ERIC Number: EJ1121177
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1326-0286
EISSN: N/A
The Smarties-Box Challenge: Supporting Systematic Approaches to Problem Solving
Russo, James
Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom, v21 n4 p35-40 2016
The Smarties-Box Challenge encourages students to apply several different mathematical capabilities and concepts--such as, estimation, multiplication, and the notion of being systematic--to solve a complex, multistep problem. To effectively engage in the Smarties-Box Challenge, students are required to demonstrate aspects of all four proficiency strands identified in the "Australian Curriculum: Mathematics"--problem solving, understanding, reasoning and fluency. The Smarties-Box Challenge requires students to employ a diverse range of mathematical skills and capabilities, as they work together as a team to solve quite a complex estimation problem. Undertaking the Smarties-Box Challenge is also great fun and tends to engage the whole-class (not least because of the Smarties "dangling" as a prize at the end). It is a highly worthwhile activity for primary school students in Year 3 onwards.
Descriptors: Problem Solving, Mathematics, Mathematical Concepts, Mathematics Instruction, Mathematics Education, Mathematics Skills, Elementary School Mathematics, Mathematical Logic, Multiplication, Computation, Mathematics Teachers, Elementary School Teachers, Elementary School Students
Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (AAMT). Tel: +61-8-8363-0288; e-mail: office@aamt.edu.au; Web site: https://primarystandards.aamt.edu.au/Journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A