Learning Path
Exploring Problem Solving with 5th and 6th Class Learning Path
By PDST
This learning path gives a brief overview of how to develop a classroom culture of sharing knowledge, valuing mistakes and providing cognitively challenging tasks. Problem solving strategies can be explicitly taught using this learning path with an introduction to the concept of Low Threshold High Ceiling Tasks also.
9 resources in this Learning Path
1
Low Threshold High Ceiling
https://nrich.maths.org/8769 Added: 26 Mar 2020 Contributor: PDST Resource type:A low threshold high ceiling task is one which is designed to be mathematically accessible, and to have built-in extension opportunities. In other words, everyone can get started and everyone can get stuck. In this updated feature, NRich brings together their favourite low threshold high ceiling tasks, as well as two articles which will support you in creating a low threshold high ceiling classroom.
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2
Problem Solving with 5th and 6th Class - Sandwiches (Trial and Improvement)
https://nrich.maths.org/sandwiches Added: 27 Mar 2020 Contributor: PDST Resource type: Assessment / Guide/notes / Lesson Plan / OtherThe problem is particularly valuable as it gives students an opportunity to work on a proof to explain why something is impossible.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- 5-6
- Mathematics
Strand: Algebra
Suggestions for use: Using number to predict, generalise and verify
3
Problem Solving with 5th and 6th Class - Tea Cups (Working Systematically)
https://nrich.maths.org/32 Added: 27 Mar 2020 Contributor: PDST Resource type: Assessment / Lesson Plan / OtherThe problem lends itself for small group work, so that the learners have an opportunity to decide on approaches. Learners can collaborate, share and discuss the different solutions, and each method's strengths and weaknesses.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- 5-6
- Mathematics
Strand: Algebra
Suggestions for use: Allowing learners to read the accompanying story with the problem can support student’s comprehension and decision making about which pieces of information are relevant.
Development of higher order maths skills: Applying and problem-solving, Communicating and expressing, Integrating and connecting, Reasoning
4
Problem Solving with 5th and 6th Class - Tables without tens (Pattern spotting)
https://nrich.maths.org/4905 Added: 27 Mar 2020 Contributor: PDST Resource type: Assessment / Guide/notes / Lesson Plan / OtherThis problem provides an interesting way of revising multiplication tables. It is also very useful for getting learners to predict what they think they will find out and spot pattern between times tables.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- 5-6
- Mathematics
Strand: Number
Strand unit: Number Theory
Content objective: This resource should enable a child to:
- identify common factors and multiples
- identify factors and multiples
- identify simple prime and composite numbers
Suggestions for use: times tables
5
Problem Solving with 5th and 6th Class - Counting Cards (Working Backwards)
https://nrich.maths.org/1843 Added: 27 Mar 2020 Contributor: PDST Resource type: Assessment / Guide/notes / Lesson Plan / OtherWhile this problem provides the “trick” element to it, it is firmly rooted in mathematical concepts and problem solving strategies.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- 5-6
- Mathematics
Strand: Algebra
6
Problem Solving with 5th and 6th Class - Baravelle (Visualising)
https://nrich.maths.org/6522 Added: 27 Mar 2020 Contributor: PDST Resource type: Assessment / Guide/notes / Lesson Plan / OtherThe aim of this problem is to encourage discussion about the different ways of seeing, and to pose questions that can form the focus of further investigation.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- 5-6
- Mathematics
Strand: Shape & Space
Strand unit: 2-D Shapes
Content objective: This resource should enable a child to:
- make informal deductions about 2-D shapes and their properties
- plot simple co-ordinates and apply where appropriate
- tessellate combinations of 2-D shapes
- use 2-D shapes and properties to solve problems
Suggestions for use: Allows for creative pattern design.
A good follow up problem can be found here https://nrich.maths.org/2132/index (Inside 7 squares)
7
Problem Solving with 5th and 6th Class - Planning a school trip (Reasoning)
https://nrich.maths.org/6969 Added: 27 Mar 2020 Contributor: PDST Resource type: Assessment / Guide/notes / Lesson Plan / OtherThis problem will encourage learners to organise information, identify redundant information and to check their work.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- 5-6
- Mathematics
Strand: Useful Websites
Suggestions for use: The activity lends itself to collaborative working, both for children who are inexperienced at working in a group and children who are used to working in this way. By working together on this problem, the task is shared and therefore becomes more manageable than if working alone.
A number of cross curricular links can be used to extend this lesson.
8
Problem Solving with 5th and 6th Class - Magic V's (Conjecture)
https://www.scoilnet.ieuploads/resources/31522/31260.pdf Added: 19 Dec 2019 Contributor: PDST Resource type: Guide/notes / ActivityTask card involving placing numbers 1 to 5 in the V shape so that the two arms of the V have the same total. Short task.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
Strand: Number
Strand unit: Operations: Addition & Subtraction
Suggestions for use: Print and display on maths station or use separately in a teacher led problem solving activity.
Magic V gives opportunities for children to make conjectures, prove these conjectures and make generalisations. They will be practising addition and subtraction, and applying their knowledge of odd/even numbers.
Supporting video clip on the problem can be found at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JrZcMbsNdA
Strand: Number
Strand unit: Operations
Content objective: This resource should enable a child to:
- add and subtract whole numbers and decimals (to three decimal places) without and with a calculator
- add and subtract whole numbers and decimals (to three decimal places) without and with a calculator
Suggestions for use: Print and display on maths station or use separately in a teacher led problem solving activity.
Magic V gives opportunities for children to make conjectures, prove these conjectures and make generalisations. They will be practising addition and subtraction, and applying their knowledge of odd/even numbers.
Supporting video clip on the problem can be found at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JrZcMbsNdA
9
Problem Solving with 5th and 6th Class - Money Bags (Conjecture)
https://nrich.maths.org/1116 Added: 27 Mar 2020 Contributor: PDST Resource type: Assessment / Guide/notes / Lesson Plan / OtherThis problem is a good example of a challenge which does not require high-level mathematics, but does need a systematic approach. It also lends itself to a focus on different ways of recording and learners can discuss on the merits of the different ways of recording findings.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- 5-6
- Mathematics
Strand: Measures
Strand unit: Money - Euro
Content objective: This resource should enable a child to:
- compare 'value for money' using unitary method
- explore value for money
