Solving the Problem

Session One

Distribute problem and solution cards.

• Prepare students for the main theme of the lesson by inviting them to identify solutions that match various problems. Duplicate and cut out the eight cards found on Problems and Solutions. (Print each set on a different colour paper for ease in sorting.) Give each pair of students a set of cards and ask them to organize the cards in some way that makes sense. If desired, read the cards aloud to the class or invite students to read the cards in small groups. With very young students, reduce the number of cards and complete the activity as a class.

Share sorted categories.

• Invite them to share what they noticed when they sorted the cards. Draw out from the discussion that half of the cards describe problems and the other half describe corresponding solutions. If they have not already done so, invite students to match the relevant solution to each problem.
• Ask students to describe what they know about the concepts of problem and solution. Record these ideas on a chart, such as the one below.

Comparing Problems and Solutions

Practise matching problems and solutions.

• Explain that a good problem solver is able to match the problem with a specific solution. Distribute a copy of Matching Problems with Solutions to each student or pair of students. Ask students to cut out the 10 cards and sort the cards into two piles: problems and solutions. Before proceeding, confirm that students have five cards in each pile. Ask students to print in the small square in each box the letter S on the cards in the solutions pile and the letter P on the cards in the problems pile. Then, invite students to match each problem card with an appropriate solution card. With very young students, reduce the number of cards and complete the activity as a class.

Paste matched pairs.

• Distribute a copy of Matched Pairs to each student or pair of students. Ask students to paste each matched pair of cards in one of the rectangular boxes, with the problem cards on the left and the solutions cards on the right. Review students' answers, inviting them to explain why the match solution is likely to solve the problem. The correct pairings are listed below, although the ordering of these pairs will differ.

Matched Pairs