Scholastic
Scholastic: Problem Solving in Action
Toddlers imitate what they see, preschoolers try hands-on trial and error, and kindergartners tap language and abstract thinking skills to solve problems. This article takes a look at the ages and stages of developing problems solving...
Writing Fix
Writing Fix: Showing Creative Problem Solving
After reading excerpts in which Buck solves a problem in Jack London's The Call of the Wild, students write their own three-paragraph animal stories imitating London's style and word choice. Teacher and student instructions are provided...
Other
Atlas Mission: The 8 Best Problem Solving Strategies for the Preschool Mind
A Kindergarten teacher offers 8 strategies for fostering problem-solving in the classroom. A free app is available to download.
Other
Emsl: The River Crossing Problem
The lesson plan for an interesting word problem concerning swimming and rowing across a river, being swept downstream by the current, and walking back up the other side. Basic arithmetic skills are all that are needed to approach the...
Other
Improve Your Creative Thinking by Drawing Mind Maps
One way to help your creative process is to use mind maps. This article provides information about mind mapping and how it can help you discover new connections you may otherwise never have seen.
Goshen College
Goshen College: Teaching Creativity
A comprehensive article about creative critical thinking written by an art teacher for art teachers.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Egg Drop
Students are challenged to use the technical problem solving to dump radioactive material (eggs) into water without touching them. Lesson plan includes timeline, student handout and discussion questions.
PBS
Pbs: Flexible Thinking: How to Encourage Kids to Go With the Flow
Kids who are able to think about a problem in a new way engage in flexible thinking, while kids who get stuck in their ways tend to engage in rigid thinking. Flexible thinking skills can be practiced at home and at school. Try a few of...
Other
Odyssey of the Mind Curriculum Activity: Made Up Math
An interesting way to make math more creative. This page gives ideas for three different exercises that encourage students to use math in a creative way.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: Christina's Candies
The teacher will pose a sequence of questions for students to solve using objects, pictures, or equations. Students will develop a sense of quantities and how they are related to a problem situation.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: 6.ee Morning Walk
This task presents a straight forward question that can be solved using an equation in one variable. The numbers are complicated enough so that it is natural to set up an equation rather than solve the problem in one's head. Aligns with...
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: 1.oa the Pet Snake
This complete lesson plan has students solve word problems using addition and subtraction within 20.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: 1.oa School Supplies
This is a complete lesson that has students solving word problems using addition and subtraction within 20.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: 1.oa Maria's Marbles
This lesson plans has students solve word problems about marbles using addition or subtraction within 20.
Other
Saving the Economy Through Arts Education
It is the belief of this article that by supporting arts education the future economy can be saved. This is because the arts foster 21st century skills necessary for a growing economy.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: A Rei Quinoa Pasta 3
For this problem, students must determine how much of a quinoa-based gluten-free pasta is actually quinoa. They must study the ingredient list and set up linear equations to solve the problem. Aligns with A-REI.C.6.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: 7.g Map Distance
This lesson plan has students solve problems using scale drawings on a map.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: 7.ee Fishing Adventures 2
In this lesson plan students create equations to solve the given problems.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: S Id.4 Do You Fit in This Car?
Students are tasked with solving a common issue for automobile manufacturers that require the students to use normal distribution as a model for data distribution. They will also use mean and standard deviation to figure out the problem....
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: Building Toward Fluency
The purpose of this task is to promote certain addition strategies that will help students learn to fluently add and subtract within 20. Students will use a number line or magnetic cubes to solve addition problems. Students will be asked...
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: 6.ns Running to School, Variation 2
This is a simple fraction division problem that can be solved using drawings and/or arithmetic. Aligns with 6.NS.A.1.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: 6.ns Setting Goals
Sixth graders solve problems requiring decimal division in this task about setting financial goals. Aligns with 6.NS.B.3.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: Red and Blue Tiles
Students will determine whether a set of objects contains an even or odd number of members using strategies such as pairing objects or attempting to divide the objects into two equal subgroups. Discussion questions and explanations are...
Other
Roots of Action: How Kids Learn to Take Initiative and Overcome Challenges
Learning to take initiative is a behavior that helps kids navigate their lives with courage and optimism. This article provides insights into how children learn to take initiative. Parents and teachers are key mentors in the process. A...