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Problem solving activities

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Relevant and up-to-date teaching resources are being moved to Tāhūrangi (tahurangi.education.govt.nz). 
When all identified resources have been successfully moved, this website will close. We expect this to be in June 2024. 
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For more information visit https://tahurangi.education.govt.nz/updates-to-nzmaths

Problems for students to solve, accompanied by a suggested teaching sequence, extensions to the problem, and the problem’s solution.

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Fertiliser

Level Four
Geometry and Measurement
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a measurement focus.
  • Calculate the area of rectangles using m2.
  • Use remainders within the context of a problem.
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How far?

Level Four
Geometry and Measurement
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a measurement focus.
  • Calculate using the 24-hour clock and time zones.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (make a drawing, be systematic).
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Old scales

Level Four
Geometry and Measurement
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a measurement focus.
  • Use balance scales to weigh objects.
  • Describe how balance scales weigh objects.
  • Work systematically to solve a problem.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (guess and check, be systematic, make a drawing).
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Moana's watch

Level Four
Geometry and Measurement
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a measurement focus.
  • Convert seconds to minutes.
  • Subtract minutes and seconds using a 24-hour clock.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (be systematic).
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Parking meters

Level Three
Geometry and Measurement
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a measurement focus.
  • Calculate using units of time and money.
  • Communicate mathematical reasoning clearly and using the correct units.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (be systematic).
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Adam's watch

Level Three
Geometry and Measurement
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a measurement focus.
  • Use an analogue clock to tell the time.
  • Apply logic to problems involving time.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (use a diagram, be systematic).
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Tim's trip

Level Three
Integrated
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a measurement focus.
  • Calculate accurately using units of time and speed.
  • Explain their methods and reasoning using correct mathematical terms.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (guess and check, draw a diagram).
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A thousand seconds

Level Three
Integrated
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a measurement focus.
  • Use seconds, minutes and hours.
  • Discuss the size of a thousand.
  • Read the time in digital and/or analogue form.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies.
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Snails

Level Two
Geometry and Measurement
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a measurement focus.
  • Measure using centimetres (cm).
  • Solve problems using minutes as the unit.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically.
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How many strips?

Level Two
Geometry and Measurement
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a measurement focus.
  • Measure using centimetres and metres.
  • Use additive strategies.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (use equipment).