Curated OER
Problem Solving
Second graders practice problem solving strategies. In this problem solving lesson plan, 2nd graders use strategies such as guess and check, acting out, drawing pictures and looking for patterns to solve problems. Students work in groups...
EngageNY
Two-Step Problems—All Operations
Step 1: Use the resource. Step 2: Watch your class become experts in solving two-step problems. Scholars learn to solve two-step word problems in context. They use tape diagrams and algebraic techniques to break the problem into two,...
Kenan Fellows
Designing and Analyzing Data Collected from Wearable Devices to Solve Problems in Health Care
Wearable devices have become more the norm than the exception. Learners analyze data from a sample device with a regression analysis in a helpful hands-on instructional activity. Their focus is to determine if there is a connection...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Solving Inequalities
What does translating points on a number line have to do with solving inequalities? Young mathematicians first learn about translations of points on a number line, and then use this information to solve linear inequalities in one variable.
Curated OER
Nothing But Problems
Here is a fabulous lesson on problem solving in the mathematical world. In it, third and fourth graders get lots of great coaching on how to approach word problems, and how to best find a solution. They watch an episode of Reading...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Can You Solve the Mystery of the Variable?
Solving a murder is like isolating a variable. Using a video on a murder mystery, the narrator introduces the idea of solving a literal equation for one variable. After solving several equations, the class comes up with a set of...
Curated OER
Problem Solving Process: One-To-One Correspondence
First graders observe and demonstrate a variety of problem solving strategies to solve problems involving one-to-one correspondence and whole numbers to 100. They discuss the steps of the problem solving process, and solve a word...
EngageNY
Problem Solving and the Coordinate Plane
Class members investigate rectangles on the coordinate plane. They determine the length of line segments in the coordinate plane with the same x-coordinate or same y-coordinate and then solve geometric problems involving perimeter and...
EngageNY
Applying Tangents
What does geometry have to do with depression? It's an angle of course! Learners apply the tangent ratio to problem solving questions by finding missing lengths. Problems include angles of elevation and angles of depression. Pupils make...
Willow Tree
Solving Inequalities
What does solving an inequality have in common with solving an equation? Almost everything! A math resource focuses on the one exception. The examples lead learners through the steps of solving an equality when multiplying or dividing by...
Curated OER
Outdoor Activities/Problem Solving: Math Goes to the Playground
Students build their math skills outdoors. In this early childhood math lesson, students use comparative language as they chart and graph the items on their playground.
Curated OER
Using Proportions to Solve Problems
Skittles and math? Pupils will work as a class to determine how many orange Skittles are in a large bag by using proportions. They will problem solve, estimate, and share their thinking. Then, they will each receive a small bag of...
Curated OER
Problem Solving and the Sports Page
The use of box scores from baseball games is the foundation of this math lesson. Organize your class into groups of four, and give identical box scores from a baseball game that was just played. Have them create word problems from the...
Curated OER
Problem Solving: Steps and Strategies
Students explore the concept of problem solving strategies. In this problem solving strategies lesson, students discuss methods for solving problems such as re-reading a problem, stating the facts, drawing a picture and so on. Students...
EngageNY
Writing and Solving Linear Equations
Incorporate geometry into the solving linear equations lesson. Pupils use their knowledge of geometry to write linear equations which reinforces geometry measurement concepts while at the same time providing a familiar context for...
EngageNY
Mental Math
Faster than a speedy calculator! Show your classes how to use polynomial identities to multiply numbers quickly using mental math.
Curated OER
Solving a Simple Maze
It is a-maze-ing how lost one can get. Teams reconstruct a simple maze and solve it. Participants create an algorithm that a robot would follow in order to solve the maze as well. The activity includes an extension directing pupils to...
Virginia Department of Education
Modeling Division of Fractions
Provide a meaningful context for learning about the division of fractions with this upper-elementary math instructional activity. Presented with a simple, real-world problem, young mathematicians work in small groups to develop visual...
Curated OER
Building a Paper Bridge: an Introduction To Problem Solving
Eighth graders explore problem solving strategies to build a paper bridge with a partner. As a class they discuss a variety of techniques to solve a simple problem, then in pairs construct the longest non-supported single span bridge...
Curated OER
Be a Problem Solving Star
Third graders observe a math problem and discuss what it is and what they should do with it. They are introduced to the STAR steps for problem solving and discuss how to use it to answer math problems as well as incorporating some of the...
EngageNY
Multi-Step Problems—All Operations
Harness the power of algebra to solve problems. Young mathematicians learn to work out multi-step problems by applying algebraic techniques, such as solving equations and proportions. They use tape diagrams to model the problem to finish...
EngageNY
Tax, Commissions, Fees, and Other Real-World Percent Problems
Pupils work several real-world problems that use percents in the 11th portion of a 20-part series. The problems contain percents involved with taxes, commissions, discounts, tips, fees, and interest. Scholars use the equations formed for...
Virginia Department of Education
Practical Problems Involving Decimals
After discussing decimals and "going shopping" in the classroom, young mathematicians are given four practical word problems that require them to estimate their answers, given specific information. The highlight of the lesson is having...
EngageNY
Solving Radical Equations
Learners solve complex radical equations. Solutions vary from one, two, and none, allowing pupils to gain experience solving a variety of problems.