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The Math Forum Elementary Problem of the Week  

Elementary Problem of the Week:
Information and Rules


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Student Center || Teachers' Place
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I.  Goals and Objectives

This project is designed to challenge elementary students with non-routine problems, and to encourage them to verbalize their solutions. In conjunction with its companion project, Visiting Math Mentors, solutions submitted from students for the Elementary Problem of the Week will be answered by Mentors and students will have an opportunity to correspond with their mentor.

II.  Grade Level

The problems are intended for students in grades 3-6 (ages 8-12), but may also be appropriate for students in other grades. A variety of problem-solving techniques are encouraged, including:
  • guess and check
  • make a list
  • draw a picture
  • make a table
  • act it out
  • logical thinking
  • algebraic equations

III.  Who May Submit a Solution?

Solutions will be accepted from individuals, small groups, and classes. In fact, solutions and comments are welcome from anyone of any age or grade.

At the end of the school year (the end of May), certificates/prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories.

IV.  How to Submit a Solution

You may submit a solution to the Elementary Problem of the Week by filling out the submission form on the current problem page.

Teachers are encouraged to allow students to type in their own solutions, with the understanding that mentors will be reading and responding to the students at an appropriate grade level. At The Math Forum, we consider the Elementary POW to be a learning tool and do not expect perfect spelling and grammar from all students at all times.

If you have questions or concerns, or would like to follow up on submissions sent by members of your class, you may send email to webmaster@mathforum.org

V.  Timeline and Deadlines

  1. The project begins its third year the week of September 8, 1997. The last problem will be posted the week of May 18, 1998. We hope these dates will help you in your planning.

  2. Problems will be posted Sunday night. Whenever possible, a preview of the next problem will be posted on Thursday so that students can have the weekend to work on it. Problems will be posted at:

  3. The deadline for responses will be the Monday following the ending date for the problem, i.e. answers for the September 8-12 problem will be accepted until September 15.

  4. Each student's response will be answered by a Visiting Math Mentor (see Becoming a Mentor) and the solution discussed.

  5. Names of students who have answered the problem correctly will appear on our Web site, and the most creative solutions will be highlighted.

  6. Award certificates will be sent to the students, classes, and schools with the greatest number of correct responses during the year.

VI.  Contact Person

VII.  What's in it for you?

Every student who submits a correct responses will have her or his name posted on the solution page. Each week the Mentor will choose a number of solutions to highlight, and complete highlighted solutions will appear with comments from Mentors. In addition, at the end of the May special certificates will be mailed to the students, classes, and schools with the greatest number of correct responses during the year.

VIII.  Online Registration

In the past you had to register for this program; however, to simplify the process you will now be registered automatically when you submit an answer. 		 

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