Help young mathematicians crack the code of word problems with this three-lesson series on problem solving. Walking students step-by-step through the process of identifying key information, creating algebraic equations, and finally...

Use several skills to solve word problems leading to systems of equations. Scholars define variables and write equations to model situations described within word problems. Pupils solve the resulting system of linear equations using...

Learners sometimes have difficulty making sense of a word problem. In a guided learning activity, pupils are asked to think about how to find an answer and explain their thinking, rather than finding the answer. It allows them to...

Combine total quantities and equivalent ratios in problem solving. The fifth lesson in a series of 29 presents problems that can be solved using equivalent ratios. Pupils use part-to-part ratios and either sums or differences of the...

Teach the connection between area models and the distributive property through problem-solving. The 22nd activity in a series of 29 explains the distributive property graphically. Learners build area models from word problems and convert...

How can congruent triangles help mark a soccer field? This is just one question your classes can answer after solving the real-world problems in the lesson. Each example posed through a word problem elicits higher-order thinking and...

Find a way to work with rates. The 23rd part in a 29-part series presents work problems for the class to solve given work rates. Pupils compare rates to determine which is faster. Some problems require learners to convert the rates to...

See, decimal operations do come in handy! Pupils solve word problems that require adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals. They use tape diagrams to express relationships and to identify the necessary operations to solve...

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...

Don't lose your marbles! This simple story problem helps make teaching division with fractions much easier. Work on this problem along with the lesson titled, How Many Servings of Oatmeal? to highlight the difference between...

There is a 100 percent chance this resource will help pupils connect percents to financial literacy. Young mathematicians use their knowledge of percents to find markups and markdowns in financial situations in the seventh segment in a...

Use more than one whole to solve percent problems. The ninth installment in a 20-part series has pupils work percent problems in which they must determine two wholes. Individuals use double number lines to represent and solve the...

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...

Changing ratios make for interesting problems. Pupils solve problems that involve ratios between two quantities that change. Groups use tape diagrams to represent and solve classroom exercises and share their solutions. 

Pupils work several real-world problems that use percents in the 11th portion of a 20-part series. The problems contain percents involved with taxes, commissions, discounts, tips, fees, and interest. Scholars use the equations formed for...

Sixth graders interpret linear and nonlinear graphs. They create graphs based on a problem set. Next, they represent quantitive relationships on a graph and write a story related to graphing.

Partners create integer multiplication word problems and swap them to solve, followed by altering the problem to use rational numbers. By working with word problems involving multiplication and division of rational numbers, pupils...

If you use a fabulous lesson plan, then your pupils can become fabulous at solving equations. The 24th installment of 25 incorporates the use of if-then statements to illustrate the properties of equality used in solving two-step linear...

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...

By using language like "half of the stamps," children are exposed to patterns in arithmetic that requires solving a two-step word problem. This type of language opens a new door for transitioning learners toward understanding fractions...

Apply addition and subtraction of integers to solve problems with rational numbers. Pupils apply the rules for adding and subtracting integers to add and subtract rational numbers. Class members represent the problem with equations and...

Here's a resource teachers won't want to wash their hands of. Given a task where a full bar of soap is on one side of a balance and 3/4 of a bar of soup and a 3/4-ounce weight is on the other side, young mathematicians must determine the...

What percent of the mixture is juice? Pairs use their knowledge of proportions to determine what percent a mixture is juice given the percent of juice in the components. Pupils use the procedure learned with the juice mixture problem to...

Develop multiplication skills with your class. Youngsters will visualize multiplication as repeated addition. Then they will create a multiplication bug book and discover arrays as a strategy for multiplication problem solving....