Now it is your turn to explore the world of problem solving.  

• Now would be a good time to review the rubric - how your response to the problems will be evaluated.

• Next to the strategies listed below is a link to an example problem that you will use to solve that problem ... you might also want to try solving the problem using a different strategy as well.  

• Remember, using manipulatives and / or a calculator can be a strategy used in combination with many others .  

• Print out this format* to help you organize your work, then turn the pages in to your teacher.  You will need a new format page for each problem. (*Format is a PDF file.  You will need Adobe Acrobat to read it.  Download it free here.)  

• If the online problem has a place for you to submit your answer - go ahead - see if you solved it correctly.  

• BEFORE you turn your paper in, If you didn't solve it correctly, go back over your work and discover your mistake and correct it . 

• Then, using the rubric page, decide what score your response to the problem should receive.  Put that score on the paper and tell WHY you scored it that way.  

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GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!

Looking for a pattern -   Sigfried's Chickens (problem #1 on page)
Hint:  See if you can find a repeating pattern by making picture, table, or chart of the information.  (Site temporarily unavailable 3/1)

Making a list, chart, table, diagram, or graph -  Pilfered Pizza
Hint: By sorting out information that is given in the problem you might see a pattern developing, or see another way to solve it.

Drawing a picture - Dastardly Disguiser 
Hint: Drawing a picture of the events or information in a problem will give you visual clues for solving it.

Acting the problem out or making a model - Third Strike Sports Store
Hint:  Using counters, manipulatives, or props can give you a concrete, visual model of the problem to manipulate and help you reach a solution.

Estimating or guessing and checking - Bell Clapper Caper
Hint:  By process of elimination you can narrow your choices of a solution until you find the most reasonable answer.

Writing an equation or using a formula - Big Top Carnival or  Skating Bus Driver
Hint: This means using a number sentence.  Combining this with another strategy such as drawing a picture will help you communicate your thinking better.

Working backwards - Troublesome Triplets
Hint: Start with the final result and "undo" what is happening in the problem to reach your solution.

Breaking a large problem into smaller sub-problems - Making Swords
Hint: you will need to do several calculations to reach the final solution.  (Site temporarily unavailable 3/1)