Curated OER
Improving Deductive Reasoning Skills
Students develop a strategy list for problem solving by working with different types of problems. They recognize problems that may be solved using deductive reasoning and solve deductive reasoning problems.
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...
Willow Tree
Weighted Averages
Mixtures, weighted percentages, and varying speeds make problem solving difficult. The resource give learners a strategy for tackling these types of problems effectively.
Missouri Department of Elementary
If It’s to Be, It’s Up to Me
Here's a clever switch on the tale of Pandora's Box. Rather than lifting the lid and having problems escape, class members write a problem on a strip of paper and place it in Pandora's Problem Box. A student then pulls a problem...
Curated OER
MATH: PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES
Students approach, understand, and solve mathematical problems. Explore these links and find strategies, techniques, and methods for problem solving. These web sites contain a number of problem solving strategies, word problems,...
EngageNY
Word Problems Leading to Rational Equations
Show learners how to apply rational equations to the real world. Learners solve problems such as those involving averages and dilution. They write equations to model the situation and then solve them to answer the question —...
Overcoming Obstacles
Identifying Options
"What should I do?" "How should I do it?" Middle Schoolers learn that answering these two questions is the key to solving problems. They begin with the first two steps of the Decision Making Process (gathering information and identifying...
Illustrative Mathematics
Listing Fractions in Increasing Size
Increase the depth of your class's fractional number sense with this number-ordering activity. Given four fractions, each with different numerators and denominators, young learners are asked to place them in order from smallest to...
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...
EngageNY
Solving Equations with Radicals
Show learners how to develop a procedure for solving equations using radicals with the fifth lesson of the 25-part module that challenges learners to use properties to solve multi-step quadratic and cubic equations. Individuals round out...
EngageNY
Solving Equations Involving Linear Transformations of the Coordinate Space
Explore methods for solving linear systems with your classes and introduce learners to using matrices as a viable method. Scholars are able to recognize situations where matrices are the efficient method of solving. Application...
Curated OER
The Problem Solving Game
Fifth graders identify the steps to problem solving: STAR (Stop, Think, Act, and Review) and how the steps relate to resolving problems and conflicts. They are told that they are an employee at a game factory. Students are told that they...
Curated OER
Marriage and Financial Goals, Budgeting Strategies
There is no more useful life skill to learn than budgeting and setting financial goals. It's math that is used by every person, everyday. Learners examine the responsibilities and costs involved in family economics. Through a series of...
Curated OER
Two-Step Problems and Money Concepts
Elementary schoolers solve two-step equations and practice money concepts. They solve multi-step addition and subtraction contextual problems and apply money concepts to real life situations. Pupils use pictures and counters to help them...
Curated OER
Developing Strategies for Addition and Subtraction
Primary graders develop strategies to assist them with addition and subtraction. They discover number combinations and numerical facts which enable them to add and subtract more effectively. Students use these techniques to complete...
EngageNY
Solving Percent Problems
Don't discount how much your pupils understand percents! The 27th lesson in a series of 29 presents a problem to find the cost of a discounted outfit. Small groups determine either the original price or the discount received given the...
Education Foundation of Sarasota County
Self-Calming Strategies to Manage Emotions
Tweens and teens learn coping skills to help manage strong emotions such as anger, fear, and sadness with a lesson that asks them to generate a list of self-calming strategies they use and to consider the suggestions in a short video and...
EngageNY
Real-World Volume Problems
How long does it take to fill a typical swimming pool? Prepare your pupils to answer similar questions using the 28th instructional activity in the 29-part module. The engaging instructional activity asks individuals to solve problems...
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
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
Life is Full of Problems
Pupils use the problem solving strategy of guess and check to investigate math word problems. They determine which problem solving strategy or strategies would work best in problem situations.
Missouri Department of Elementary
STAR Deputies, Unite!
STAR deputies unite! Scholars gather in small groups to solve problems using the STAR method. Pupils read a card that describes a situation that requires problem-solving. They role-play the scenario in front of their peers.
Missouri Department of Elementary
Opportunity Knocks, But It Costs, Too!
Sixth graders practice six steps to effective problem solving. Working with the school counselor, class members are presented with a scenario that requires them to make a decision. Individuals then write a reflection in which they...
Project Maths
Introduction to Equations
Do your pupils truly understand inverse operations, or is their understanding a little backward? Scholars learn the meaning of an equation in the second lesson of a four-part Algebra series. A series of activities begins with an...