About this resource
Students are given a question with no data or information attached to it and asked to generate ideas to answer the problem. Students may be given a prompt, such as:
Estimate the number of veterinary clinics in the San Francisco Bay area.
Another example is:
Given the following numbers - 2, 3, 5, 10, 24 - use all five numbers and any mathematical operation to make the number 120. Create as many possible solutions as possible.
Modifications for all Learners: Open-ended problems allow for creativity and critical thinking for all learners. Provide assistive technology as needed.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
Problem-solving
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
AASL Main Standard(s): V. EXPLORE Discover and innovate in a growth mindset developed through experience and reflection. A. Think - Learners develop and satisfy personal curiosity by: 3. Engaging in inquiry-based processes for personal growth.
V. EXPLORE Discover and innovate in a growth mindset developed through experience and reflection. C. Share - Learners engage with the learning community by: 1. Expressing curiosity about a topic of personal interest or curricular relevance. 2. Co-constructing innovative means of investigation. 3. Collaboratively identifying innovative solutions to a challenge or problem.
Related STEM Area: Math
NGSS Main Related Engineering Design Standard: 3-5-ETS1-2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
What students will do
- I will create solutions based on limited information.
- I will use prior knowledge to create solutions.
- I will work with colleagues to generate answers through collaboration.
- I will think creatively.
I can create solutions based on limited information.
I can use prior knowledge to create solutions.
I can work with colleagues to generate answers through collaboration.
I can think creatively.
Resources Needed
For investigation and research you will want access to books, and/or computers with Internet.
How learning is assessed
- I created solutions based on limited information.
- I used prior knowledge to create solutions.
- I worked with colleagues to generate answers through collaboration.
- I thought creatively.