| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | Mathematics |
| What topic | word problems |
| What length (min) | 65 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 8 |
| Class size | 6 |
| What curriculum | tbrown@blackwater.k12.mo.us |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 10 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Word Problems
Grade 8
Mathematics
6 students
Corresponding to national curriculum standards as outlined by tbrown@blackwater.k12.mo.us.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (minutes) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homework Review | 10 | A few students present their homework solutions to the class. Discuss any common issues encountered. |
| 2 | Introduction to Word Problems | 15 | Introduce the concept of word problems. Discuss different strategies to approach them. Provide examples. |
| 3 | Printable Cards Distribution | 5 | Hand out printed word problem cards to each student. Explain how to fill them out. |
| 4 | Group Work on Word Problems | 15 | Divide students into pairs or small groups. Each group works on a selected word problem. Encourage discussion and collaboration. |
| 5 | Physical Activity Break | 5 | Engage students in a quick physical activity to refresh their minds (e.g., a short game or stretch). |
| 6 | Group Presentations | 10 | Each group presents their solutions to the class. Encourage questions and feedback from peers. |
| 7 | Collecting/Checking Information | 5 | Collect the printed cards filled out during the lesson or conduct a quick check of the answer sheets. |
| 8 | Assigning Homework | 5 | Assign homework related to word problems, ensuring it reinforces what was learned in class. |
This lesson plan aims to develop students' abilities in solving word problems through collaborative learning and practical application. The blend of activities will keep students engaged while meeting the outlined educational standards.
"Good morning, everyone! I hope you're all doing well today. To start our lesson, let's review the homework from our last class. I will ask a few of you to come up and present your solutions to the problems. As you present, please share any challenges you faced or strategies you used. Who would like to go first?"
Wait for students to present their work and encourage class discussion.
"Thank you for sharing! Now, let’s discuss any common issues you encountered. Did anyone find a particular problem challenging?"
Facilitate a discussion around the homework solutions.
"Now that we've reviewed the homework, let's dive into our main topic for today: word problems. Who can tell me what a word problem is?"
Allow for student responses.
"Great answers! A word problem is a mathematical question presented in the form of a story. Today, we will learn how to approach these types of problems effectively. One useful strategy is to first identify what the question is asking. Another is to highlight or underline important information within the problem. Let’s look at a couple of examples together."
Project or write examples on the board.
"Can anyone tell me the first thing we should do when we encounter a word problem?"
Encourage responses and discuss strategies further.
"Now it’s time for you all to practice identifying and solving word problems. I’m handing out printed word problem cards to each of you. Please take one and read through it carefully. Make sure to highlight the important information and write down what the problem is asking you to find."
Distribute the cards and give students a moment to read them.
"Once you’ve filled out your card, we will move on to the next step."
"Okay, let’s transition into some group work! I want you to pair up with a partner or form small groups. Each group will choose one word problem to work on together. Share your thoughts and collaborate on finding a solution. Remember, communication is key, so discuss your strategies and reasoning. You have 15 minutes!"
Circulate the room while students are working, providing assistance as necessary.
"Time’s up! I hope you all had fruitful discussions."
"Let’s take a quick break to refresh our minds! Stand up and join me for a short activity. We can play a quick game of 'Simon Says' or do some stretches. Let's get our bodies moving for just 5 minutes!"
Engage the students in a fun, quick physical activity.
"Alright, everyone! I hope you all feel energized. Now, we will have each group present their solution to the word problem they worked on. Please explain your thought process along with the final answer. Who would like to go first?"
Allow each group to present and encourage questions from their peers.
"Fantastic work, everyone! Does anyone have feedback or questions for the presenters?"
Facilitate a feedback session after each presentation.
"Thank you for your presentations. Now, I would like to collect your printed word problem cards that you filled out during our lesson. If you haven't completed yours, please let me know so I can check your answer sheets."
Collect the cards or check answer sheets as needed.
"To wrap up today’s lesson, I will assign some homework that will reinforce what we've learned about word problems. Please complete the worksheet I’m handing out, which includes several new word problems to solve. Be prepared to discuss your strategies and solutions in our next class. If you have any questions while working on the homework, don’t hesitate to ask!"
Distribute the homework assignment.
"Great job today, everyone! I’m proud of the effort you put into understanding word problems. See you all next time!"
| Slide Number | Image | Slide Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | {Image: A classroom with students discussing} | - Review homework from previous class - Students present solutions - Discuss challenges and strategies |
| 2 | {Image: Students raising hands} | - Introduction to word problems - Definition: Mathematical questions in story form - Strategies to approach: Identify the question and highlight key information |
| 3 | {Image: Printed word problem cards} | - Distribute printed word problem cards - Read and highlight key information - Write down what the problem is asking |
| 4 | {Image: Students collaborating in groups} | - Group work on word problems - Pair up or form small groups - Choose one problem to solve together - Importance of communication |
| 5 | {Image: Students standing and stretching} | - Physical activity break - Engage in a short game or stretching activity - Refresh minds |
| 6 | {Image: Groups presenting in front of class} | - Group presentations of solutions - Explain reasoning and answer - Encourage questions and feedback |
| 7 | {Image: Teacher collecting papers} | - Collect and check printed word problem cards - Ensure all students have completed their cards |
| 8 | {Image: Homework assignment on desk} | - Assign homework to reinforce learning - Complete worksheet with new word problems - Prepare to discuss strategies in next class |
| 9 | {Image: Teacher applauding students} | - Acknowledge effort and participation - Encourage students to ask questions if unclear about homework |
| 10 | {Image: Classroom with students leaving} | - Conclude the lesson - Express pride in students' progress - Reminder of next class discussion on homework |
What is a word problem, and why is it important to understand them in mathematics?
Read the following word problem: "Sarah has 5 apples, and she buys 3 more. How many apples does she have now?"
If a car travels 60 miles per hour for 2 hours, how far does it travel in total? Describe the steps you took to solve this problem.
Create your own word problem that involves addition and provide the solution.
Why is it important to underline or highlight important information when solving a word problem? Provide an example to support your answer.
After completing a word problem, what strategies can you use to verify that your answer is correct?
"Tom has twice as many marbles as Jack. If Jack has 10 marbles, how many does Tom have?" Write down the equation you would use to solve the problem and provide the answer.
What did you find most challenging about solving word problems? Reflect on one particular problem that was tough for you and explain why.
Discuss the role of collaboration in solving word problems with a partner. How can discussing your thought process with someone else help improve your understanding?
Drawing from today’s lesson, what are three tips you would give to a classmate about tackling word problems effectively?
A word problem is a mathematical question posed in a story format. It's important to understand them because they help apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations.
a. Important information: Sarah has 5 apples and buys 3 more. b. The question is "How many apples does she have now?"
The car travels 60 miles/hour × 2 hours = 120 miles. Steps: Multiply the speed by the time.
Example: "Lily has 7 cupcakes, and she gives 3 to her friend. How many cupcakes does she have left?" Solution: 7 - 3 = 4 cupcakes.
Highlighting helps to focus on key details and the question being asked, which can clarify what needs to be solved. For example, in the problem about Sarah, highlighting "5 apples" and "3 more" makes it clear what numbers to work with.
To verify your answer, you can re-read the problem to ensure it makes sense and check your calculations.
The equation is: Tom's marbles = 2 × Jack's marbles = 2 × 10 = 20 marbles.
Answers may vary; one example could be that a problem seemed complex due to multiple steps or unclear wording.
Collaboration helps share different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, which can lead to better solutions and clarifications.
Three tips could be: (1) always identify the question first, (2) highlight key information, and (3) check your work after you find an answer.
| Question | Answer |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------|
| What is a word problem? | |
| What should you do first when approaching a word problem? | |
| Why is it important to highlight or underline key information in a word problem? | |
| What strategies can you use when working in groups on word problems? | |
| How can you effectively communicate with your partner while solving a word problem? | |
| What was a challenge you faced while working on your word problem today? | |
| How did your group arrive at your final solution for the word problem? | |
| What did you learn from the presentations of other groups? | |
| How can you apply the strategies learned today to your homework? | |
| What are some tips for checking your work after solving a word problem? | |What strategies did you find most helpful when solving the word problems, and why do you think they worked for you?
Can you think of a real-life situation where you might encounter a word problem like the ones we discussed today? What would that situation be?
How would you explain the concept of identifying important information in a word problem to a younger student?
If you had to create your own word problem, what scenario would you choose, and how would you structure the question?
Why do you think understanding how to solve word problems is important in mathematics and in everyday life?
Let's get moving, it's time to play,
Here are some exercises for our break today:
Reach for the Sky: Stand up tall, stretch out wide,
Lift your arms high, feel the warmth inside.
Jumping Jacks Galore: Feet together, arms at your side,
Jump out wide, let energy ride!
Toe Touches: Bend down low and touch your toes,
Straighten up high, feel how it flows.
Marching in Place: Lift those knees, one foot at a time,
Let’s get our heart pumping, it’s a rhythm and rhyme.
Side Lunges: Step to the side, keep your knee bent,
Switching sides now, feel that content!
Windmill Arms: Stretch your arms out, palms to the front,
Circle them back, let’s go for a hunt!
Body Twists: Stand and twist, left and right,
Loosen your body, feel the delight.
Ninja Hops: Hop like a ninja, quiet and light,
Bend your knees softly, make it feel right.
Sit and Stand: From your chair, stand up straight,
Sit back down, don't hesitate!
Dance Party: Shake it out, move to the beat,
Let’s have a dance, get on your feet!
Feel the energy surge, let’s laugh and cheer,
These exercises help us, our minds will be clear!