Curated OER
Open-Ended Problem Solving - Math
If you are looking for an end-of-the-year math assessment, then this instructional activity could be for you! Your mathematicians are assessed on their ability to solve difficult, multi-step word problems that take quite a bit of thought...
Curated OER
Creating Open-ended Problems in Algebra
Creating open-ended algebra problems can help students develop the critical thinking skills they need.
University of Kansas
Exponential and Logarithm Problems
This worksheet manages to provide both fun and serious work solving exponential and logarithmic application problems in engaging story lines and real-life situations. A strong emphasis on science applications and numbers pulled straight...
Willow Tree
Problem Solving
School subjects connect when your young scholars use math to edit English. Math allows you to convert an entire paragraph into a simple equation or inequality. Examples encourage learners to write expressions, equations, and inequalities...
Pearson
Performance Based Assessment Practice Test (Geometry)
The incredibly broad topic base of a geometry class makes full-length practice tests like this one, especially ones that include a number of open response questions, invaluable. Here the class can really get that hands-on experience...
Pearson
Performance Based Assessment Practice Test (Algebra II)
A full-length practice test like this one, especially one that includes a number of open response questions, is a phenomenal tool in a class as rigorous as algebra 2. Here the learners can really get that hands-on experience wrestling...
Illustrative Mathematics
How Many Cells Are in the Human Body?
Investigating the large numbers of science is the task in a simple but deep activity. Given a one-sentence problem set-up and some basic assumptions, the class sets off on an open-ended investigation that really gives some context to all...
Illustrative Mathematics
$20 Dot Map
Challenge the addition skills of young learners with this open-ended math problem. The task is simple, get from start to finish by connecting a series of three numbers. The trick is that the sum of the numbers must be less than or equal...
Curated OER
Finding the Area of Shapes
In this area of shapes unit, upper graders participate in hands-on problem solving activities to find the formulas for the area of a parallelogram, a triangle, and a trapezoid. They manipulate the geoboard to explore relationships among...
EngageNY
Population Problems
Find the percent of the population that meets the criteria. The 17th segment of a 20-part unit presents problems that involve percents of a population. Pupils use tape diagrams to create equations to find the percents of subgroups of the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Field Day Scarcity
Introduce young mathematicians to concepts of financial literacy with this open-ended word problem. With seven dollars to spend during field day and given a list of available items and their prices, children must determine how they want...
Curated OER
Quiz: Open Ended Integer Problems
In this open ended integer problem instructional activity, students read story problems and translate them into equations. Afterward, they solve for the unknown. This one-page instructional activity contains ten problems.
EngageNY
End-of-Module Assessment Task: Grade 7 Mathematics Module 6
Determine the level of understanding within your classes using a summative assessment. As the final lesson in a 29-part module, the goal is to assess the topics addressed during the unit. Concepts range from linear angle relationships,...
University of California
The End of the Cold War (1979-1991)
Scholars use primary and secondary documents, as well as video evidence, to investigate the end of the Cold War. After completing the final installment of an eight-part series, class members better understand the issues surrounding the...
Illustrative Mathematics
The Lighthouse Problem
Long considered the symbol of safe harbor and steadfast waiting, the lighthouse gets a mathematical treatment. The straightforward question of distance to the horizon is carefully presented, followed by a look into the different...
Teach Engineering
It's Tiggerific!
Spring into elastic potential energy with a lesson that provides background information on determining the elastic potential energy of springs and other elastic materials. General energy equations emphasize the conservation of energy and...
EngageNY
End-of-Module Assessment Task - Grade 8 Mathematics (Module 2)
Can your classes apply the knowledge they have learned? Use this performance task to find out! Individuals use transformations to explain congruence and angle relationships within parallel lines to find missing values. They show what...
Curated OER
Ten Money Word Problems
Play with money! There are 10 word problems given; can your learners count the money in each and provide the correct answer? If possible, consider providing change for each learner to physically work out the answer.
EngageNY
Counting Problems
Solving these percent problems is a matter of counting. Pupils find percents by counting the number of events that meet the criteria and the total number of possibilities. Participants create the ratio and convert it to a percent to...
Illustrative Mathematics
Equal Area Triangles on the Same Base II
A deceptively simple question setup leads to a number of attack methods and a surprisingly sophisticated solution set in this open-ended problem. Young geometers of different strengths can go about defining the solutions graphically,...
Illustrative Mathematics
How Many Leaves on a Tree?
This is great go-to activity for those spring or fall days when the weather beckons your geometry class outside. Learners start with a small tree, devising strategies to accurately estimate the leaf count. They must then tackle the...
Curated OER
Right Place, Right Time
In this right place, right time worksheet, students read train timetables and apply the information to answer math word problems. Students solve eight word problems.
Curated OER
The "Heart" of the Problem
Students explore mathematical operations while studying nutrition. In this physical fitness lesson, students explore calories, pulse rate, and the circulatory system. Students use mathematical data to create a healthy physical fitness...
EngageNY
Structure in Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Don't allow those polynomial functions to misbehave! Understand the end behavior of a polynomial function based on the degree and leading coefficient. Learners examine the patterns of even and odd degree polynomials and apply them to...