Module 5: Problem Solving:Solve an easier related

problemCreate a physical representation

Content Learning Targets

Participants will solve problems by:•Solving an easier related problem•Create a physical representationParticipants will justify their solutions

Language Learning Targets

Participants will define:•Physical representation

Problem Solving Solving an easier related problem

What does ¾ ÷ ½ mean?

To fully understand the problem, I might ask an easier related problem.

What does 4 ÷ 2 mean?

Problem Solving Solving an easier related problem

What does 4 ÷ 2 mean?

I am being asked, how many 2s are there in 4?

I am beginning to understand what they are asking but I want to make sure so I look at another similar problem.

Problem Solving Solving an easier related problem

What does 4 ÷ ½ mean?

I am being asked, how many halves are there in 4?

I now understand what they are asking.

Problem Solving Solving an easier related problem

What does 4 ÷ ½ mean?

I am being asked, how many halves are there in 4?

I now understand what they are asking in the question: What does ¾ ÷ ½ mean?

Problem Solving Solving an easier related problem

What does ¾ ÷ ½ mean?

How many halves are there in ¾?

Solving problems by creating a physical representation

• Spatially organize the information to create a physical representation of the problem

• Various restrictions on identities or movements within the problem can be acted out

Crossing the riverPhysical representation

http://freeweb.siol.net/danej/riverIQGame.swf

Crossing the riverPhysical representation

• Everybody has to cross the river

• Only 2 people on the raft at a time

• The father cannot stay with any of the daughters without the mother’s presence• The mother cannot stay with any of the sons without their

father’s presence• The thief (stripped shirt) cannot stay with any family

member if the policeman is not there• Only the father, mother and policeman know how to

operate the raft

Physical representation

• 6 people meet at a party. Each person shares their business card with everyone at the party. If each person only gets one card from any person at the party, how many cards have been shared?