The goal Our goal is to be able to solve problems reliably in all areas in which mathematics can be used effectively. An important step in achieving this goal is to recognize that all living things exhibit innate problem solving abilities and all solve problems in basically the same way albeit, using different tools appropriate to the situation.
Problem solving is a natural process.
A plant in need of energy turns its leaves toward the sun. A paramecium will travel in the direction toward nutrients or preferred temperature. Ants will leave pheneromes that mark the path from food to nest. Many examples of responding to a need to produce a result can be identified. A problem may be characterized by the need to accomplish a goal.