The Problem Solving and Communication Activity Series 
Solve a Simpler Problem
Solve a Simpler Problem
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Solve a simpler problem is something that mathematicians do all the time. They get good at identifying ways to make a problem simpler, and applying what they learned from the simpler problem to give them insight into whatever they're trying to figure out. In our experience, students often see what's making a problem hard for them (the numbers are hard, there are too many possibilities, it takes a lot of calculations, etc.) but don't know that they're allowed to (or that it would be worthwhile to) work on a simpler version. So we offer concrete ways for students to develop and work on simpler versions of a problem, and then share what they learned from the simpler version that they might build on. Activities to Learn this Strategy
Facilitation Questions
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Recommended Library ProblemsThe Strategy Examples documents linked from these problems contain examples of what students could do with the activities. You need a Class Membership or higher to access Library problems. Primary Growing Up Math Fundamentals Buy the Numbers Pre-Algebra Watch Where You Step! Algebra
Geometry Plane and Simple? Learn more about the different membership options. |