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
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 thinking.
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. In 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
Young scholars 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
Learners 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 engineers and...
Curated OER
Mathematics and Football
Learners analyze information represented graphically. In this third through fifth grade mathematics lesson plan, students apply mathematical knowledge to solve real-world problems relating to the Super Bowl. The activities involve number...
Curated OER
Math Medicine
Young scholars 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...
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 product.
Curated OER
Math Maven Fractions
Students solve fraction mysteries. In this fractions instructional activity, 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
Learners 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 plan, 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...
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. For this middle school Pre-algebra lesson, students create and solve equations that describe how a person got to an end postion on a ruler by jumping. After physically creating the situation,...
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.
Curated OER
Where in the World is Mr. Fultz?
Students use maps and other geographic resources to learn about their world while problem solving. They read clues each day and use classroom resources to narrow down where the prize is located.
Curated OER
Making the Right Choice
Students, after discussing and brainstorming a variety of character traits, prepare to incorporate the traits into their own lives. They create, design and present an Interactive PowerPoint presentation with problem solving skills and...
Curated OER
Chess Lesson Plans
Students discover the game of chess. In this critical thinking instructional activity, students learn the rules for each chess piece and the game as a whole. Students use critical thinking, problem solving, logic, and reasoning skills to...