OBJECTIVE:
To have students practice problem-solving skills; to facilitate
student awareness of the consequences of their actions
MATERIALS: Solve
This! reproducible (PDF); chart paper; marker
ACTIVITY LEAD-IN: As a class, have students discuss the
different types of problems kids confront on an everyday basis
(at school, at home, on the playground, etc.). Record their answers
on chart paper. Tell students they will be choosing a problem
of their own and getting help from others to find a possible solution.
Distribute the Solve This! reproducible, one
per student.
PROCEDURE:
1. Have each student decide on one problem he or she would like
to solve. Guide each student in choosing a problem that isn’t
too involved or difficult.
2. On their handout, ask students to describe their problem in
words, or draw a picture of it on the back of their handout. Students
should also identify three people they want to ask for help.
3. As a group, ask them why they chose these people. How do students
think they can help?
4. Tell students they will have a week to ask the three people
for their opinions on how their problem might be solved.
5. After a week, have students briefly summarize the three solutions
on their handout. Ask them to write down one pro and one con for
each solution (you may need to define what a “pro”
and “con” are). Ask students to select one solution
and write down the reason they chose it. They should try this
solution and report back in 1-2 weeks on whether it worked or
not.
6. If appropriate, encourage students to share with the class
whether their solutions worked. Why or why not? Were there unexpected
consequences? If their solutions didn’t work, ask students
to reflect on what their next steps might be (e.g., try another
solution, combine solutions, ask different people for help, etc.).
