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	Problem solving
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Starting Our Adventure in Problem Solving

Introduction

Welcome, Explorers of Mathematics! Today, we embark on an exciting journey into the world of problem solving. Before we dive into our lesson, let’s set the stage for our adventure with a creative and engaging start!

The Mystery Box Challenge

Materials Needed:

• A small, decorated box (this will be our “Mystery Box”)
• A collection of fun items (e.g., toy cars, marbles, playing cards, etc.)
• A large piece of paper and markers or a whiteboard for brainstorming

Activity Steps

1. The Mystery Box Reveal
   At the start of the class, bring out the “Mystery Box” and place it at the front of the room. Build anticipation among the students by encouraging them to guess what might be inside. Let their imaginations run wild!

2. Unveiling the Contents
   After a few minutes of guessing, open the box to reveal the mystery items. Take a moment to explain that each item can be used in a mathematical problem, but there’s a twist!

3. Challenge the Class
   Present the students with a challenge: “Using the items in the box, create your own unique problem for your classmates to solve.” Encourage them to think about different mathematical concepts, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.

4. Brainstorming Session
   Divide the class into small groups and distribute the items. Give the students around 15 minutes to brainstorm their problems. They can also use the large piece of paper or whiteboard to sketch out their ideas. Remind them to think creatively and to include solutions as part of their problem!

5. Sharing and Solving
   After the brainstorming session, invite each group to present their problem to the class. Everyone will have the chance to attempt solving it, fostering collaboration and discussion.

Conclusion

This engaging introduction not only ignites the students’ interest in problem solving but also allows them to be creative and collaborative right from the start! By using tangible items, we connect maths to the real world, making learning both fun and interactive.

Now, let the adventure begin! Who knows what fascinating problems we will solve together today?