Middle school students can solve harder problems. The children in Ms. F's class wanted to find out how many ways they could get from home to school and how long each way took. They measured distance and time by walking to school, riding the subway or public bus, and going in a car pool or school bus. In teams, they reported the pros and cons of using different methods of transportation. They decided that walking to school was fastest and cheapest and the best exercise, but the bus was the best idea because it was safest.
Students work in groups to solve problems.
Students learn more problem-solving math when they work in groups and can talk through their ideas with each other. When they explain, teach, argue, or report, this helps them really understand. They benefit from seeing several solutions and from conversing in the language of math. Employers expect their employees to be able to solve problems and to work with others in finding solutions. The 4th grade was building a cage for its new guinea pig.