4th Grade Math Quest

Back by popular demand . . . Math Quest!  Math Quest, which is set up like a game to engage and motivate, is designed to help students become competent, confident, and creative problem solvers.  Throughout the unit, students explore six problem solving strategies:

            · Guess and check

            · Look for a pattern

            · Work backwards

            · Make a picture or a diagram

            · Use Logical Reasoning

            · Make a table or a chart

            In collaborative teams and on their own, students use the problem solving strategies to solve problems.  Once a problem solving strategy is mastered, students use this strategy to create original problems.  By solving and creating problems, students can earn “travel dots,” which move them forward on our game board. 

            In addition to developing a repertoire of meaningful problem solving strategies, this unit also aims to help students:

            · understand, analyze, and answer word problems effectively

            · organize and illustrate their thinking

            · collaborate in positive and effective ways with their peers

            · apply a systematic process for problem solving 

As a class, we built the problem solving rubric you see below.  We discussed how both process and precision are essential to effective problem solving.  Students tried to create a rubric that valued both process and product.  Like any rubric, it is a living document and may evolve as we use it.  Stay tuned :-)