Illustrative Mathematics
Security Camera
A different-than-normal problem that allows learners to practice their reasoning to find an answer. The problem bases itself off a graph drawing of a store that needs to install security cameras. The challenge is to find which placement...
Curated OER
The Engineering Design Process
Students utilize their creative skills by solving engineering issues. In this problem solving lesson, students examine the 6 steps to the engineering process by completing a worksheet. Students examine one of three scenarios...
Curated OER
Teaching Students There Isn't Only One Right Answer
By encouraging students to take risks in learning you can create a group of problem solvers and critical thinkers.
Curated OER
Conducting a Functional Behavior Assessment
This is an excellent guideline for an observer to use when conducting an assessment for a student who has a chronic behavior problem. The chart has 3 categories--antecedent, behavior, consequences--and clear examples to guide you.
Code.org
Creativity in Algorithms
Groups work with the program they built in the previous lesson to make it more creative. The resource challenges pupils to add functionality to their existing programs by adding a new command.
Mathematics Assessment Project
Solving Problems with Circles and Triangles
After completing a task involving examining the ratio of areas of triangles and circles in a given figure, scholars examine sample responses to identify other strategies they could use to solve the problem.
EngageNY
Between-Figure and Within-Figure Ratios
Tie the unit together and see concepts click in your young mathematicians' minds. Scholars apply the properties of similar triangles to find heights of objects. They concentrate on the proportions built with known measures and solve to...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Comparing Strategies for Proportion Problems
Having problems with proportions? Then solve these proportion problems with an exercise that asks learners to first individually solve a set of problems involving ratios and proportional reasoning. Groups then discuss provided...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Solving Linear Equations in Two Variables
Solving problems about pen and paper with systems of equations ... or is it the other way around? In the lesson, learners first interpret expressions and use equations in two variables to solve problems about notebooks and pens. They...
EngageNY
Solving Area Problems Using Scale Drawings
Calculate the areas of scale drawings until a more efficient method emerges. Pupils find the relationship between the scale factor of a scale drawing and the scale of the areas. They determine the scale of the areas is the square of the...
North Carolina State University
Construction
Engineering design projects serve as great opportunities for collaborative problem solving. In this case, students work in small groups designing, building, and eventually testing a structure that meets a teacher-specified objective. It...
EngageNY
Applications of the Pythagorean Theorem
Begin seeing the world through the lens of geometry! Use the 19th installment in a 25-part module to apply the Pythagorean Theorem to solve real-world problems. Individuals sketch situations resulting in right triangles such as the...
EngageNY
Solving Problems Using Sine and Cosine
Concepts are only valuable if they are applicable. An informative resource uses concepts developed in lessons 26 and 27 in a 36-part series. Scholars write equations and solve for missing side lengths for given right triangles....
Illustrative Mathematics
Solving Two Equations in Two Unknowns
More than just a one-problem resource, learners must explain their answer and incorporate a writing component to mathematical thinking. The resource also includes an explanation of the solution to help with the reasoning.
EngageNY
Another Computational Model of Solving a Linear System
The process of elimination really works! Use elimination when substitution isn't doing the job. The 29th segment in a series of 33 introduces the elimination method to solving linear systems. Pupils work several exercises to grasp the...
Curated OER
Human Body Riddle
The human body can be a mystery, or at least a riddle. Fifth graders pair up and use Photostory to create a riddle relating to a human body part and how it functions in the body system. They will compose a riddle, use a story board, take...
Curated OER
Ticky Plans His Trip to Antarctica to See Tacky
First graders participate in a creative problem solving activity to help Ticky get to the Atlantic Ocean. They identify Ticky's problem, brainstorm ways to solve the problem, and develop a plan. They write the steps Ticky needs to take...
Curated OER
Beyond Pinch Pots: Art Lesson Plans with Clay
Students use creative problem solving as they construct with clay in art lesson plans.
Curated OER
Problem Solving/ Holistic Lesson Plan: Paper Structure
Learners observe geometric relationships in buildings and structures. They reason why structures are constructed in a specific way by applying geometric concepts. They construct a shelter using their geometric knowledge.
Curated OER
St. Patrick’s Day
Combine math, creative writing, and leprechauns in a fun St. Patrick's Day activity! Using a bag of gold coins and marshmallows, kids write a math story about a leprechaun that includes a multi-step equation to solve.
EngageNY
Percent Increase and Decrease
Increase the percent of pupils that are fluent in solving change problems with an activity that asks class members to look at problems that involve either increases or decreases and to express the change in terms of the percent of...
Illustrative Mathematics
Paper Clip
With minimal setup and maximum freedom, young geometers are encouraged to think outside the box on a seemingly simple application problem. Though the task seems simple, measuring a given paper clip and finding how many 10 meters can...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Solving Quadratic Equations
Scholars first complete an individual assignment using a quadratic equation to model the movement of a bus around a corner. Learners then discuss their solutions with classmates and analyze the provided sample responses.
EngageNY
Modeling with Inverse Trigonometric Functions 2
Use inverse trigonometric functions to work with ramps, rabbits, and Talladega. The class models real-world situations with trigonometric functions and solves them using inverses in the 15th installment of a 16-part series. Pupils solve...