Do You Have a Problem With That?
 


Introduction | Tasks | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Advice

Introduction:

Add!  Subtract!  Multiply!  Divide!  Oh, no!!  I have a problem with that.  How often are you frustrated because you cannot figure out how to solve a problem?  You know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide, but you do not know when to do it.  This website will give you practice in solving math problems.  You will go on a math safari, be quizzed by a sphinx, sell lemonade, and compete with children around the world.  Have fun!!!

 

The Tasks:

At the end of this practice, you will be able to:

  • Use problem solving steps to solve word problems.
  • Multiply, add, subtract and divide to solve word problems.
  • Create your own word problems.
  • Explain the strategy used to solve the problem.

    • .

    The Process:

    To accomplish The Tasks, read the following steps and follow the directions.  There are some really cool websites to help you practice your problem solving.

       
      1.  It is hot outside, and everybody is thirsty.  Now is the perfect time for lemonade.  Larry Opens a Stand, but he needs your help to figure out how much each person owes him.  Click play to begin.  Hopefully, you will help Larry make money on this sunny day.
       
      2. Oh, no!!  You have just met a Mythical Sphinx.  She is part lion, part eagle and part human female.  To get past her, you must answer her riddle about a great city.  She only gives you two tries.  The donkey will help you.  The sphinx will eat you if you miss the riddles.  Read the story first.  Then click on start game.  Good Luck! ! !
       
      3.  Let’s go on a Math Safari.  Compete with other children across the world.  Answer the problems, then find out what percentage of fourth graders also knew the answer.  You will get smarter as you answer the questions.  First, select grade.  Choose 4th grade.  On math subject, choose whole numbers.  Do NOT answer any of the other questions.  Click submit.  Read the instructions.  Then click start quiz.
       

     

    		 4.  Now you will see how much better you have gotten with word problems.  This site contains 12 questions that have to be solved by adding, multiplying, subtracting or dividing.  Get out your pencil and paper. 
    They are Story Problems with Mixed Practice.  Read each problem carefully.  Choose the correct answer.  You will get your score at the end of the quiz.

    The Evaluation:

     

    Beginning

    1

    		 Developing

    2

    		 Accomplished

    3

    		 Exemplary

    4

    		 Score
    Solves problems correctly

    Answers less than half of the problems correctly.

    Answers half of the problems correctly.

    Answers 3/4 of the problems correctly.

    Answers all problems correctly.

    		  

    Creates own problems

    Creates problems with assistance from the teacher.

    Creates problems that can be solved using one operation.

    Creates problems that can be solved using two or three operations.

    Creates problems that can be solved using four operations.

    		  

    Uses strategies to solve problems

    Cannot solve any problems.

    Solves the problem but cannot explain strategy.

    Solves the  problem and explains the strategy with difficulty.

    Solves the problem and explains the strategy.

    		  

    Solves problems using different operations

    Solves problems using one operation.

    Solves problems using two operations.

    Solves problems using three operations.

    Solves problems using four operations.

    		  

     

     

    Conclusion:

    After completing this WebQuest, you will be more comfortable solving word problems.  You will have confidence in your problem solving skills.  Notice how you have to solve problems when you buy items in the cafeteria, bookstore and grocery store.  Problem solving is all around us, not just at school.

     

    Credits & References:

    I would like to thank Arthur Elementary School for the children dividers, and Microsoft Clipart Gallery, Web Site Resources and Google for the clipart.

     

    Teacher Advice:

    This WebQuest is designed for fourth grade students.  It can easily be extended for third or fifth grade students.

    Prior to beginning this lesson, learners need to know their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts.  They also need to read on a fourth grade level.

    This lesson is organized for the students to start at Process number one and proceed sequentially.  This lesson involves one class, but it can be used for teachers who teach multiple classes.  It will probably take each student about 3-5 days to complete the entire quest.  This is a single disciplinary quest that reinforces problem solving skills.

    To implement this lesson, a teacher only needs basic computer and internet navigating skills.

    This WebQuest can be used in the computer lab or in the classroom.  This is an individual project.

    Only one teacher is needed to implement this lesson unless the student is not reading on a fourth grade level.  In that case, an aide or another student might need to read the directions for that student.

    The evaluation can be modified to meet individual IEP's.

     

    Created by Rosalind Blake for EDU 506 @ FHU School of Education by Dr. Bruce Lewis on November 10, 2001. Edited by Dr. Lewis on November 27, 2001, to correct for missing images.   Adapted by Nancy Nielson on 9/30/02.

     

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