Problem Solving

TEKS Objective
The student is expected to identify and explain a problem such as the impact of littering on the playground and propose a solution in his/her own words.
Essential Understanding
The student knows that information and critical thinking are used in scientific problem solving.
Science Background
Problem Solving: Education.com (website) - A major goal of education is to help students learn in ways that enable them to use what they have learned to solve problems in new situations. This article defines problem solving, the kinds of knowledge students need to solve problems, and ways to successfully teach problem solving.
Problem Solving
By Richard Mayer and Merlin Wittrock, Education.com
Scientists at Play - Teaching Science Process Skills: Science in School (website) - This is an article for teachers of all grade levels that provides with many strategies to solve problems in science.
Scientists at Play - Teaching Science Process Skills
Science in School, www.scienceinschool.org
Problem Solving: The Art of Teaching Science (website) – This article explores different kinds of thinking and problem solving skills. It makes the distinction between basic skills (those which provide a foundation for science) and integrated skills (higher-level skills which demonstrate a deeper understanding of problem solving and scientific investigation).
Problem Solving
The Art of Teaching Science, artofteachingscience.org
Signature Lesson
The Litterbug: Cleanup Australia (PDF) - Students conduct a liter audit in which they collect data on where litter is and what kinds of litter there are at your school.Then, they organize an anti-litter campaign where they use this data to try to creatively put an end to the problem of littering at their school.
- Supporting Lessons
- Extensions
- Assessment Ideas
- Literature Connections
- Related
TEKS - Additional Resources
Supporting Lessons
Paper Bridge: PBS Kids (website) – Do you think you can make a paper bridge that will support 100 pennies? Propose a solution to solve this problem.
Paper Bridge
PBS Kids, pbskids.org
Trash Goes to School – Solid Waste Activities Grades K-3: Cornell Waste Management Institute (website) – Choose from a variety of investigations in which to identify and explain a problem and propose a solution.
Trash Goes to School - Solid Waste Activities Grades K-3
Cornell Waste Management Institute
Elaboration Lessons and Extensions
The Litterbug Extension Activities: Cleanup Australia (PDF) – In this extension lesson (under the “Lower Primary” heading), students draw pictures of their school before and after their anti-litter campaign.
The Litterbug Extension Activities
Cleanup Australia, www.cleanup.org.au
Assessment Ideas
Ask each student to verbally explain how they will help keep their playground litter free. Have them draw two rectangles. One rectangle will represent a playground that is litter free and the other one, a playground that is not litter free. Tell them to use pictures from magazines, newspapers or drawings.
Literature Connections
The Lorax, Dr. Seuss, (ISBN-13: 978-0007305827)
What is a Scientist? Lehn, Barbara, (ISBN-13: 978-0761312987)
Scientists Ask Questions. Garrett, Ginger, (ISBN-13: 978-0516246628)
What is Science? Dotlich, Rebecca Kai, (ISBN-13: 978-0805073942)
Additional Resources
How to Teach Science Activities: Kindergarten-Lesson.com (website) – This article describes simple teaching techniques which can engage and motivate students in science education and activities.
TEKS Navigation
Kinder
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