Solving Problems Logically
Brief Description: This lesson features an online animation designed
to help your students learn to solve problems logically and to use the
computer as they solve the problems. The animation is part of the Suremath
site <http://www2.hawaii.edu/suremath/home.html>
Grade Level: Grades 4 up
Equipment/Materials: Computer or computers with Internet connections.
Optional-projection system, web capturing software.
Before the Lesson: Check the target site <http://www2.hawaii.edu/suremath/marysA.html>
and create a bookmark.
Objectives:
- to help students learn to use a logical process for problem solving
in mathematics.
- to demonstrate how students can use the computer to help them with
problem solving.
- to give students the confidence they need in problem solving.
- to introduce students mathematics resources that are available online.
Procedures:
1. Ask students if they have a method for problem solving in mathematics.
For example, if they are given a word problem, what procedures do they
follow?
2. Give the students the Mary's Apples problem from Suremath and ask
them not only to try figuring it out, but to list the steps they used in
the process.
3. Send several students to the chalkboard and have them show their
solutions and steps they used.
4. Ask the students to go to Mary's
Apples <http://www2.hawaii.edu/suremath/marysA.html>
and follow the animation as a class. The animation will not only show the
steps in the problem solving, but also how to use a Macintosh computer
when working through the problem steps.
5. Have the students think about this problem solving process as the
animation repeats.
6. Discuss these questions:
- Does the Mary's Apple solution differ from the way they solved the
problem?
- Does this method help them with problem solving?
- What did they learn about using the computer for working out problems?
- Could this method be used with other problems? Why?
- Why is a logical approach to problem solving important?
7. Give the students other problems to solve. You might use the problems
online at the Suremath site, other sites, or in the textbook.
8. Review problem solving techniques with the students and give homework
featuring word problems.
Enrichments/Enhancements: Set up a problem solving competition
among groups in your class to find your Master Problem Solvers.
Suggestions for Parents: The animation on the Suremath site is
good way to work with your children on problem solving techniques.
(We wish to thank Professor Howard C. McAllister for letting us share
his online lessons with you.)
