Four Step Math Problem Solving Method Lesson Plan

Rationale: The four-step method is an important approach to problem solving that any student can use. This lesson will demonstrate how making a picture or diagram as well as acting out and using objects can be useful manipulatives in solving a problem.

NCTM Standards Addressed: Problem Solving is addressed by building, solving applying and monitoring progress by utilizing different strategies.

Instructional Goal/Performance Objectives:
By the end of this lesson:

Students will use the four-step method to solve mathematical problems.

Students will utilize the strategy of making a picture or diagram or acting out and using objects.

Students will communicate their learning both orally and in writing by use of a math journal.

Instructional Materials and Resources:

Spaghetti and Meatballs for All! By Marilyn Burns
Word Wall:
Journals

Instructional Activates and Tasks:

1.The teacher will begin the lesson by reviewing the four steps of problem solving as taught in the previous two lessons.

2.After reviewing past lessons, the teacher will review the strategy, making a picture or diagram and acting out and using objects.

3.The teacher will review the text, Spaghetti and Meatballs for All!. Then the teacher will continue to read the story until the end.

4.At this point, the teacher will stop. The students will be presented with a problem. If there were only going to be 12 people at the family reunion, how many different arrangements are possible?

5.The students will be given paper as well as be provided with manipulatives. They can utilize one or both in order to solve the problem.

6.The students will arrive at their solutions and discuss their answers.

7.The teacher, if time allows, will ask the students to determine different arrangements of tables and chairs that the Comforts could use for their dinner party if 16 people were coming.

8.Students will be allowed to share with the group their findings about these arrangements. They will examine each others work. The four steps will be integrated.

9.The students will be told that it is time to discuss what they have learned in their journal. The questions will be, "What about acting out/using objects or making a picture/diagram led you to choose this strategy? Do you feel as if these strategies have improved your problem solving ability?" The word wall will be encouraged to be used during this portion of the lesson.

Assessment Activities: The teacher will assess the students through their journal entries. The students will also be assessed on their participation in the lesson.

Learner Factors: This lesson will be accommodating to different types of learners. The subject matter will be discussed orally for those who learn from interpersonal and social methods. The drawing of a picture will be hands-on for those who do best with bodily and kinesthetic learning. The drawing will also give those that do best introspectively a chance to express themselves using the creation of their method. The journal will be provided for those students that feel they better express themselves on paper.

This project will also do well for different levels of learners. Adequate time and attention will be given with the project and discussion, as the lesson can be modified to insure this. Help will be offered, at any time, to any students requiring it.

This lesson will show students that there are multiple ways to solve a problem. If one follows the four steps, solving problems will be easier.

Environmental Factors: The students will be working independently, but collaborative efforts will also be allowed. No changes to the classroom will need to be made.