LESSON PLANS LE SO LANS
plan for solving multistep problems. Read over the Homework Helper and compare the class’s ideas with the steps the Homework Helper suggests. Discuss the similarities and differences. • Divide students into groups and ask them to come up with four to five steps that will help them solve multistep word problems. They can format their list as a poster on chart paper. Remind them to use the class suggestions and the Homework Helper as guides. • Hang up the posters from each group. Have students walk around and read each other’s work. • Now, using each group’s poster, ask the class to come up with a consensus for a class strategy for solving multistep problems. Discuss with students what similarities they saw in the charts and what steps they feel are essential for the class list. By having your class create this tool, they will have ownership and a better understanding of the process. • Finalize your class strategy and post it in the room. Later, type up the list and hand out a copy to students for use in class or at home when doing homework. An example is below:
Bot Builders SOLVING MULTISTEP PROBLEMS PAGE 14
CONTENT STANDARD Operations & Algebraic Thinking: Solve problems with whole numbers using the four operations. MATHEMATICAL PRACTICES STANDARDS 1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively. 7. Look for and make use of structure.
OBJECTIVE Students solve multistep problems, assessing how reasonable their answers are using estimation and rounding. MATERIALS chart paper and markers LESSON Engagement 1. First have students read the article. Then, facilitate discussion either as a whole group, in small groups, or with a partner: • How many of you enjoy playing with LEGO ® bricks? Explain what you like to create with LEGO bricks. • Have any of you ever designed or built a LEGO robot? • This article is about kids like you who participated in a LEGO robot competition. What kinds of math and problem-solving skills are needed for this event? Concept Development 2. Begin exploring the math concept by asking the following questions and facilitating a discussion: • When solving a challenging problem with multiple steps, what solving strategies do you use? • Write students’ ideas for everyone to see. (Possible responses include: Read the whole problem, underline, break it apart, circle important information, read it more than once, discuss it with a partner.) • Explain to students that you’re going to create a class
Multistep Problem-Solving Steps
1. Read the problem twice.
2. Underline all essential information.
3. Circle what the problem is asking you to solve for. 4. Highlight or number what you must solve first, second, etc. 5. Solve using model drawings and equations to persevere to the final step.
Application 3. Have students work with a partner to solve problems 1 through 5 from the article using their class strategy. Closure 4. Assign the “Multistep Problems” skills sheet. Encourage students to continue using their class list, but follow up asking if they’re finding it useful. Would they make any changes to it now that they’ve been using it for several problems?
T6 DYNAMATH TEACHER’S GUIDE
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