Here is a fabulous lesson on problem solving in the mathematical world. In it, third and fourth graders get lots of great coaching on how to approach word problems, and how to best find a solution. They watch an episode of Reading...

Pupils visualize distance-rate-time problems by using bar models. The lesson presents examples of four different types of rate problems and shows how they can be solved using bar models and equations. Each example is followed...

Math wizards learn the five-step plan to solve math word problems. They investigate the five-step process for solving word problems, and examine the use of code words for each of the operations and solve a problem using the strategies.

Students solve problems using equations. For this algebra lesson, students identify the correct symbols and steps when solving word problems. They graph their lines and analyze the slope using tiles.

Learners solve word problems with a consumer math emphasis. This lesson plan also contains many strategies and questions learners can ask to solving problems.  There is also a bibliography included for resources on problem solving.

Let's build a castle! Dennis and Cody have big plans, but do they have enough blocks between the two of them to accomplish their goal? A great context that requires students to add and compare mixed numbers. Encourage the use of pictures...

Young mathematicians listen to the book Sold!: A Mathematics Adventure by Nathan Zimelman where they encounter ways to solve story problems. They then create and solve start unknown addition and subtraction equations. Resource builds in...

Learners use index cards, counting cubes, and their own understanding to identify how division problems can be solved by using multiplication. In this division lesson plan, students use their multiplication skills to solve division...

Learners solve vacation equations using tape in a lesson plan that utilizes tape diagrams to aid in understanding the algebraic steps involved in solving two-step linear equations. Groups work together to solve seven scenarios involving...

Fifth and sixth graders compare decimals to the place-value structure in the base-ten number system. They represent fractions as parts of unit wholes, as parts of a set, as locations on a number line, and as divisions of whole numbers....

Have young mathematicians subtracting fractions in no time with this manipulative-based math lesson. Using their sets of fraction circles, students explore a number of word problems involving the subtraction of fractions before working...

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...

Pupils use visual models, numeric methods, and equations to solve percent problems. To complete the second installment of 20, they find the part given the percent and the whole, find the percent given the part and the whole, and find the...

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...

Students discuss elements of word problems: key words, data, computation clues, and unnecessary information and use the four steps of problem solving to find a solution and check for reasonableness.

The use of box scores from baseball games is the foundation of this math lesson plan. 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...

Let's use math to solve an argument. Jon and Charlie are debating about who can run farther, but who is right? That's what your class will figure out as they apply their understanding of fractions to this real-life situation. A simple,...

Create an understanding of solving problems that require more than one equation. The lesson introduces the concept of systems of linear equations by using a familiar situation of constant rate problems. Pupils compare the graphs of...

Add some randomization into simulations. The 11th installment in a series of 25 presents two new methods to use in simulations--colored disks, and random numbers. Pupils use random numbers to run simulations where the probabilities make...

Skittles and math? Pupils will work as a class to determine how many orange Skittles are in a large bag by using proportions. They will problem solve, estimate, and share their thinking. Then, they will each receive a small bag of...

Teach cube roots by building on an understanding of square roots. The third installment of a 25-part series asks learners to solve simple quadratic and cubic equations using roots. Scholars compare square roots and cube roots throughout...

Students examine where trigonometry exists outside the classroom. For this trigonometry lesson, students create trigonometric functions to match the data provided and to solve word problems relating to the real world.

Use Music-Mix-Math to help learners solve a series of problems. They will solve one-word problems while music is playing, when the music stops, each learner finds a partner to compare the answer with. This can be done with as many as 4...

Learners solve word problems using number sense. They convert fractions to decimals and mixed numbers. Pupils determine if a given fraction is greater or less than another fraction, and order numbers on a number line.