Thanks to all who have made lengthy comments. What a great conceptual barrier to over come. I have seen this come up every year.
Students come to school wanting to learn.
I better not get on my soap box, it would be preaching to the choir. Student interest in the problem - students love friendly games where they can compete. The trick is to make everyone a winner. Interest in a problem is easy to spark at younger ages, it becomes more of a challenge as students get older. If the answer if provable, it is correct.