Silly Problem Solving
This fun and engaging activity involves the whole class! Take the pressure off yourself when creating word problems for students to solve and instead get them to create them. Students are provided with occupations, settings and objects and are required to create silly number stories about them for the class to solve.
You decide which algorithm to focus on and the rest is up to them! A great way to focus on the mathematical language required, rather than the unnecessary details.
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Learning goals
- We are learning to recall multiplication facts of two, three, five and ten and related division facts.
- We are learning to multiply and divide one- and two-digit numbers in word problems using a variety of strategies.
- We are learning to recall multiplication facts for 3, 4, 5 and 10 and apply this to related division facts.
- We are learning to solve problems involving modelling addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, using different strategies.
- We are learning to solve multiplication problems using mental and written strategies and calculators to check our answers.
- We are learning to solve problems involving modelling addition, subtraction, equal sharing and grouping, using different strategies.
Curriculum alignment
AC9M2N06
9
Use mathematical modelling to solve practical problems involving additive and multiplicative situations, including money transactions; represent situations and choose calculation strategies; interpret and communicate solutions in terms of the situation
AC9M3N06
9
Use mathematical modelling to solve practical problems involving additive and multiplicative situations including financial contexts; formulate problems using number sentences and choose calculation strategies, using digital tools where appropriate; interpret and communicate solutions in terms of the situation
AC9M3A03
9
Recall and demonstrate proficiency with multiplication facts for 3, 4, 5 and 10; extend and apply facts to develop the related division facts
AC9M3N04
9
Multiply and divide one- and two-digit numbers, representing problems using number sentences, diagrams and arrays, and using a variety of calculation strategies
ACMNA057
8.4
Represent and solve problems involving multiplication using efficient mental and written strategies and appropriate digital technologies
ACMNA056
8.4
Recall multiplication facts of two, three, five and ten and related division facts
MA2-1WM
old
Uses appropriate terminology to describe, and symbols to represent, mathematical ideas
MA2-2WM
old
Selects and uses appropriate mental or written strategies, or technology, to solve problems
MA2-3WM
old
Checks the accuracy of a statement and explains the reasoning used
MA2-6NA
old
Uses mental and informal written strategies for multiplication and division
MA2-MR-02
new
Completes number sentences involving multiplication and division by finding missing values
MA2-MR-01
new
Represents and uses the structure of multiplicative relations to 10 × 10 to solve problems
MA2-AR-02
new
Completes number sentences involving addition and subtraction by finding missing values
MA2-AR-01
new
Selects and uses mental and written strategies for addition and subtraction involving 2- and 3-digit numbers
MA2-RN-02
new
Represents and compares decimals up to 2 decimal places using place value
MA2-RN-01
new
Applies an understanding of place value and the role of zero to represent numbers to at least tens of thousands
Australian Curriculum covers QLD / SA / WA / NT / TAS / ACT.
Differentiation
Modifications
Students can work with a partner or in a group.
Teach it your way
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