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Problem solving activities

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

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Square of circles

Level Two
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (addition and subtraction) focus.
  • Recall basic addition facts to 20.
  • Investigate odd and even numbers.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (guess and check, act it out, draw a picture).
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Pigs and ducks

Level Two
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (all operations) focus.
  • Solve a story problem using multiplication facts of 2 and 4.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (guess and check, guess and improve, act it out, draw a picture).
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Shopping

Level Two
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (addition and subtraction) focus.
  • Give change for sums of money.
  • Solve subtraction problems presented in different forms.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (guess and check, use drawing, use equipment, be systematic, act it out).
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Coin exchange

Level Two
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (addition and subtraction) focus.
  • Represent a sum of money by using a combinations of coins.
  • Use a list to work systematically.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (systematic list, use equipment).
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Counting cubes

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (addition, multiplication, and division) focus.
  • Skip count in 2s, 3s, and 5s.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (make an organised list).
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Well, well!

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (addition and subtraction) focus.
  • Skip count in twos.
  • Investigate and find patterns using addition and subtraction,
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (act it out, draw a picture).
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You be the teacher

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (all operations) focus.
  • Use their mathematical knowledge to create their own addition and subtraction problems.
  • Solve other students’ problems.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically. 
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Points

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (addition and subtraction) focus.
  • Add several small numbers.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically. This problem uses guess and check, be systematic, draw a picture, and think.
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More lollies

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (all operations) focus.
  • Solve problems up to 20 using subtraction and addition.
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Lollies!

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (all operations) focus.
  • Solve addition problems with numbers up to 20.
  • Divide numbers up to 10 into equal groupings.