Lesson Plans SET B for Grades 5-6-PDF Level 5-6 - Work Backwards and Guess & Check

PDF Level 5-6 - Work Backwards and Guess & Check - Presentation

Pdf Summary

The document outlines a problem-solving strategy for a Math Kangaroo class aimed at students in levels 5-6. It emphasizes using the "Working Backwards" and "Guess & Check" methods for solving mathematical problems effectively. The four-step problem-solving strategy includes understanding the problem, planning a solution, carrying out the plan, and looking back to check and reflect upon the solution. These steps are coupled with particular strategies like experimenting and acting out scenarios.<br /><br />The "Working Backwards" method is highlighted as being useful for problems where the result is known but the sequence of actions is unclear. By reverse-engineering the problem—undoing the final steps first—students can determine the initial state or structure that led to the outcome. This strategy encourages using flowcharts to track steps systematically and verify answers by reversing the process. <br /><br />"Guess & Check" encourages making educated guesses, testing them against the problem's conditions, and revising the approach if necessary. Each incorrect guess, rather than being seen as a failure, is an opportunity to gather additional information and narrow down the possibilities. This 'guess, check, and revise' cycle is positioned as an efficient strategy for tackling uncertain problems.<br /><br />Specific math problems from past Math Kangaroo exams are provided as challenging practice examples, each showcasing scenarios where these strategies can be effectively applied. The document also touches on vocabulary relevant to these strategies and problem-solving in general, such as integers, operations, and inverse operations.<br /><br />The document concludes by encouraging students to reflect on these strategies, consider when they might be useful, and participate in creating and exchanging original problems for peer feedback. Students are also encouraged to engage in creative "Genius Hour" activities, writing their own problems and solutions.

Keywords

Math Kangaroo

problem-solving

Working Backwards

Guess & Check

four-step strategy

flowcharts

reverse-engineering

mathematical problems

peer feedback

Genius Hour