Other
The Case for Chess as a Tool to Develop Our Children's Minds
It is the goal of every teacher to help our students to become better thinkers. This article looks at the game of chess as a way to help develop the thinking skills in our students.
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...
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Math Space Odyssey: How Much Do You Weigh in Outer Space?
Demonstrate the ability to apply the use of decimals, fractions, ratios and proportions to situations based upon given information about planets in the solar system.
Other
Harvard Business School: The Path to Critical Thinking by Stever Robbins
An article written by Stever Robbins discussing how to become a critical thinker. This is written from a business perspective but the ideas can easily be applied to education.
Shodor Education Foundation
Shodor Interactivate: Triangle Explorer
This applet gives you practice finding the area of a triangle. Great place for students to "discover" how you find the area of a triangle. Directions are just a click away. [Requires Java.]
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Beating Heart
Do you know how long it takes your heart to beat 100 times? Test your estimation and number sense skills with this problem-solving challenge. A one-page activity taken from the NCTM Math Challenges for Families Collection. Hints and...
Other
University of South Australia: Effective Problem Solving
Although written for the university level student, this article provides good ideas for all learners about problem solving skills. It provides a definition as well as a seven step process for how to problem solve.
Other
University of South Australia: Effective Problem Solving
Although written for the university level student, this article provides good ideas for all learners about problem solving skills. It provides a definition as well as a seven step process for how to problem solve.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Patterns in Mathematics: People Patterns
This interactive website offers young students an opportunity to discover the pattern and predict who will come next. Feedback and guidance are given for each response. It also offers three increasingly difficult levels that are available.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Patterns in Mathematics: Word Patterns Activities
This website helps students work with word patterns by having them create limericks and sentences. Students receive feedback and guidance as they work their way through the activities.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Cubes Within Cubes
On this one page website sharpen your logic, geometry, spatial thinking, and problem solving skills while working on this challenge. The solution is available to double check your solution.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Fractional Triangles
On this one page website sharpen your logic and equivalent fraction skills while working on this challenge. The solution is available to double check your solution.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Seating Arrangements Plus!
Using your reasoning skills and the clues provided, try to figure out who is sitting where at this table of six. Check the solution and see if you are correct. You can choose similar games and math problems on this page, or choose math...
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Introduction to Logo Programming
Excellent introduction to LOGO programming. Get started learning the basics of how to write procedures using the Logo programing language to get that "turtle" to move around and draw pictures. It sharpens your problem-solving,...
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Introduction to Logo Programming
Excellent introduction to LOGO programming. Get started learning the basics of how to write procedures using the Logo programing language to get that "turtle" to move around and draw pictures. It sharpens your problem-solving,...
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Beginning Logo Programming
A helpful compilation of lessons sequenced to help you get started learning the Logo programming language. Logo is used for writing procedures and superprocedures. It sharpens your problem-solving, sequencing, and geometry skills.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Gary Martin, Angus Mac Neil: Require Students Use Problem Solving Steps
This is a well thought out and detailed lesson that can teach students how to problem solve using real-life situations. It also teaches students about the importance of respect as well as being responsible for their own actions.
Hopelink
Hopelink: Math Lesson Idea: Word Problems
Teach your young scholars to reason with language and to use imagery to translate language into mathematical equations.
Quia
Quia: Story Problems With Mixed Practice
Your problem-solving skills are put to the test in this interactive word problem game on this site. Employ a variety of mathematical skills and strategies including logical reasoning and computation. Multiple choice problems created for...
Oswego City School District
Regents Exam Prep Center: Working With Sets and Venn Diagrams
A collection of activities that help students understand number relationships by using Venn diagrams to solve math problems. Practice problem solving skills in the interactive practice. Then, follow up with a classroom activity using the...
Oswego City School District
Regents Exam Prep Center: Logic
Understanding mathematical language in problem solving can be a difficult concept to grasp. Sharpen your logical reasoning skills at this test prep site that explains the terms: if, and, or, implies, and only if, as they relate to math....
Oswego City School District
Regents Exam Prep Center: Truth Value of Open Sentences
What happens when there is not enough information to solve a problem? Find out at this test prep site, how missing information or "open sentences" can change the value or truth of a math equation. Practice understanding and applying this...
Oswego City School District
Regents Exam Prep Center: Congruence of Triangles
Congruent means, "same size, same shape." Find out more about this concept at this test prep site with real world examples and pictures. Hands-on classroom activity and lots of practice. Knowledge of basic algebra and geometry concepts...
Scholastic
Scholastic: Multiple Ways to Solve a Problem
This Marilyn Burns lesson plan employs children's literature to teach the topics of combinations, perimeter, and area using a problem solving approach. Primary and intermediate levels have an activity appropriate to each.