Searching for SolutionsSearching for Solutions
Introduction -- Task Description -- Process -- Evaluation -- Web Resources -- Conclusion
Are you ready to tackle a math problem with confidence? Do you have a briefcase filled with problem-solving strategies that help when you encounter a new problem? Do you get confused about how to solve problems? If not, this is the place for you!
Problem-solving can be a difficult concept for math learners. However, having many strategies and lots of practice with these strategies can improve your chances for finding correct solutions to some of the most difficult problems. Problem solving strategies include:
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Throughout this unit, you will be given opportunities to explore real-life problems and apply many strategies at the same time. First, you will learn about patterns so that you can organize data. You will learn about Leonardo Fibonacci and Blaise Pascal, famous mathematicians who discovered patterns that are still seen and used in today's architectural world.
Next, you will use tables, lists, diagrams, and graphs to help solve problems. You will analyze data about population trends in the United States, most popular names for the last 100 years, and the climate and rainfall in parts of Australia. Next, you will make lists to organize possible outcomes when making change and combining letters to form words. Finally, you will use graph paper to plot housing locations for a family who has lost their Auntie Em.
Then, you will determine the most appropriate operation for a series of problems and begin to practice solving multi-step problems. You may need to use some logical reasoning to help identify the information you'll need most to solve these problems. Be ready to allow your mind to expand and brainstorm for this section.
Finally, you will practice using the work backward and solve a simpler problem strategies to determine the most appropriate solution to a problem. Once you have these strategies down pat, you will be ready to take part in the final task -- applying these strategies to real-life problems using the Internet.
In the final part of this unit you will select to solve three problems that require applying a variety of strategies. You may choose to learn about cactus eating habits, determine amounts of loose change, count some marbles in a bag, eat some peanuts after going to the circus, or match animal body parts on a farm. In all of these situations, you will have to make choices which will determine how well you've learned to problem-solve. As you make decisions, you will be applying the skills that were introduced at the beginning of this unit. Guidelines for evaluation of these problems are provided on the problem links. The rubric for grading your answers is in the Conclusions section of this site.
Once you've completed the final task, you can have some fun as you start a new business venture - Opening up a Lemonade Stand! In this online simulation, you'll apply many of the problem-solving skills. This game is just for fun, though, so don't worry about really losing money. Test your business sense and try to make a success of this venture.
Remember that problem-solving may take lots of time and patience, as well as plenty of scrap paper for working out the problems. So get a pencil, a calculator, and some paper and let's get started Searching for Solutions! Good luck!
Introduction -- Task Description -- Process -- Evaluation -- Web Resources -- Conclusion
© Searching for Solutions
- A Web-Based Problem-Solving Unit
Developed by Judy Campf, e-Learning
Specialist, 2006
