Problem Solving

Problem Solving is an intellectual and creative process where students engage with challenging authentic and non-routine tasks where the path to a solution is not obvious.
Students plan, investigate and revise as they select and apply the mathematics they know. Students formulate, use and test known strategies and break down problems into a series of simpler steps as they persevere to seek solutions.
Problem Solving is the primary focus of numeracy and is a means through which students can make connections to their experiences in and out of the classroom
Learn…
Read…
Nrich on Problem Solving
Resources to help you develop a problem-solving approach to the teaching and learning of mathematics.
Building Thinking Classrooms
What conditions need to occur for students to engage in rich mathematical problem solving? Peter Liljedahl
Watch…
Jo Boaler discusses problem solving and inquiry in math
Dan Finkel outlines how to use rich tasks for problem solving
Dan Myer discusses how math class needs a revolution and bringing the real world to math
Dan Finkel discusses how to light students curiosity
Dan Finkel shares 5 ways to engage children with mathematics
Dan Finkel explains how to engage students in productive struggle
Alberta Learning parent video on the importance of problem solving
Dan Finkel shares how students can take ownership through rich tasks and problem solving
Classroom Resources…
Nrich Math
The home of rich mathematics
Tap into Teen Minds
3 Act Math Tasks by Canadian Kyle Pearce
Alicia Burdess
A math consultant from Grand Prairie school division with tasks for problem based learning
Problem of the Week
A new problem every week from the University of Waterloo
Math for love
Dan Finkel offers a bank for free problem based lessons for all grades
Open Middle
Challenging problems and tasks worth solving
Yummy Math
Engaging problems with real world contexts
Math Pickle
Put your students in a pickle!
Robert Kaplinsky
Real world engaging problems for all students
Dan Meyer 3 Act Math
3 Act Real World Math Problems
Peter Liljedahl.com
Rich tasks and Problems for a thinking classroom
Youcubed Tasks
Engaging low floor and high ceiling tasks and problems
Galileo Education Network
Galileo Math Project offers a bank of rich math problems
Graham Fletcher 3 Act Tasks
Engaging problems with real world contexts