The 4-Step Problem Solving Approach

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The 4-Step Problem Solving Approach
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STEP 1Understanding the Problem

• What is your goal?
• How will you know you are successful?
• What materials do you have to work with?
• ? Restate the problem in your own words!

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STEP 2Make a Plan

• Make a diagram showing a solution
• Act out a solution to the problem
• Write a procedure to solve the problem

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STEP 3Carry out the Plan

• Follow the steps you give in your procedure
• Be careful not to make mistakes
• Make observations and take notes about how the
  plan works.

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STEP 4Look Back

• Was the plan successful?
• Explain why or why not.
• Make suggestions for how to change your plan.

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Seed Moving Problem

• A deep gorge 10 feet across and 20 miles long
  separates your team. The teammates on one side
  of the gorge have 7 rare seeds that must be
  transported within 2 minutes to the rest of the
  team for delivery to a laboratory.

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Materials

• Dixie cup
• Toothpicks
• Straw
• 12 feet of string
• Scissors
• 7 valuable seeds!

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TASK

• Your Team has 5 minutes to understand the problem
  and make a plan to solve it.
• You will then have 4 minutes to build your seed
  mover
• You will have 2 minutes to carry out your plan by
  demonstrating it to the class.

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Discussion

• How did working in a group help you make a plan?
• Were you able to get all seed across in 2
  minutes?
• What could you have done better?
• What did you learn?