EngageNY
Solving Percent Problems III
What happens when combining percentage discounts? The last lesson in a series of 29 introduces the idea of combining discounts one after another. Pupils wrestle with the claim that to find the total discount, they need to only add...
EngageNY
Nonlinear Motion
Investigate nonlinear motion through an analysis using the Pythagorean Theorem. Pupils combine their algebraic and geometric skills in the 24th lesson of this 25-part module. Using the Pythagorean Theorem, scholars collect data on the...
Curated OER
Candy Machine
Using the concept of a candy vending machine, young mathematicians explore the sugar ratios found in different types of candy. Using the provided information, class members calculate and compare different ratios in...
Brigham Young University
Flipped: Problematic Situations
An activity based on the young adult novel Flipped, groups work to make the same difficult decision a character in the novel faces. Each group is given the same scenario about caring for a mentally disabled brother personally...
EngageNY
Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem
Discover a new application of the Pythagorean Theorem. Learners prove and apply the converse of the Pythagorean Theorem in the 17th instructional activity in a 25-part series. The examples ask learners to verify right triangles...
Curated OER
The Little Prince: Problematic Situation
Your plane has crashed in the Sahara desert. What do you do? Explore the possibilities with a role-playing activity based on Antoine de Saint Éxupery's The Little Prince. In groups, kids decide whether they would walk to find help...
US Institute of Peace
Mediating Conflict
Two's a negotiation, but three's a mediation! Demonstrate the differences between the two processes through a role-playing instructional activity. The activity familiarizes pupils with the role of a mediator and examines the types of...
Curated OER
Alexander And The Wind-Up Mouse
Use drama techniques to recreate the story, Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo Lionni. They engage in problem-solving as they identify the roles they will fufill in their groups for the performance. This is a motivating way to...
Kenan Fellows
Least Squares Linear Regression in R
The task? Determine the how effective hospitals are at reducing the rate of hospital-acquired infections. The method? Data analysis! Using an open source software program, individuals use provided data and create scatterplots to look for...
Curated OER
Problem Solving in Mathematics
Seventh graders discover that there are multiple strategies to be used in problem solving. They explain a problem solving situation in their own words and determine a possible strategy for solving the problem.
Curated OER
Problem Solving
Eighth graders complete Calculator Explorations, Problem -solving, and the Discussion topic as outlined in the worksheet from Lola May's Teaching Math - Extending the meaning of multiplication and division.
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
Enhancing Students' Problem-Solving Abilities
Students analyze the results of a hypothetical cloning experiment using a restriction endonuclease map obtained from an on-line data source. They answer the question, "How can I tell if the DNA I have obtained from this hypothetical...
Curated OER
Solve Story Problems: Sold! A Mathematics Adventure
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...
Curated OER
Friendship
Students identify qualities of a friend and discover an acronym to help with problem solving. In this friendship lesson, students use notecards to identify qualities of a friend and write a definition. Students discuss...
Curated OER
Snack Time
Students explore mathematics by participating in a snack eating activity. In this math problem solving lesson, students utilize different children's snacks as visual aides in a variety of math problems. Students receive snacks as they...
Curated OER
Greatest Common Factor and Least Common Multiple Story Problems
In this story problems worksheet, students determine whether to find either the greatest common factor or the least common multiple in order to solve the problem.
Curated OER
Estimating Solutions to Word Problems
Learners use estimation to determine the answers to word problems by rounding whole numbers. In this estimation lesson plan, pupils compare and contrast solutions using the best answer.
Curated OER
If It's to Be, It's Up to Me!
Eighth graders discuss the question: How does one become an effective decision-maker or problem solver in social situations? They are given three brief scenarios and after each one students are asked, "What would you do?" Students think...
Virginia Department of Education
Area and Perimeter
Develop a strategy for finding the area and perimeter of irregular figures. Building on an understanding of finding area and perimeter of rectangles and triangles, learners apply the same concepts to composite figures. After...
PBS
Garden Grade 6 Area and Perimeter
Engage young mathematicians in applying their knowledge of area and perimeter with a fun geometry instructional activity. Through a series of problem solving exercises, children use their math knowledge to design...
Curated OER
Talk is Cheap: Part 2
Second graders examine and discuss different goals that lead to learner success. They discuss the story of "The Tortoise and the Hare," and discuss different goals and scenarios on a handout. Students then write a personal learning goal...
Curated OER
Modeling: Having Kittens
Cats can't add, but they do multiply! Determine the number of descendants of a single cat given specific facts about cats and kittens. The lesson focuses on developing strategies for problem solving using both individual and group work....
EngageNY
Advanced Factoring Strategies for Quadratic Expressions (part 1)
Factoring doesn't have to be intimidating. Build on prior knowledge of multiplying binomials and factoring simple trinomials to teach advanced factoring of quadratic expressions with a lesson that uses various methods of exploring the...