Stories from the Community: Problem Solving Experiences in Middle Grades

9:30 - 10:30, Saturday, April 24, 2010
Session 720, Convention Center Room: 10
    Suzanne Alejandre, The Math Forum @ Drexel, Philadelphia, PA
    Barbara Delaney, Bellingham, Massachusetts
    Marie Hogan, West Covina, California
    Ashley Miller, Salisbury, North Carolina

Powerpoint from session:
    download zipped file: nctm2010_session720.ppt.zip
    view as html: nctm2010_session720.htm

Introductions

 

Story 1

a problem solving approach that engages and builds confidence

Seven Congruent Rectangles: scenario only || problem

download Barbara's Flash clip in zipped format

 

Story 2

using context and visualization to support all students in problem solving

tPow: Balloon Booths

Baking Blackberries: scenario only || problem

Filling Glasses: scenario only || problem

 

Story 3

establishing classroom routines for successful inquiry

Cara's Cookies: scenario only || problem

Eating Grapes: scenario only || problem

 

Story 4

encouraging students to acquire problem solving goals that go beyond just finding "the answer"

Lemonade Fun: scenario only || problem

Kaytee's Contest: scenario only || problem

 

Story 5

helping students persist at problem solving, in particular, using effective questioning techniques and task design

Growing Worms: scenario only || problem

Measuring Melons: scenario only || problem

 

Resources

Technology Problems of the Week (tPoWs)

(free but require login)

 

Making Effective Use of Math Forum Resources

http://mathforum.org/pd/tour2.html

 

Grades 5-9: Using Technology and Problem Solving to Build Algebraic Reasoning

Explore applets and other technology tools that build students' algebraic reasoning, and learn strategies for supporting students to learn through problem solving.

http://mathforum.org/pd/algebraic/

 

Grades 5-9: Technology Tools for Thinking and Reasoning about Probability

Explore applets and other technology tools that build students' probabilistic reasoning, and learn strategies for supporting students to learn through problem solving.

http://mathforum.org/pd/probability/

 

Math Forum Professional Development Program: Learning Math Together

http://mathforum.org/pd/

 

Contact Information

Suzanne