Curated OER
Rings and Diamonds
Fifth graders solve a problem by using systematic problem solving strategies. They determine if there is enough information to solve the problem. They solve a problem involving geometric shapes and area.
Curated OER
Making a Mountain Out of a Snow Hill: Skiing, Winter Sports, Economics, Business, Problem Solving
Students explore how to select among choices of variables and analyze the cost-benefit ratio of their short and long term planning in a team activity as they consider the planning and operation of a ski slope.
Curated OER
Dynamic Algebra
Explore 5 classical problems of algebra. They will solve problems involving Heron's formula, fractional equations, vector equations, apollonius' sphere, and transversals. The idea is to lead to new perceptions and visual...
Curated OER
Learning About Inventions
This site contains a variety of worksheets and activities to supplement the on-line problem-based learning activity about how imagination and how inventions are created. TheWright Brothers are used as a case study. The links and...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Ship the Chip
Here is a tasty challenge, especially for middle school engineers: design a container that meets mass and volume criteria, and will safely transport a tortilla or potato chip through the mail without damaging it! Mostly, this is a crisp...
Curated OER
Investigating Brass Instruments and Pitch
Students observe the sounds of different brass instruments in order to understand how to create different pitches. In this musical instructional activity, students create a "brass" instrument from everyday household objects. The students...
Mathalicious
Been Caught Stealing
You're safe, when calculating the odds of stealing second base! Learners compare the rate of a runner to the distance the ball travels, in a lesson that explores right triangles and measurement. Full of discussion questions and fun...
Curated OER
Grocery Store Problem Solving
Fourth graders explore healthy eating habits by viewing instructional videos in class. For this food pyramid lesson, 4th graders identify the different classifications within the food pyramid and identify how they can improve overall...
Curated OER
QUILTING AND COMBINATIONS
Students apply problem solving procedures and skills to solve a given real life problem by manipulating felt squares to represent the possible combinations for a two color quilt.
Curated OER
Simple Machines and Modern Day Engineering Analogies
Young scholars apply the mechanical advantages and problem-solving capabilities of six types of simple machines (wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, pulley) as they discuss modern structures in the spirit of the...
Curated OER
Math Medicine
Students solve real-world problems related to medical careers. They use graphical representations as part of the problem-solving process and work with fractions, decimals, exponents, and metric measurement. A demonstration is included to...
Curated OER
Egg-streme Tesselation
Sixth graders view a video of tessellating an egg shape. They focus upon the problem solving strategies used and how tessellation geometry was used to construct the three dimensional figure. They create their own tiling patterns.
Curated OER
The Great Cookie Company
Fourth graders implement real life application of money, problem solving, economics, and consumer awareness. In this three week economics unit, 4th graders operate a business, write checks, balance accounts, and market their...
Curated OER
Math Maven Fractions
Students solve fraction mysteries. In this fractions lesson, students read Math Maven's Mysteries and use problem-solving and critical thinking skills to solve the mysteries.
Curated OER
Finding Satisfactory Solutions
Students decide where to locate ice cream stands in a town so that no one has to travel too far to buy a treat. The problem-solving strategies for this problem give students a chance to decide what makes a solution satisfactory.
Curated OER
The Big Hand Challenge
Students utilize a computer spreadsheet to record and analyze data. In this problem solving lesson, students compare their hand size to that of the principal. Students understand standard and nonstandard measurement.
Curated OER
Sharing is Caring
Students sharpen their problem solving skills. In this service learning lesson, students work collaboratively to solve a problem involving scarcity.
Curated OER
Measuring the Earth (Eratoshenes' method)
Sixth graders engage in problem solving, communicating, reasoning, and connecting to represent and solve problems, using geometric models.
Curated OER
Soak It Up
Students role play where they assume the role of business executives who must decide which of three prototypes of paper towels would be the best buy for consumers. Students compare three products to determine the best value by using...
Curated OER
A Day to Remember!
Students study math. In this real-life problem solving lesson, students work on their skills dealing with time and money. They work in small groups on various time and money word problems and by the final day they have a final problem...
Curated OER
Simple Machines - Graphics, Experiments, Animation
Twelfth graders display simple machines through the use of graphics, experiments, and animation. They apply problem solving and design and skills.
Curated OER
The Magic Squares
Fifth graders devise and use problem solving strategies to solve a magic square arrangement. In small groups they explore various strategies including non-algebraic and algebraic techniques, write an explanation of their solution, and...
Curated OER
Jumping to Solutions
Students explore two-step linear equations. In this middle school Pre-algebra lesson plan, students create and solve equations that describe how a person got to an end postion on a ruler by jumping. After physically creating...
Curated OER
Rocket Transportation
Students use problem solving skills to lift a load using a balloon rocket. They construct a rocket out of a balloon and use it to carry a paper clip payload.