Solving Math Mysteries: A Step-by-Step Adventure!

Math Grades 1st Grade 3:50 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to solve any math word problem with four simple steps! We'll read carefully, make a plan, work it out, and check our answers. Get ready to become a math detective!

Video Resource

4 Steps in Solving Problems

Miacademy Learning Channel

Duration: 3:50
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Understanding the problem
  • Making a plan
  • Carrying out the plan
  • Checking the answer

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the four steps of problem-solving.
  • Students will be able to apply the four steps to solve simple addition and subtraction word problems.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they ever feel stuck when solving math problems. Explain that this lesson will teach them a secret code (the four steps) to crack any math problem! Show the video '4 Steps in Solving Problems' from Miacademy Learning Channel.
  • Step 1: Understand the Problem (10 mins)
    Discuss the importance of reading the problem carefully, multiple times. Model how to underline key words and numbers in a sample word problem (e.g., 'Lily has 5 apples. She gives 2 apples to her friend. How many apples does Lily have left?'). Emphasize identifying what the question is asking.
  • Step 2: Make a Plan (10 mins)
    Explain that a plan is like a map. Discuss strategies like drawing a picture or using counters. Introduce key words that suggest addition ('in all', 'together') or subtraction ('left', 'take away').
  • Step 3: Carry Out the Plan (10 mins)
    Work through the sample problem from Step 1, demonstrating how to execute the chosen plan (e.g., drawing 5 apples and crossing out 2). Show how to write the number sentence (5 - 2 = 3).
  • Step 4: Check Your Answer (5 mins)
    Explain that checking the answer means making sure it makes sense. Does the answer fit the problem? For the example, does it make sense that Lily has 3 apples left? Reiterate the importance of checking calculations.
  • Practice (15 mins)
    Provide students with several word problems to solve independently or in small groups. Encourage them to use the four steps. Circulate and provide support as needed.

Interactive Exercises

  • Word Problem Sort
    Provide students with a set of word problems. Have them sort the problems into categories based on whether they think they will need to add or subtract to solve the problem.
  • Role-Playing
    Act out word problems with students. One student can read the problem aloud, while another student uses manipulatives (e.g., counters, blocks) to represent the problem and find the solution.

Discussion Questions

  • What do you do when you get stuck on a math problem?
  • Why is it important to read the problem carefully?
  • What are some words that tell you to add?
  • What are some words that tell you to subtract?

Skills Developed

  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Reading comprehension
  • Addition and subtraction

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the first step in solving a math word problem?

Correct Answer: Understand the problem

Question 2:

Which of these words might tell you to add?

Correct Answer: In all

Question 3:

What should you do after you solve a problem?

Correct Answer: Check your answer

Question 4:

If you get stuck, what should you do?

Correct Answer: Read the problem again

Question 5:

What is a 'plan' for solving a math problem like?

Correct Answer: A map

Question 6:

Lily has 3 balloons. Sam gives her 2 more. Which number sentence shows this?

Correct Answer: 3 + 2 = 5

Question 7:

Tom had 6 cookies. He ate 4. Which word tells you to subtract?

Correct Answer: Ate

Question 8:

What should you underline when you read a word problem?

Correct Answer: Key words and numbers

Question 9:

Which step comes after 'Make a Plan'?

Correct Answer: Carry Out the Plan

Question 10:

When you ______ a problem, you read it carefully.

Correct Answer: Understand

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

First, we need to ____________ the problem.

Correct Answer: understand

Question 2:

Next, we need to make a _________ to solve it.

Correct Answer: plan

Question 3:

Then, we _________ out our plan.

Correct Answer: carry

Question 4:

Last, we _________ our answer.

Correct Answer: check

Question 5:

If the problem says 'in all', we might need to __________.

Correct Answer: add

Question 6:

If the problem says 'left', we might need to __________.

Correct Answer: subtract

Question 7:

A good plan helps us __________ math problems!

Correct Answer: solve

Question 8:

Underline the ________ words in the problem.

Correct Answer: key

Question 9:

Drawing a _________ can help us understand the problem.

Correct Answer: picture

Question 10:

It's okay to start _________ when solving a hard problem.

Correct Answer: over

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.D.8:Determine the unknown whole number in an addition or subtraction equation relating three whole numbers. For example, determine the unknown number that makes the equation true in each of the equations 8 + ? = 11, 5 = _ - 3, 6 + 6 = _.

Teaching Materials

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