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Big Steps
Second graders practice developing strategies for mental calculation when counting in 10s and 100s. They mentally perform calculations involving addition and subtraction to be able to state the difference between numbers by counting in...
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Fold and Cut 2
Second graders make, name, and describe, using their own language and the language of geometry, everyday shapes and objects. They create and discuss geometric patterns which repeat (show translation), or which have rotational or...
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Odd One Out
Ninth graders identify and describe in their own language, the following 2-dimensional shapes: square, circle, box, pentagon; classify objects by shape attributes. They then list a number of properties that distinguish squares from...
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Who Plays What?
Ninth graders divide in pairs 3 cards with the words possible, impossible and certain on them. Ask questions of the class and get the students to hold up the word that describes the event (for example) Tomorrow it will snow. You have...
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The Folding Problem
Ninth graders experiment with paper folding to create geometrical shapes. Students analyze the Copymaster of the problem. After the students have worked on their own for a while, stop them and discuss.
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Fifty Toes
Young scholars guess the subject of the given problem by reasoning. Then they discuss the ways that the problem could be solved by keeping track of their counting in 10s and showing their work.
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A Square of Circles
Second graders practice calculations and working with even and odd numbers. They perform mental calculations involving addition. Students devise and use problem solving strategies to solve problems.
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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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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
Students 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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The 500 Problem
Students 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
Learners 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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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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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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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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How High?
Fourth graders play an estimation game to guess how sheets of paper are in a pile and then guess who high a stack of one million would be. They work in small groups to explore ideas for working out how high the stack would be.
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Spheres
High schoolers work algebraic expressions with various types of powers to find the solutions. They Students also become familiar with problems that involve the square roots of numbers. The work should be completed with computational...
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Rows of Numbers
Students generate patterns from a structured situation, find a rule for the general term, and express it in words and symbols. They also devise and use problem solving strategies in a systematic way.