Lesson Plan
Course Title: Concepts of Engineering and Technology
Session Title: Introduction to Problem Solving
Performance Objective:
After completing this lesson, students will be able to define problem solving, identify four steps
in the problem solving process and create their own problem solving Pictionary, matching the
criteria in the example provided.
Specific Objectives:
 Define problem solving
 Identify four steps in the problem solving process:
o understanding the problem;
o devising a plan;
o carrying out the plan;
o looking back
 Create an original problem solving Pictionary, using the example and characters
provided
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the
activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Concepts of Engineering and Technology:

130.362 (c)(6)(A)(C)(D)(E)
...identify and describe the fundamental processes needed for a project, including design
and prototype development;
...use problem-solving techniques to develop technological solutions;
...use consistent units for all measurements and computations;
...assess risks and benefits of a design solution.
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
English:


110.44 (b)(6)(A)(B)
…expand vocabulary through wide reading, listening and discussing;
…rely on context to determine meanings of words and phrases such as figurative
language, connotation and denotation of words, analogies, idioms, and technical
vocabulary.
110.44 (b)(7)(H)
…use study strategies such as note taking, outlining, and using study-guide questions to
better understand texts;
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Mathematical Models with Applications:

111.36 (c)(M.1)(A)(B)(C)
...compare and analyze various methods for solving a real-life problem;
...use multiple approaches (algebraic, graphical, and geometric methods) to solve
problems from a variety of disciplines; and
...select a method to solve a problem, defend the method, and justify the
reasonableness of the results.
Teacher Preparation:
Understand the four steps and sub steps in the problem solving process and prepare the
PowerPoint presentation for the lesson.
References:
Billstein, R., Libeskind, S., and Lott, J. (2010). A Problem Solving Approach to Mathematics for
Elementary School Teachers. Boston: Addison-Wesley.
Wikipedia.com
Instructional Aids:
1. PowerPoint presentation
2. Dictionary
Materials Needed:
1. Paper
2. Pencil
3. Problem solving definition handout
4. Problem solving Pictionary handouts (slides 2 and 12)
5. Problem solving quiz
6. Problem solving quiz key
Equipment Needed:
1. Computer
2. Overhead projector
Learner Preparation: None required.
Introduction
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY: Today we are going to discuss problem solving and four steps that make up the problem
solving process.
ASK: Does anyone know what is meant by problem solving?
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SAY: It is a mental process that’s part of the larger problem process that includes problem
finding and problem solving.
ASK: Can anyone state a problem in your own words?
SHOW: Let’s look at the problem solving Pictionary in the slide presentation. (Slide 2)
SAY: After we go through the problem solving process in the slide presentation, you will have a
chance to make your own Pictionary to solve a problem of your choice.
SAY: Keep it simple but don’t be limited to four steps (you might want to break each part into
sub sets).
SHOW: The last slide. (Slide 11)
SAY: Use this example to make your own problem solving Pictionary. You may use the
characters in this example to make your own characters. Finally, you will move the characters
until you get the idea that solves your problem.
Outline
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructors can use the PowerPoint presentation, slides, handouts, and note pages in
conjunction with the following outline.
MI
Outline
Notes to Instructor
.
I. Problem solving defined
A. A mental process that is part of the larger
problem process.
B. Considered the most complex of all
intellectual functions.
C. Defined as higher-order cognitive process.
D. Occurs when an organism or artificial
intelligence system needs to move from a
given state to a desired state.
Teacher begins
PowerPoint
presentation and
distributes the Problem
Solving Definition
handout.
II. Problem solving process
A. Understanding the problem.
B. Devising a plan.
C. Carrying out the plan.
D. Looking back.
Teacher points out
Pictionary slide 2
showing the four steps
of the process with
characters.
III. Step 1 - understanding the problem
A. State problem in your own words.
B. What are you trying to find or do?
C. What are the unknowns?
D. What information do you obtain from the
problem?
E. What information is missing?
F. What information is not needed?
As the students are
working, the teacher
reminds them to think
of things that relate to
them in their everyday
lives that could be
problems.
Using one of the
problems stated, the
teacher can ask the
students questions
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B-F.
IV. Step 2 - devising a plan
A. Look for a pattern.
B. Examine related problems.
C. Examine a simpler or special case of the
problem.
D. Make a table.
E. Make a diagram.
F. Write an equation.
G. Use guess and check.
H. Work backwards.
I. Identify a sub goal.
The teacher explains
that the strategies
listed, although not
exhaustive, are very
useful. Have students
look for a tool, a part,
the main support, and
ask how was it done?
V. Step 3 - carrying out the plan
A. Implement the strategy or strategies in
Step 2
B. Check each step as you proceed.
C. Keep an accurate record of work.
Teacher reinforces
that people have
different interpretations
and that no idea is a
bad idea.
VI. Step 4 - looking back
A. Check results in original problem.
B. Interpret the solution in terms of original
problem.
C. Determine if there is another method of
finding the solution.
D. Determine other related or more general
problems for which the techniques will
work.
Continue PowerPoint
presentation.
VII. Storyboard
A. Students will make their own Pictionary.
B. Four steps and sub steps of the problem
solving process.
C. Use characters from example Pictionary.
D. Move pictures until you get the idea that
solves the problem.
E. Look at it from forward, backwards.
Teacher introduces the
storyboard and
reminds the students
to refer to the example
at the beginning of the
presentation (slide 2);
and use the example
at the end of the
presentation to create
During this step of the
process, you will make
simple sketches and
keep a record.
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their own Pictionary
(slide 11). Students
will use the Problem
Solving Definition
handout as a reminder
of what is included in
each of the four steps
of the process.
Verbal
Linguistic
Logical
Mathematical
Visual
Spatial
Musical
Rhythmic
Bodily
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Application
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
After class presentation, the teacher will demonstrate how to use the examples from the
storyboard and the Problem Solving Definition handout to create the Pictionary of their choice.
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Following the storyboard provided in the lesson, students will use abstract thinking to identify at
least four steps of the problem solving process and select characters that best depict each step
of the process.
Summary
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Question: What is the process of problem solving?
Answer: The process is: 1) understanding the problem; 2) devising a plan; 3) carrying out the
plan; and 4) looking back.
Question: What do you do when you identify barriers while trying to solve a problem?
Answer: Think it through until it works.
Question: How will problem solving help you with the project?
Answer: It helps you to structure your thinking to get it right.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
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The teacher will observe the students as they are working on the problem solving Pictionary
they are creating.
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
The students will create a problem solving Pictionary with four steps and multiple sub steps for
the problem they choose to solve and complete the Problem Solving Quiz.
Extension
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV:
Paper towers, card towers, paper bridges.
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Problem Solving Definition Handout
Problem solving is a mental process and is part of the larger problem process that includes
problem finding and problem solving. Considered the most complex of all intellectual functions,
problem solving has been defined as higher-order cognitive process that requires the
modulation and control of more routine or fundamental skills. Problem solving occurs when an
organism or an artificial intelligence system needs to move from a given state to a desired goal
state.
Problem Solving Process:
1. UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
* Can you state the problem in your own words?
* What are you trying to find or do?
* What are the unknowns?
* What information do you obtain from the problem?
* What information, if any, is missing or not needed?
2. DEVISING A PLAN
The following list of strategies, although not exhaustive, is very useful.
* Look for a pattern.
* Examine related problems, and determine if the same technique can be applied.
* Examine a simpler or special case of the problem to gain insight into the solution of the original
problem.
* Make a table.
* Make a diagram.
* Write an equation.
* Use guess and check.
* Work backward.
* Identify a sub goal.
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3. CARRYING OUT THE PLAN
* Implement the strategy or strategies in step 2, and perform any necessary actions or
computations.
* Check each step of the plan as you proceed. This may be intuitive checking or a formal proof
of each step.
* Keep an accurate record of your work.
4. LOOKING BACK
* Check the results in the original problem. (In some cases this will require a proof.)
* Interpret the solution in terms of the original problem. Does your answer make sense? Is it
reasonable?
* Determine whether there is another method of finding the solution.
* If possible, determine other related or more general problems for which the techniques will
work.
Resources:
Billstein, R., Libeskind, S., & Lott, J. (2010). A Problem Solving Approach to Mathematics for
Elementary School Teachers. Boston: Addison-Wesley.
Wikipedia.com
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Introduction to Problem Solving
Quiz
1. What is the definition of problem solving?
2. Problem solving occurs when an organism or an artificial intelligence system
needs to _____ (circle the correct answer below)______.
A. move from a given state
B. move to a desired goal state
C. move from a given state to a desired goal state.
3. List four steps to the Problem Solving Process and briefly describe each step in
your own words.
A. ________________________
Describe this step:
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B. ________________________
Describe this step:
C. ________________________
Describe this step:
D. ________________________
Describe this step:
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Introduction to Problem Solving
Quiz Key
1. What is the definition of problem solving?
Problem solving is a mental process and is part of the larger problem process
that includes problem finding and problem solving. Considered the most complex
of all intellectual functions, problem solving has been defined as higher-order
cognitive process that requires the modulation and control of more routine or
fundamental skills.
2. Problem solving occurs when an organism or an artificial intelligence system
needs to move from a given state to a desired goal state.
A. move from a given state
B. move to a desired goal state
C. move from a given state to a desired goal state.
3. List four steps to the Problem Solving Process and briefly describe each step in
your own words.
A. Understanding the Problem
*State the problem in your own words.
*What are you trying to find or do?
*What are the unknowns?
*What information do you obtain from the problem?
*What information, if any, is missing or not needed?
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B. Devising a Plan
* Look for a pattern.
* Examine related problems and determine if the same technique can be
applied.
* Examine a simpler or special case of the problem to gain insight into the
solution of the original problem.
* Make a table.
* Make a diagram.
* Write an equation.
* Use guess and check.
* Work backwards.
* Identify a sub goal.
C. Carrying out the Plan
* Implement the strategy or strategies in step 2, and perform any
necessary actions or computations.
* Check each step of the plan as you proceed. This may be intuitive
checking or a formal proof of each step.
* Keep an accurate record of your work.
D. Looking Back
* Check the results in the original problem.
* Interpret the solution in terms of the original problem. Does your answer
make sense? Is it reasonable?
* Determine whether there is another method of finding the solution.
* If possible, determine other related or more general problems for which
the techniques will work.
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