Pennsylvania Department of Education
Problem-Solving
Pupils help solve real-life classroom problems. In this problem solving activity, the class sits down as a whole and discusses possible solutions to real problems that they face as a class.
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Hooked On Problem Solving
Fourth graders use properties of operations and problem-solving strategies to do mental calculations, and look for patterns in the solutions. They create an array, using each of the digits 1-9 exactly once to form addition problems...
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Justifying Answers
Young scholars study story problems and learn how to find and justify their answers. They will use a story problem and then respond to the prompt questions from the teacher. They must add and subtract facts to 6 and learn how to justify...
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Developing the Concept: Percents
In this percents lesson plan, learners review how to solve a multiplication equation where they must solve for a variable. They solve equations with missing numbers and percents.
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Domain: Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Practice basic operations for young mathematicians in fun ways! Using two decks of cards (Ace through 10 plus the joker), learners play "memory" by matching numbers that can be added to make 10 and writing number sentences. In another...
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What Is It?
You have to love lessons that foster problem solving strategies. This one has upper graders devise and employ their own strategy to solve given problems after they have used classics like guess/check, substitution, make a table, and look...
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The Weight of Primates
Second graders practice their problem solving skills. In this addition and subtraction skills lesson, 2nd graders solve word problems that require them to find differences and sums. This lesson features the use of a video titled...
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Everyone's Playing Basketball
To foster number sense and build problem solving skills, pupils will work through a complex word problem. They will be asked to analyze the data given, solve the problem, then share their thinking process with the class. This activity...
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Virtual Field Trip
This hands-on resource has future trip planners analyze graphs of mileage, gasoline costs, and travel time on different routes. While this was originally designed for a problem-solving exercise using a Michigan map, it could be used as a...
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Tulips: Repeated Addition
This is an introductory instructional activity intended to prime young mathematicians for later lessons in multiplication. They watch the video Count on it!, discuss problem solving as a class, then work the presented problem using...
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"How Many Names for 100?"
Fifth graders work on the different possibilities of reaching the number 100. The class is divided into homogeneous groups for cooperative learning. The lesson uses discussion questions to help with problem solving.
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Flying with Pythagoras
A lengthy narrative about Pythagoras and his students precedes an activity in which your young mathematicians practice using the Pythagorean theorem to solve three problems about flight and distance. Answers are provided.
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Vectors
High schoolers listen to a lecture and complete a number of problems as they go. There are a variety of examples given and they are guided through the problem solving steps for each of the real-world scenarios regarding the purpose of...
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Making Sense of the Census
Students problem solve the mean and median of agricultural data by completing a worksheet. They discuss the results of the statistical data.
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Jessica's Aquarium
Sixth graders use problem solving strategies to determine the amount of gravel needed to fill the bottom of an aquarium that is 50 cm long, 20 cm wide, and 30 cm high. Students use centimeter cubes and brainstorm strategies they might...
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Virtual Field Trip
Are we there yet? Young trip planners learn about their state and plan a trip. They will select sites to see in three cities in their state, and record associated costs in a spreadsheet. While this was originally designed as a...
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Math
Young scholars solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems that focus on serving size and counting 5 A Day.
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Mental Math Blocks 2
For this math worksheet, students solve eleven math problems. Students solve the problems by using multiplication, division, subtraction, and addition.
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MI Meaningful Math
Fifth graders increase skills in organizing information for writing. In this organization lesson, 5th graders use correct grammar to design math problems for real world math.
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Math Combinations
Students examine how to use lists, tables, and tree diagrams to solve math combinations. They create various combinations of outfits using clothing manipulatives, watch an episode of the PBS series Cyberchase, and play an interactive...
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Mental Math Blocks 3
In this math worksheet, students solve eleven math problems. These include finding the missing digits of an addition problem and solving a word problem about picking up pieces of trash.
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Mental Math Blocks
In this math worksheet, students solve eleven math problems from a variety of topics. For example, students estimate the product of a multiplication problem.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Tiger Math Graphing
Learners practice various skills using the book Tiger Math: Learning to Graph from a Baby Tiger. After listening to the story, they create a pictograph using data collected from the text. They also color a picture of a tiger,...
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Married Math
Young scholars participate in a two-week real-life math unit. In pairs, they calculate salaries, taxes, and a budget, plan a vacation, buy insurance, make a will, and design a room. They conduct Internet research to plan the vacation,...