exploring CEE: Infrastructure and Environment in a Changing World

Civil and Environmental Engineers (CEEs) engage in the planning, design, construction, operation, retrofit, demolition, and reuse of large-scale infrastructure that forms the backbone of all societies and economies. CEEs work at the dynamic interface of the built environment, information environment, and natural environment. Therefore, societal domains that require CEE expertise include smart cities and construction, sustainable energy and buildings, connected and automated transportation systems, resilient infrastructure, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and water management.

Students will explore how sensing, data science, environmental science, life cycle systems and economic analysis, and infrastructure design are integrated to create a built environment that meets the needs of smart and connected communities while enhancing sustainability.

Students work on team-based design-build projects that introduce principles from environmental, structural, construction engineering, and project management. Students learn technical skills as well as methods for management and design considerations that include uncertainty, economics, and ethics for modern and future infrastructure.

18-100  Introduction to Electrical & Computer Engineering

This course introduces students to a broad scope of electrical and computer engineering. The objectives are to prepare students for the next tier of ECE core courses and to excite them about ECE. The course covers topics such as Data Processing, Data Transmission, and Data Storage. Specific coverage includes electronic circuits basics, computer logic, CPU, von Neumann architecture, embedded systems, capacitors, inductors, amplifiers, analog filters, analog to digital conversion, digital filters, wireless communication, fiber communication, computer network, data center and storage technologies, modern cryptography, and machine learning. On each of these subjects, the course will focus on certain topics to give an appreciative depth and help students understand the essence of the subject. Lectures will be accompanied by labs, which may include hands-on building of circuits, embedded systems, computer networks, and a machine learning lab.

24-101  Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the field of mechanical engineering through an exposition of its disciplines, including structural analysis, mechanism design, fluid flows, and thermal systems. By using principles and methods of analysis developed in lectures, students will complete two major projects. These projects will begin with conceptualization, proceed with the analysis of candidate designs, and culminate in the construction and testing of a prototype. The creative process will be encouraged throughout. The course is intended primarily for College of Engineering first-year students.

27-100  Engineering the Materials of the Future

Materials form the foundation for all engineering applications. Advances in materials and their processing drive all technologies, including the broad areas of nano-, bio-, energy, and electronic (information) technology. Performance requirements for future applications require that engineers continue to design both new structures and new processing methods in order to engineer materials with improved properties. Applications such as optical communication, tissue and bone replacement, fuel cells, and information storage, to name a few, exemplify areas where new materials are required to realize many of the envisioned future technologies. This course provides an introduction to how science and engineering can be exploited to design materials for many applications. The principles behind the design and exploitation of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites are presented using examples from everyday life, as well as from existing, new, and future technologies. A series of laboratory experiments are used as a hands-on approach to illustrating modern practices used in the processing and characterization of materials and for understanding and improving materials' properties.

19-101  Introduction to Engineering & Public Policy

This course examines interactions between technology, society, and the related processes of public and private decision-making. Classes involve a mix of lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities where students tackle interdisciplinary issues with both quantitative and qualitative methods. Students complete individual and group assignments that build skills in analysis and communication relevant for future careers. Past project topics include: using drone imaging to assess algal blooms in Lake Erie, incorporating renewable electricity generation on campus, reducing credit card fraud through data analytics, and creating standards for additive manufacturing of critical airplane parts.

42-101  Introduction to Biomedical Engineering

This course will provide exposure to basic biology and engineering problems associated with living systems and health care delivery. Examples will be used to illustrate how basic concepts and tools of science and engineering can be brought to bear in understanding, mimicking, and utilizing biological processes. The course will focus on four areas: biotechnology, biomechanics, biomaterials, and tissue engineering. The course will also cover bioimaging and will introduce the basic life sciences and engineering concepts associated with these topics. Pre-requisite OR co-requisite: 03-121 Modern Biology.

49-101 Engineering Design, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

*For double majors only. This course will introduce formal engineering innovation and design methods to form new opportunities, product/service solutions, and ventures within a team-based project, with particular emphasis on the translation and integration of technologies into products, services, and venture solutions. The skills learned in this course can be applied to the for-profit sector and also in the context of projects for social good. Effective communication of ideas will also be emphasized. This semester-long course will combine lecture and studio activities. One introductory course of this nature exists for each undergraduate engineering major, and taking this course is a requirement to enter the program.

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Creative Problem Solving

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There are 4 modules in this course

This course deals directly with your ability for creativity which is a critical skill in any field. It focuses on divergent thinking, the ability to develop multiple ideas and concepts to solve problems. Through a series of creativity building exercises, short lectures, and readings, learners develop both an understanding of creativity and increase their own ability.

This course will help you understand the role of creativity and innovation in your own work and in other disciplines. It will challenge you to move outside of your existing comfort zone and to recognize the value of that exploration. This course will help you understand the importance of diverse ideas, and to convey that understanding to others. The principal learning activity in the course is a series of "differents" where you are challenged to identify and change your own cultural, habitual, and normal patterns of behavior. Beginning with a prompt, e.g. "eat something different", you will begin to recognize your own = limits and to overcome them. In addition, you are encouraged to understand that creativity is based on societal norms, and that by it's nature, it will differ from and be discouraged by society. In this course, the persistence of the creative person is developed through practice. At the same time, these exercises are constrained by concerns of safety, legality, and economics, which are addressed in their creative process.

Introduction to the Course

Creativity is a skill that can be developed. It requires extensive work by learners, but the lessons, while not conveying traditional content, will change you in ways you do not foresee, but ways which are valuable. The course is a hybrid; it will involve reading, writing, discussions, as well as specific exercises designed to increase and improve your creative skills. You will do work online as well as in the real world; it is designed to be fun and to change your ability for creativity.

What's included

8 videos 3 readings 1 quiz 1 peer review 1 discussion prompt

8 videos • Total 43 minutes

• Welcome/Introduction • 3 minutes • Preview module
• Course Methods: Creative Skill Development • 7 minutes
• Idea Generation: Brick Activity • 4 minutes
• DSD General Introduction • 5 minutes
• DSD 1 Eat introduction • 1 minute
• Critiquing and Making Improvements • 2 minutes
• Brief tutorial on shooting pictures for the class • 16 minutes
• Dr. Sauman Chu: Programs Offered at the College of Design • 3 minutes

3 readings • Total 30 minutes

• Introduction - read this first • 10 minutes
• The Creativity Crisis [ published in Newsweek 2010 ] • 10 minutes
• Learn more about the College of Design, University of Minnesota • 10 minutes

1 quiz • Total 30 minutes

• #1: Newsweek • 30 minutes

1 peer review • Total 60 minutes

• DSD 1: Eat Something Different - turn in here and critique others • 60 minutes

1 discussion prompt • Total 10 minutes

• Share and reflect on your work from DSD1 : Eat • 10 minutes

Divergent and Convergent Thinking

In this unit we'll look as some of the ways we can describe creativity and examine the concepts of divergent and convergent thinking. We'll look at generating more ideas, how to critique and make improvements, and continue to practice our development of ideas. Practice and exploration continue as these are the means we will continue to improve our own creativity.

4 videos 1 reading 2 quizzes 1 peer review 1 discussion prompt

4 videos • Total 35 minutes

• Divergent and Convergent Thinking • 9 minutes • Preview module
• Play and Creativity • 7 minutes
• DSD 2: Child • 0 minutes
• Steven JohnsonTED talk: Where Good Ideas Come From • 17 minutes

1 reading • Total 10 minutes

• Steven Johnson - Where Good Ideas Come From • 10 minutes

2 quizzes • Total 5 minutes

• Originality Development Engine #1 [do this each week] • 5 minutes
• Where Good Ideas Come From Introduction • 0 minutes

1 peer review • Total 240 minutes

• DSD2: [Child]: Turn in your project and critique others • 240 minutes
• Post and discuss Do Something Different 2 - Child • 10 minutes

Creativity, Motivation and Observation

Sometimes, we need external methods to help us touch all the bases in our creative capability. Here, we'll look at a couple of good methods for helping us generate new ideas.There are a wide range of creativity exercises available; these are but a few. Finding and practicing the development of ideas is an important aspect to becoming more creative.

7 videos 1 reading 1 quiz 1 peer review 1 discussion prompt

7 videos • Total 23 minutes

• Applying Divergent and Convergent Thinking • 3 minutes • Preview module
• Creativity and Motivation • 4 minutes
• Mindmapping • 3 minutes
• Beliefs, Habits, Skills and Knowledge • 2 minutes
• Give Differently Introduction • 0 minutes
• Attribute Listing: Observation and Application • 4 minutes
• Bricolage + Exquisite Corpse as Creativity Techniques • 3 minutes
• Chapter 1: Developing Creative Thinking Skills • 10 minutes

1 quiz • Total 5 minutes

• Originality Development Engine #2 [do this each week] • 5 minutes
• DSD 3 [Give]: Submission and critique of others • 240 minutes
• Do Something Different 3: Give • 10 minutes

Creativity and Observation

A lot of the time, creativity can be spurred by something in the environment, triggering connections with new ideas. We react to things we have seen and our experiences; that is from where we build our new ideas. While much of this course has focused on ways to improve your own creativity, the larger goal of the course is for you to continue to develop your own creativity, in your own way and in your own life. This module continues the development creativity and give you the chance to begin planning your continued development.

7 videos 2 readings 1 quiz 1 discussion prompt

7 videos • Total 30 minutes

• Creativity and Motivation • 4 minutes • Preview module
• Brush Your Teeth • 2 minutes
• Left Brain/Right Brain Thinking • 5 minutes
• Top 10 Things About Creativity • 8 minutes
• Moving Forward • 5 minutes
• Conclusion • 1 minute
• Creativity Models and Theories • 4 minutes

2 readings • Total 30 minutes

• An external evaluation of your creative lifestyle • 20 minutes
• Creativity Resources and Tools • 10 minutes
• Originality Development Engine #3 [do this each week] PC • 5 minutes
• Develop your own ideas for doing something different • 10 minutes

The University of Minnesota is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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2,348 reviews

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2017

Excellent premise, good suggestions. Some technical issues with repeated videos & lack of experience w/talking to a camera instead of a person, but nothing too distracting.

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2021

A concise and informative course. The course consolidates my fundamental knowledge about the different components and concepts of problem-solving and decision-making. I really learned a lot.

Reviewed on May 26, 2020

After studying this course, I was confident in doing something different for myself / everyone around me to make life more fun, more creative. Thanks for the course and the instructors.

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Design a Dry River Bed and Solve Your Drainage Problem

At my new house, my front lawn was all mud and pools of uneven, soggy ground. Rather than put all that water into the city drains, I redirected it to filter through the soil and water the surrounding plants. Design your own dry river bed, and you just might make your own drainage problems disappear…poof!

In my front yard, I planted a beautiful, meadow-like wildflower lawn . So far, it’s been the star of the block, as everyone stops and admires it.

For the wildflower lawn, I used the West Coast Seed Alternative Lawn Mix Wildflowers . I didn’t realize just how many wildflowers it would produce!

Because it has turf grasses, I thought there would be only a few flowers among the grass. I thought I would be able to mow it and use it like any other lawn.

But that hasn’t been the case at all. My expectations of the wildflower lawn were just blown out of the water.

While beautiful, and I wouldn’t change a thing, it meant that w alking through our garden wasn’t going to be possible. To get to the backyard, we would go down the sidewalk, through a gate, down the street, and through another gate.

Complicated right?

I knew I needed a solution, and rather than build a simple pathway, I decided to solve another problem with my garden: the drainage.

Here’s how I made my dry river and what to know before you build your own.

What is a Dry River?

Picking a location for your dry river bed, how to make a dry river bed for drainage, maintaining your dry river, landscaping your dry river bed, more ways to design a drought-friendly garden.

Dry rivers are an ornamental solution to drainage problems in the garden. They create a water catchment space where water from your home can filter back into the soil. The surrounding plants can then reach down with their deeper roots and hydrate. It’s a win-win!

Dry river beds are made with river stones and mimic the look of a wild river. The result is a very natural-looking rock element in your garden. It can blend in or become a feature in itself, being both aesthetic and functional.

When I first moved into my house, it was evident that the front yard had a drainage problem. It was muddy and puddly and neglected.

I was initially inspired to put in a dry river because of the way the eavestroughs were designed. The gutters that collect off the roof were a little broken and poorly maintained and drained directly into the soil or went into underground pipes that took the water away from the house.

The yard, as a result has a very high water table. This means that in the summer drought months, the plants do quite well because they get enough supplemental water. I haven’t had to provide ANY supplemental water for my wildflower lawn so far.

But it also holds lots of water when things are cooler, and anything that doesn’t like wet feet won’t do well. The grass didn’t do well at all prior to the wildflower lawn, as it was just too damp in the winter months.

Some of the water is redirected into the city runoff and then piped out to the ocean. This isn’t ideal, either. It doesn’t allow any of the rain that would naturally fall there to return to the soil. We should use the existing water on the land to support the plants.

This left me in a tricky spot, as I didn’t want to put any kind of drainage too close to the house—this can be problematic and cause rot on the house’s frame.

So I redirected the water back into the land, where it could be properly and efficiently drained. I moved the water to go into about the middle of the lawn where it would be away from the house but still feed the surrounding plants.

The first thing I did was redirect the eavestroughs to the middle of the wildflower lawn. This did mean I had to do some digging up, so more on that later!

I chose a general shape for my dry river, giving it curves and a naturalistic shape to weave through my lawn as a pathway, digging the flowers out as I went.

I then put a layer of landscape fabric over top of the curve I created. Depending on how much water and drainage you need, you can dig deeper and add a base layer of gravel to help hold onto excess rainwater. See an example of that kind of dry river bed in this post.

For me, I just topped off my landscape fabric with river stones in two different sizes . I have smaller ones that are about 1-2 inches, and then larger stones that are 2-4 inches. So far, it’s been all I need!

I then had Kiddo reorganize the rocks. He wanted to organize them so that the larger ones were on the outside and the smaller ones were on the inside. We didn’t use any kind of edging.

Kiddo feels a lot of pride doing work in the garden , and he talks about the dry river all the time. I love seeing him become attached to the garden.

So far, the only maintenance I’ve done to my front yard is to take grass shears and cut back the flowers along the edge of the dry river bed.

While I wanted a walking path, it is a little bit unstable to walk on. For someone like me with a disability, having a riverstone walkway can be a bit of a challenge. Twisted ankles are definitely a concern.

But for my family, it’s not supposed to be a major walking path. There will be no wheelbarrows or people walking it daily. It’s just for the animals and our family to use when they need to traverse across the wildflowers.

I may adjust it in the future, but for now, I’m content. What you can also do is add natural paver stones to the center to make it look more like a walkway.

Your dry river shouldn’t need much maintenance, but make any necessary adjustments as you go. It won’t be immediately evident how the drainage will work until it rains!

When I removed the wildflowers, I tried to keep them and transplant them. While the sweet alyssum transplanted well, most of the other flowers didn’t.

On one side of the dry river towards the house, I ended up digging out any remaining wildflowers and turning that space into a drought tolerant herb garden . So far, I have lavender , sage , rosemary , and some yarrow .

These drought tolerant plants will not need supplemental water in the summer, but the dry river will also help keep moisture in the ground where the deep roots of the perennials can reach them.

And the plants look beautiful as well!

Dry rivers are very similar to rain gardens and have many of the same principles. You can find more landscaping and plant ideas for your dry river in this rain gardens post.

• Design a Rain Garden to Redirect and Filter Rainwater
• 7 Ways to Reduce Water Usage While Gardening
• From Lawn to Urban Meadow: My Alternative Lawn Guide
• Top 21 Drought-Tolerant Perennials

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This FREE 5-day mini course will help you set up a thriving garden for wellness and joy, quickly and easily.

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