Curated OER
Jo's Table
Second graders work on the problem with a partner. They examine what they are supposed to be doing. They share the students's solutions making sure than they are looking for patterns along the diagonals.
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Pigs and Ducks
Second graders use multiplication to solve problems. They use the multiplication facts for 2 and 4. Students combine operations to solve the problem and they devise and apply problem solving strategies.
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PSTV
Students figure the amount of programs can fit into a certain time frame. The use of problem solving allows for the student to examine how things can occupy time. They measure the time frame for one program then use that amount to...
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Strawberry Milk
Students work in groups or alone to solve the problem. They use a systematic approach to get all possible answers. They report back to the class with solutions. They may extend their studying using a crate with room for 9 bottles.
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Not Enough Drawers
Students describe three different categories to sort into. They sort these clothes into these three chosen categories. After asking questions the student divide the clothes.
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Measurement
Students use arithmetic in a practical situation using time and distance.
As the calculations involved in this problem involve single digit addition and multiplication it offers a good opportunity to encourage the students's use of...
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Coin Exchange
Second graders explore the concept of money and simple arithmetic. They represent a sum of money using various combinations of coins and devise and use problem solving strategies to explore mathematical situations.
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Blindfolds
Students stand blindfolded and turn clockwise, then counterclockwise and take 3 steps forward and make a half turn clockwise and walk 3 more steps. They discuss where they ended up and how else they could end up in the same place.
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Lots of Squares
Learners work in pairs, to make a square on the geoboards with a rubber band (or draw one on the dot paper). It can be any size and in any location and share their answers with the class.
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Rabbits
Students review what they think doubling means and double numbers mentally, for example, 5, 12, 16. They share their solutions and discuss how they doubled. They work together on a problem that is beyond mental working and solve...
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Toothpick squares
Students state the general rule for a practical situation. They describe a continuing pattern. They use toothpicks to help visualize the problem and answer it correctly.
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The 500 Problem
Pupils explain face, place and total value of numbers as well as solve three-digit subtraction problems. Before trying answer the problem Students must be able to examine that the same digit is used to represent different amounts.
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Darts Game
Third graders attempt to determine what the scores of the game in the problem could be. They work with basic multiplication facts to justify the solutions to a dart game and share all of the possible scores.
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Super Darts
Students invent a new game using 2 rings, 4 darts, and a dartboard. They listen to the problem and brainstorm solving strategies. Students that finish early should try to invent their own super darts problem.
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Triangular Numbers
Students are introduced to the problem and brainstorm ideas for approaching the problem and keeping track of what has been done. They work in pairs and share their answers, explaining their reasoning.
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Copycats
Third graders describe the features of 2 and 3 dimensional objects and use the language of geometry. They design and make a pattern which involves translation, reflection or rotation.
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Basketball Caps
Students work on a problem, individually or in pairs. They are asked questions that focus on average. They discus that the average number represents an equal redistribution , rather than just being able to state the rule. They write...
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Coin Shake-Up
Students discuss problem and take turns in pairs, one tossing the coins while the other guesses whether the coins land with the same side up or different sides up. They record the results of each guess as same or different.
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Brian's Pegboard I
Third graders focus on developing a systematic approach to problem solving while working on a problem that requires them to determine possible outcomes. They use a pegboard as a manipulative in this problem.
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Counting Pills
Students are introduced to the problem. They brainstorm ideas for approaching the problem and keeping track of what has been done. Students work on the problem in pairs to discover what strategies might help to find the answer.
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The Topsy-Turvy Twins
Fourth graders read the problem and brainstorm for ways to solve the problem - list these on the board for the students to refer to as they solve the problem. They work in pairs and focus on the strategy selected.
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Paul's Patterns
Fourth graders listen to the problem. As the students work ask them questions that require them to describe the patterns in their own words.
If the students are having problems with finding the patterns encourage them to explore the...
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Moana's Watch
Fourth graders observe a digital watch and understand that it loses 11 seconds a day. Students work on the problem and focus their thinking on the calculations that they are using. They then share solutions.
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More No-Three-In-A-Line
Fourth graders read Mary's problem and make sure that they examine it.
After some discussion, let the class work on the problem in their groups.
They then take turns in putting a picture of their arrangement on the board.