aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Mathematics
What age group	Year or Grade 6
What topic	Math SOL 6.13
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Engaging Math Lesson Opening: The Mystery of the Missing Apples

Introduction

Welcome to today's math adventure! We’re going to dive into an exciting problem-solving journey that will not only challenge your mathematical skills but also engage your critical thinking. Get ready to become a detective as we solve Math SOL 6.13!

The Scenario

Imagine you are standing in a beautiful orchard filled with apple trees. Each tree bears different amounts of apples. Suddenly, your friend, the farmer, runs over to you in distress. He has misplaced some apples, and he needs your help to find out how many apples are missing!

Here’s the story:

• Tree A had 34 apples.
• Tree B had 47 apples.
• Tree C had 29 apples.

But when the farmer counted all the apples, he only found 91 apples.

The Mystery

Challenge:

Can you determine how many apples are missing from the orchard?

To do this, we will use some mathematical operations you’ve learned, including addition, subtraction, and possibly even estimation to check our answers!

Think-Pair-Share:

1. Think about how you could figure out the total number of apples from the three trees.
2. Pair up with a partner and discuss your thoughts on how to solve the mystery.
3. Share your findings with the class once you’ve discussed.

Conclusion

As we unravel the mystery of the missing apples, let's remember that math is not just about numbers—it's about problem-solving and thinking critically. Get ready to grab your detective hats as we dive into our calculations and uncover the truth behind the missing apples!

---

By framing your lesson around a mystery, students will be engaged and motivated to participate actively in the lesson. They will not only practice their math skills but also collaborate with their classmates in an exciting way!