Miss Demers

Lesson Title

Problem Solving Strategies (1 of 2)

Date

December 2, 2015

Grade

Five

Subject

Math

Unit

Numbers

Time
Duration

55 minutes

OUTCOMES FROM ALBERTA PROGRAM OF STUDIES

General
Learning
Outcomes

Develop number sense. Use patterns to describe the world and to solve problems.

Specific
Learning
Outcomes

Demonstrate, with and without concrete materials, an understanding of multiplication to

solve problems.
Determine the pattern rule to make predictions about subsequent elements.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will:
1. Discover, explore, and experiment with problem-solving techniques for generic problems.
ASSESSMENTS
Observations

Teacher observation of focus, perseverance, and teamwork

(checklist).

Key Questions

How can we break down this problem so that we know how to solve
it? What is the purpose of solving word problems?

Products and Performances

Word problem answer (chart paper) to be displayed in class

LEARNING RESOURCES CONSULTED

Good Questions for Math Teaching Peter
Sullivan & Pat Lilburn
The Problem Solver 5 Gloria Moretti, et al.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Chart paper (10)
Markers (56)
Tacks (to post chart paper on walls)
Formative assessment checklist

PROCEDURE
Prior to Lesson

Have chart paper and markers easily accessible to students

Prepare groups using multiple intelligence information
Prepare formative assessment checklist (class list)
Introduction

Attention Grabber

Post math riddle on smart-board. Give students the opportunity

Time
15 min

Assessment of Prior
Knowledge

Transition to Body
(Expectation of
Behaviour)

to solve the problem while they are settling in for the lesson.
Explain the answer briefly. (3-5 min)
What was the very last thing we touched on Friday? Does
anyone remember? I know it was a long time ago, but I want
you to think hard about it.
*Call on 3-5 students. (2 min)
Today we are going to be working on some word problems in
groups. It is important that you include the following on your
chart paper:
Group member names
Summary of the word problem (what are is the question
asking you?)
The work you went through to find your answer
The answer to the problem, written in a sentence
o Proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation is
expected
You will only be given 20 minutes to solve your problem. Make
sure you use your time wisely. Make sure your work is neat,
because we will be sharing it with the class. It is expected that
all group members will be given the opportunity to contribute
ideas. I will be taking notes on group work.
Body

Activity #1: Problem

Solving

9:10-9:25

Time

Students have approximately a 15 20-minute time limit to

solve their problems. Call students back before the gallery walk
(~2 min to settle in).

20 min
9:25 9:45

Students will observe each others work. This activity is silent.

Students may do this individually, and at their own pace.
Pay particular attention to the word problem summary, the
strategy that was used to solve the problem, and how answers
to the same problem may differ.
Expectations for this activity (take 2 minutes to explain this):
1. Respect each others work
2. No talking
3. Make sure to visit all answers in the gallery

10 min
9:45 9:55

Teacher Notes:
Activity #2: Gallery
Walk

Teacher Notes:
Closure

Time

Consolidation of Learning

Feedback

Lets brainstorm some ideas about the problem

solving techniques the different groups used to solve
their problems. Remember that these were not
necessarily word problems, so how did the groups
solve their problems?
This work is excellent! With the upcoming parentteacher interviews, I think your parents would be very
impressed to see the work that you have done!
Reflection

10 min
9:55 10:05