problem solving lessons for elementary students

15 Problem solving activities for students

In this guide

• 1. The detective game
• 2. Help ‘em out
• 3. What if…
• 4. Move IT!
• 5. The build
• 6. Just survive
• 7. Good old scavenger hunt maybe with a twist
• 9. Tower of terror
• 10. Community problem solving
• 11. Community problem solving documentary
• 12. Digital storytelling
• 13. Minefield/Lead the blind
• 14. Design sprints
• 15. Debates

Problem solving entails identifying, analyzing, and addressing challenges or obstacles using critical thinking, creativity, analytical skills, and reasoning. The World Economic Forum consistently ranks critical thinking and problem solving as top skills for the future in their list of essential abilities. 

Why is problem solving an important skill for students?

In a 2020 report, the World Economic Forum emphasized the growing significance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the upcoming years ( Whiting, 2020 ). These skills are vital not only for academic success but also for navigating challenges beyond the classroom. Let’s explore four key benefits of problem-solving skills for students.

• Student centered learning: Problem solving encourages student engagement by encouraging hands-on exploration and discovery. Students fully engage with a topic, they are not expected to simply absorb and memorize information. It recognizes and honors students’ individual learning pace, as well as their unique strengths, interests, and motivations. 
• Enhanced critical thinking: By tackling problems from diverse perspectives and evaluating information from various sources and viewing the problem from various angles, students are able to develop improved critical thinking skills.  Problem solving also cultivates systems thinking, enabling students to grasp the interconnectedness of systems, complex issues, and devise holistic solutions. 
• Confidence building: Through regular practice, students gain confidence in their problem solving skills, equipping them to address challenges across a wide variety of subject areas and real-life scenarios. “The goal in teaching problem-solving is for it to become second nature, and for students to routinely express their curiosity, explore innovative solutions, and analyze the world around them to draw their own conclusions.” (Marshall, 2022)
• Teamwork and communication: Engaging in problem solving activities nurtures essential teamwork skills such as communication and collaboration. Students learn to actively listen, respect diverse perspectives, and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner. Moreover, they develop goal setting abilities, organization, and build a sense of personal accountability within a team environment. 

Problem solving activities for elementary

Problem solving activities can range from simple to complex and short to long.

1) The detective game

• Gather 5-10 clues about a person, place, historical event, pop culture phenomenon, animal, etc. these can be physical clues or images of clues. 
• Place the clues to a bag and have students draw one clue at a time. 
• Encourage students to work in small groups to solve the mystery. 
• Require a minimum number of clues to be drawn (2-3) before attempting their first guess. 

2) Help ‘em out

• Engage students in brainstorming sessions while reading about historical events or fictional characters.
• Encourage small group discussion and decision making. 
• Students can work at desks or on whiteboards. 
• Challenge the students to identify the problems faced and devise creative solutions to alter the outcomes. 

3) What if…

• Create a list of moral dilemmas for students to ponder, ChatGPT would be perfect for this.
• Cut them up and put them in a bag for students to pull out of or use an online randomizing tool like WheelPicker to make the selection. 
• Students then have to share how they would handle the situation using ethical reasoning and decision making skills.

Here are the prompts I used on ChatGPT:

I am looking for a list of 15 moral dilemmas for elementary students to try and solve.

And a follow-up prompt:

Could you give 10 more that are based around honesty, fairness, respect, and peer pressure?

And here are 10 dilemmas ChatGPT came up with in seconds: 

• Truth dilemma: Your friend breaks something and asks you not to tell anyone. Should you keep their secret or tell an adult what happened?
• Fairness dilemma: You’re playing a game and your friend keeps losing. Do you let them win to make them feel better or play your best?
• Respecting property dilemma: You find money on the ground. Do you keep it, try to find the owner, or turn it into a teacher?
• Honesty dilemma: You accidentally take something that belongs to someone else. Do you return it, keep it, or ignore what happened?
• Respect dilemma: Your friend likes a certain game, but you don’t. They invite you to play. Do you decline and risk hurting their feelings, or play to make them happy?
• Cheating dilemma: You notice someone cheating during a class assignment. Should you tell the teacher or keep quiet?
• Environment dilemma: You see someone littering in the park. Do you pick up the trash, ignore it, or say something to the person?
• Privacy dilemma: You find a diary belonging to your sibling or friend. Should you read it or respect their privacy?
• Homework dilemma: You finish your homework but notice that your friend forgot to complete theirs. They ask to copy your work. What do you do?
• Peer pressure dilemma: Your friends want to gossip about another classmate. Do you join in, stay silent, or change the subject?

4) Move IT!

In this activity students are required to move an object across the classroom while navigating various constraints. 

• Introduce limitations such as restrictions on carrying the object, it can’t touch the floor, limited steps, use of specific body parts, or communication limitations with team members. 
• Encourage collaborative problem solving and creative thinking to overcome the obstacles.

5) The build

Provide students with materials like straws, marshmallows, paper cups, etc. and challenge them to build. Challenges can be the tallest freestanding tower, a bridge that can hold a certain weight, or other structures following specific rules. Students must learn to think creatively, collaborate, and iterate. 

Problem solving activities for middle school

Middle school problem solving can also utilize those activities mentioned for elementary school with some slight tweaks. But, here are some more middle school style activities.

6) Just survive

Use survival scenarios to encourage small groups to employ critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem solving skills. These scenarios immerse students in real-world situations and foster resilience and adaptability. 

Many scenarios can be found online. Here are a few:

• Survival Island (complete with Google Slides)
• Plane Crash (survival game with a Hatchet by Gary Paulsen feel)
• Moon Landing (space survival game)

7) Good old scavenger hunt maybe with a twist

Scavenger hunts require problem solving skills to solve clues, think critically, and collaborate to complete the hunt. A fun and innovative way to do this was created by a friend named Kathi Kersznowski, co-author of Sail the 7Cs with Microsoft Education, called FlipHunt: 

A Fliphunt is a video-based scavenger hunt that is completely organized and run in the AMAZING Flip (formerly Flipgrid) environment. It is a wonderfully fun way to get students up and moving while exploring new learning or documenting understanding using the most beloved edtech site for amplifying student voice and student engagement in ways never known before! https://kerszi.com

Escape rooms are an amazing way to promote problem solving and critical thinking with middle school students. Students are presented with a scenario or challenge within a controlled environment, such as a themed classroom or designated area, where they must work together to decipher puzzles, uncover clues, and solve challenges within a set time limit. Escape rooms provide immersive and engaging problem-solving experiences.

There are a number of places teachers can go to find escape rooms, some paid, some free or freemium, and some physical with locked boxes or digital using Google Sites or Google Forms.

• BreakoutEDU – Standards aligned Escape Room games.
• Digital Escape Rooms from Ditch That Textbook
• How to make your own digital escape room with Google Forms

9) Tower of terror

This is a “Red Solo Cup” cup stacking game. 

• Students are given 3 cups and 2 large index cards. 
• Cups are stacked with a card in between each cup. 
• Student teams have 3-10 minutes (be fluid with your time depending on the class) to pull the cards and get the cups to nest on top of each other, earning a point for each successful attempt. Check out this X (Twitter post) by Jonathan Alsheimer , Tower Of Terror . This quick, simple game encourages teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration in a fun fast paced way.

10) Community problem solving

Empower students to address real-world problems from the local community or your school community. Maybe it’s a dangerous intersection, food waste with school lunches, or single-use plastics in the cafeteria. Students can research, analyze data, and propose solutions, fostering civic engagement and social responsibility. This is an activity that can also be used for high school students. 

Problem solving activities for high school

High school problem-solving activities build on foundational skills while providing opportunities for deeper exploration and application. Here are some elevated ideas tailored to high school students:

11) Community problem solving documentary

Challenge students to create short documentaries using their phones as cameras about solving problems they see in the community, in school, or in the world. Students can edit directly on their phones, on sites like Canva , WeVideo , or Capcut . 

12) Digital storytelling

Encourage students to harness the power of Digital storytelling to promote problem solving. Whether through videos, graphics, podcasts, or interactive presentations, data visualization, or digital books ( BookCreator ), students can craft compelling narratives that inspire action and promote a problem-solving mindset.

Check out Michael Hernandez’s book Storytelling with Purpose Digital Projects to Ignite Student Curiosity and you can listen to Michael on the TeacherNerdz Podcast .

13) Minefield/Lead the blind

This is an outstanding activity created by Dr. Krista Welz & Melissa Welz which involves communication, collaboration, and planning. The “Minefield” activity is  where one student navigates through a “Minefield” guided only by verbal commands from their peers. This hands-on exercise promotes teamwork, planning, and effective communication skills. Here is a detailed Google Slides explanation by the creators.

14) Design sprints

Introduce students to the concept of design sprints, a structured process for solving complex problems through rapid prototyping and user feedback.  Small teams collaborate intensely over a short period, usually five days (can be shorter a class period or a few days), to ideate, prototype, and validate solutions. Here is a famous design sprint from IDEO shown on ABC’s Nightline, the shopping cart design sprint:

Here are a few ideas:

• Redesigning the school cafeteria menu: Students work collaboratively to identify issues with the current cafeteria menu, brainstorm innovative solutions, create prototypes of redesigned menus, and gather feedback through testing sessions to ultimately present improved menu designs to school administrators.
• Redesigning classroom layouts for enhanced learning: This sprint focuses on reimagining classroom setups to optimize student learning experiences. Students research, ideate, prototype, test, and present innovative classroom layouts designed to foster a more engaging and effective learning environment.
• Creating solutions for reducing school waste: Students address sustainability concerns by identifying sources of waste within the school, brainstorming eco-friendly solutions, prototyping waste reduction strategies, testing their effectiveness, and pitching refined solutions aimed at minimizing waste and promoting environmental stewardship.
• 11 Activities from IDEO’s d.school for educators: Link

15) Debates

Facilitate lively debates on contemporary issues to stimulate critical thinking and persuasive communication skills.  Topics could include:

• Establishing a universal basic income to address poverty.
• Social media regulation to address misinformation and hate speech on platforms. 
• Banning TikTok or any social media platform
• Animal testing for cosmetics and scientific purposes.
• Space exploration funding: Should governments invest more resources in space exploration and colonization efforts, or should these funds be allocated to other pressing issues on Earth? 

As we navigate an era of unprecedented change and uncertainty, the need for problem-solving skills has never been more pressing. Gone are the days of lifelong careers; instead, today’s students face a landscape where adaptability and innovation are key. By integrating problem-solving activities tailored to elementary, middle school, and high school students, educators play a pivotal role in equipping the next generation with the tools they need to thrive.

As educators, parents, and stakeholders, we must acknowledge the role of problem-solving skills in shaping resilient, creative, and adaptable individuals. Educators should prioritize the cultivation of these essential skills in our schools and communities, empowering students to confront challenges with confidence, innovation, and creativity. When we do,  we not only prepare them for the future but also foster a generation capable of shaping a brighter tomorrow.

*Many, if not all, of the activities above can be adapted up or down the grade levels. *

• Daneshgari, F. (2023, March 29). High School Problem-Solving: 6 Activities That Work . Safes Parental Control App. Retrieved April 7, 2024, from https://www.safes.so/blogs/problem-solving-activities-for-high-school-students/
• Educator Guides: Activities from d.school Books — Stanford d.school . (n.d.). Stanford d.school. Retrieved April 7, 2024, from https://dschool.stanford.edu/resources/educators-guides-books
• Engaging Problem Solving Activities for Middle School Students . (n.d.). Everyday Speech. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://everydayspeech.com/sel-implementation/engaging-problem-solving-activities-for-middle-school-students/
• 5 Problem-Solving Activities for the Classroom . (2013, February 14). Resilient Educator. Retrieved April 7, 2024, from https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/5-problem-solving-activities-for-the-classroom/
• Foshay, W. R., & Kirkley, J. (1998). Principles for Teaching Problem Solving . PLATO Learning Inc. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262798359_Principles_for_Teaching_Problem_Solving
• Khanna, B. (2023, September 29). World Economic Forum Warns of Skills Gap in the Future of Work . LinkedIn. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/world-economic-forum-warns-skills-gap-future-work-bhupendra-khanna
• Marshall, M. (2022, October 5). Benefits of Problem-Solving in the K-12 Classroom – Institute of Competition Sciences . Institute of Competition Sciences. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://www.competitionsciences.org/2022/10/05/benefits-of-problem-solving-in-the-k-12-classroom/
• Understanding the Importance of Teaching Creative Problem-Solving in Elementary Schools . (n.d.). Everyday Speech. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://everydayspeech.com/sel-implementation/understanding-the-importance-of-teaching-creative-problem-solving-in-elementary-schools/
• Weil, Z. (2016). The World Becomes What We Teach: Educating a Generation of Solutionaries . Lantern Publishing & Media.
• Whiting, K. (2020, October 21). What are the top 10 job skills for the future? The World Economic Forum. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/10/top-10-work-skills-of-tomorrow-how-long-it-takes-to-learn-them/

Ronald M. Nober

Technology/STEAM Teacher

Ron Nober is a technology/STEAM teacher and co-host of the TeacherNerdz Podcast. He has a focus on using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the classroom as well as connecting technology to social good.

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Problem-Solving

Jabberwocky

Problem-solving is the ability to identify and solve problems by applying appropriate skills systematically.

Problem-solving is a process—an ongoing activity in which we take what we know to discover what we don't know. It involves overcoming obstacles by generating hypo-theses, testing those predictions, and arriving at satisfactory solutions.

Problem-solving involves three basic functions:

Seeking information

Generating new knowledge

Making decisions

Problem-solving is, and should be, a very real part of the curriculum. It presupposes that students can take on some of the responsibility for their own learning and can take personal action to solve problems, resolve conflicts, discuss alternatives, and focus on thinking as a vital element of the curriculum. It provides students with opportunities to use their newly acquired knowledge in meaningful, real-life activities and assists them in working at higher levels of thinking (see Levels of Questions ).

Here is a five-stage model that most students can easily memorize and put into action and which has direct applications to many areas of the curriculum as well as everyday life:

Expert Opinion

Here are some techniques that will help students understand the nature of a problem and the conditions that surround it:

• List all related relevant facts.
• Make a list of all the given information.
• Restate the problem in their own words.
• List the conditions that surround a problem.
• Describe related known problems.

It's Elementary

For younger students, illustrations are helpful in organizing data, manipulating information, and outlining the limits of a problem and its possible solution(s). Students can use drawings to help them look at a problem from many different perspectives.

Understand the problem. It's important that students understand the nature of a problem and its related goals. Encourage students to frame a problem in their own words.

Describe any barriers. Students need to be aware of any barriers or constraints that may be preventing them from achieving their goal. In short, what is creating the problem? Encouraging students to verbalize these impediments is always an important step.

Identify various solutions. After the nature and parameters of a problem are understood, students will need to select one or more appropriate strategies to help resolve the problem. Students need to understand that they have many strategies available to them and that no single strategy will work for all problems. Here are some problem-solving possibilities:

Create visual images. Many problem-solvers find it useful to create “mind pictures” of a problem and its potential solutions prior to working on the problem. Mental imaging allows the problem-solvers to map out many dimensions of a problem and “see” it clearly.

Guesstimate. Give students opportunities to engage in some trial-and-error approaches to problem-solving. It should be understood, however, that this is not a singular approach to problem-solving but rather an attempt to gather some preliminary data.

Create a table. A table is an orderly arrangement of data. When students have opportunities to design and create tables of information, they begin to understand that they can group and organize most data relative to a problem.

Use manipulatives. By moving objects around on a table or desk, students can develop patterns and organize elements of a problem into recognizable and visually satisfying components.

Work backward. It's frequently helpful for students to take the data presented at the end of a problem and use a series of computations to arrive at the data presented at the beginning of the problem.

Look for a pattern. Looking for patterns is an important problem-solving strategy because many problems are similar and fall into predictable patterns. A pattern, by definition, is a regular, systematic repetition and may be numerical, visual, or behavioral.

Create a systematic list. Recording information in list form is a process used quite frequently to map out a plan of attack for defining and solving problems. Encourage students to record their ideas in lists to determine regularities, patterns, or similarities between problem elements.

Try out a solution. When working through a strategy or combination of strategies, it will be important for students to …

Keep accurate and up-to-date records of their thoughts, proceedings, and procedures. Recording the data collected, the predictions made, and the strategies used is an important part of the problem solving process.

Try to work through a selected strategy or combination of strategies until it becomes evident that it's not working, it needs to be modified, or it is yielding inappropriate data. As students become more proficient problem-solvers, they should feel comfortable rejecting potential strategies at any time during their quest for solutions.

Monitor with great care the steps undertaken as part of a solution. Although it might be a natural tendency for students to “rush” through a strategy to arrive at a quick answer, encourage them to carefully assess and monitor their progress.

Feel comfortable putting a problem aside for a period of time and tackling it at a later time. For example, scientists rarely come up with a solution the first time they approach a problem. Students should also feel comfortable letting a problem rest for a while and returning to it later.

Evaluate the results. It's vitally important that students have multiple opportunities to assess their own problem-solving skills and the solutions they generate from using those skills. Frequently, students are overly dependent upon teachers to evaluate their performance in the classroom. The process of self-assessment is not easy, however. It involves risk-taking, self-assurance, and a certain level of independence. But it can be effectively promoted by asking students questions such as “How do you feel about your progress so far?” “Are you satisfied with the results you obtained?” and “Why do you believe this is an appropriate response to the problem?”

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Home » SEL Implementation » Fun and Effective Problem Solving Scenarios for Elementary Students

Fun and Effective Problem Solving Scenarios for Elementary Students

Key takeaways.

• Problem-solving skills are crucial for the development of elementary students, aiding in academic, personal, and social growth.
• Fun and engaging scenarios can effectively teach these skills, including situations like The Lost Toy, The Broken Pencil, and The Group Project.
• Teaching specific problem-solving strategies, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering collaboration and communication are essential strategies to enhance these skills.
• Integrating problem-solving scenarios and strategies into teaching practices can help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and effective decision-making abilities.

Introduction: Fun and Effective Problem-Solving Scenarios for Elementary Students

In this post, I will discuss the importance of problem-solving skills in elementary students and how social-emotional learning can play a crucial role in developing these skills. I will also provide fun and effective problem-solving scenarios that you can use with your students. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Problem Solving

Before we jump into the problem-solving scenarios, let’s first understand what problem-solving is all about. Problem solving is the process of finding solutions to challenges or obstacles that we encounter in our daily lives. It involves identifying the problem, brainstorming possible solutions, evaluating those solutions, and selecting the best one.

Developing problem-solving skills in elementary students is essential as it helps them become independent thinkers, critical thinkers, and effective decision-makers. These skills not only benefit them academically but also in their personal and social lives.

Fun Problem-Solving Scenarios for Elementary Students

Now, let’s explore some fun problem-solving scenarios that you can use with your elementary students. These scenarios are designed to be engaging and interactive, allowing students to apply their problem-solving skills in a practical and enjoyable way.

Scenario 1: The Lost Toy

Description: Imagine a student has lost their favorite toy. They have searched their room but can’t find it anywhere.

Steps to solve the problem:

• Identify the problem: The student has lost their toy.
• Brainstorm possible solutions: Ask the student to think of different places where the toy could be.
• Evaluate the solutions: Discuss the pros and cons of each possible solution.
• Select the best solution: Help the student choose the most effective solution, such as retracing their steps or asking family members for help.

Discussion on possible solutions and their outcomes: After the student has implemented the chosen solution, discuss the outcome. Did they find the toy? If not, what other steps could they take to solve the problem?

Scenario 2: The Broken Pencil

Description: A student is working on an assignment when their pencil breaks.

• Identify the problem: The student’s pencil has broken.
• Brainstorm possible solutions: Encourage the student to think of different ways they can continue their work without a pencil.
• Evaluate the solutions: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
• Select the best solution: Help the student choose the most practical solution, such as borrowing a pencil from a classmate or using a pen.

Discussion on possible solutions and their outcomes: After the student has implemented the chosen solution, discuss the outcome. Did they complete their assignment successfully? If not, what other steps could they take to solve the problem?

Scenario 3: The Group Project

Description: A group of students is working on a project together, but they are having difficulty agreeing on a topic.

• Identify the problem: The group is struggling to agree on a project topic.
• Brainstorm possible solutions: Encourage each student to suggest project topics and discuss the merits of each idea.
• Evaluate the solutions: Help the group evaluate the feasibility and interest level of each topic.
• Select the best solution: Facilitate a group discussion to reach a consensus on the project topic.

Discussion on possible solutions and their outcomes: After the group has chosen a project topic, discuss the outcome. Did they work well together? If not, what other steps could they take to solve the problem?

Strategies to Enhance Problem-Solving Skills

Now that we have explored some problem-solving scenarios, let’s discuss strategies to enhance problem-solving skills in elementary students. These strategies can be incorporated into your teaching practices to help students develop and strengthen their problem-solving abilities.

Teach problem-solving strategies

One effective way to enhance problem-solving skills is to teach students specific problem-solving strategies. Here are a few strategies you can introduce:

• Brainstorming: Encourage students to generate multiple ideas or solutions to a problem.
• Breaking down the problem: Teach students to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts.
• Considering different perspectives: Help students develop empathy and consider different viewpoints when solving problems.
• Evaluating and selecting the best solution: Teach students how to evaluate the pros and cons of each solution and choose the most effective one.

Encourage critical thinking

Critical thinking is an essential component of problem solving. By encouraging critical thinking, you can help students develop their analytical and evaluative skills. Here are a few ways to promote critical thinking:

• Asking open-ended questions: Pose questions that require students to think deeply and provide thoughtful responses.
• Promoting creative thinking: Encourage students to think outside the box and explore innovative solutions to problems.
• Providing opportunities for decision-making: Allow students to make decisions independently and reflect on the consequences of their choices.

Foster collaboration and communication

Problem solving often involves working with others and effective communication. By fostering collaboration and communication skills, you can help students navigate group problem-solving situations more effectively. Here are a few strategies to foster collaboration and communication:

• Group problem-solving activities: Assign students to work in groups to solve problems together, encouraging them to share ideas and work collaboratively.
• Role-playing scenarios: Engage students in role-playing activities where they can practice problem-solving and communication skills in a simulated setting.
• Effective communication techniques: Teach students active listening, expressing ideas clearly, and resolving conflicts constructively.

Problem-solving skills are crucial for elementary students as they lay the foundation for success in various aspects of life. By incorporating problem-solving scenarios and strategies into your teaching practices, you can help students develop these essential skills. Remember, problem solving is not only about finding the right answer but also about developing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills. So, let’s encourage our students to embrace problem-solving and watch them thrive!

Looking for Fun and Effective Problem-Solving Scenarios for Your Elementary Students? Discover More Resources Here!

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• Let’s Figure This Out! Elementary Problem-Solving Activities for Students

by Studentreasures | Nov. 15, 2024 | Classroom Activities

Building problem-solving skills can be a challenging but rewarding process for an educator. Helping students work through the details of a problem-solving lesson takes time, patience and creativity. However, helping students build these skills will bring benefits that set them up for success in the classroom and throughout their lives. Below, you’ll find problem-solving activities for students that can be used in large and small groups or adapted for building individual problem-solving skills .

Small Group Problem-Solving Activities for Students

Building problem-solving skills in small groups allows elementary students to practice collaboration, communication and critical thinking as they work together to find solutions. These activities also help build confidence and social skills, as students learn to listen to different perspectives and contribute their ideas in a supportive environment.

Spider Web Weaving 

This fun activity can begin by discussing spiders and spider webs with your class – you will need yarn and a bag of cotton balls. Start with a lesson about why spiders make webs and show pictures of the many types of webs different spider species make. Once the initial lesson is over, break students into small groups and start the activity.

Have each group turn a chair upside down so that the four legs are facing upward. Each group will use the chair legs as a base for weaving their own web. Instruct groups to use the yarn provided to create a web designed to “catch” the spider eggs. Encourage them to experiment with different ways of wrapping the yarn around the chair legs, testing various patterns and strategies.

Once the webs are complete, go around and gently throw cotton balls, or “spider eggs,” at each web. If the cotton balls stick, the web has succeeded! If they fall through, challenge the group to discuss what might have gone wrong with their design and encourage them to adjust their web for another test. 

Many groups may start with simple designs, like wrapping the yarn in large loops. Encourage students to think critically about why their design worked or didn’t work and brainstorm improvements. This activity fosters problem-solving and teamwork as students work together to create stronger, more effective webs.

Save the Egg Challenge

This classic creative engineering challenge asks students to design a protective structure to keep an egg from breaking. You will need eggs, plastic straws, tape and paper for each group. Start by discussing real-world examples of protecting fragile items, such as packing boxes with cushioning.

Split the students into small groups and provide each with an egg and building materials. Their goal is to build a structure around the egg that will keep it safe when dropped from high up. Give them time to brainstorm, sketch and construct their designs.

After building, test each structure by dropping it from a designated height. For any eggs that break, encourage the groups to discuss what might have gone wrong and how they could improve their designs. This activity promotes critical thinking, as students must assess and revise their designs to create effective solutions.

Conflict Resolution Role Play

One of the most relevant ways to explore problem-solving skills is by talking about and exploring conflict resolution. Students of every age and grade experience peer conflict and guiding them through the resolution process will help them gain invaluable life skills. 

Gather your class and ask students to share some common conflicts that arise during the school week. Examples may include disagreements during recess or one student taking something from another without asking. Once you have a list, break students into groups and have them talk through solutions for resolving the conflict, focusing on kindness and empathy. Have them choose one or two solutions and act out the scenario in front of the class. 

This type of activity addresses common peer-to-peer issues that students experience in real life and gives them a toolbox of ways to approach and solve similar conflicts as they arise. 

Mystery Bag Investigation

This engaging activity introduces students to sensory problem-solving by challenging them to identify mystery objects without seeing them. You will need a bag for each group containing various small objects, such as a key, a feather or a marble.

Start by introducing the concept of using sensory clues for problem-solving and discuss how touch can help identify objects. Once the initial explanation is complete, break students into small groups and distribute one mystery bag to each group.

Without looking inside the bag, each student will take turns reaching in to feel each object. Together, they’ll use descriptive sensory clues to discuss and record their guesses about what each item might be. Encourage groups to communicate and collaborate as they piece together clues and consider different possibilities.

After all guesses are recorded, reveal each object to see how accurate the groups were. If they missed any, discuss why certain sensory clues might have led them to a different conclusion. This activity strengthens problem-solving skills by fostering observation, inference and group collaboration as students learn to trust their senses and think critically.

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Large group problem-solving activities .

Large group problem-solving activities encourage elementary students to work as a team, fostering a sense of community and collective responsibility. These problem-solving activities allow students to develop diverse ideas and strategies, helping them develop flexibility and adaptability as they work toward a common goal.

What Do We Do When…? 

This whole class activity is based on finding solutions to everyday problems that arise in the classroom. Ask students to name some common problems they encounter during the school day. 

For younger students who need more prompting, you can pre-plan and present problems with solution options and then lead the discussion! 

Examples may include not having the right color crayon for an art project, misplaced assignments or needing to get a tissue during a lesson. Write these down on the board or draw pictures of them as the students talk. 

Next, ask students for possible solutions to each of these problems and list them as they are named. For example, if a student needs a color for an art project they do not have, they can ask their neighbors, choose a different color or draw a different thing that does not require that color. 

Discuss each idea until you ultimately decide on one solution for each problem as a class. You can then take that idea and turn it into an anchor chart that students can reference or refer to when conflict arises.  

Counting and Sorting 

This student problem-solving activity is simple! You need a variety of small objects (paper clips, buttons, counters, etc.) to count. Each student should have between 80 and 120 objects. Tell the students they need to count the objects as quickly as they can in a certain time frame and set a timer. Once the class is done counting, have them count the objects again a second time. Many of the students will get a different number the second time they count. 

Take a moment here to discuss the possible reasons why students got a different number the second time they counted. Students can test different methods and compare results, learning how to optimize their time. After each trial, you can discuss as a class what worked best and why. The goal is to have the class begin to realize that if they group the objects together in some way, they become easier to count accurately. 

Talk about how problem-solving can involve trying new strategies and how learning to be more efficient saves time for other activities.

This activity builds critical thinking by challenging students to find innovative solutions for everyday tasks. Sharing solutions with the class also helps students improve their critical thinking skills by hearing others’ take on how to improve efficiency.

Classbook Project Planning and Publishing 

A classbook project is a fantastic way to introduce time management and planning through a multi-step creative activity. Start by explaining that the class will work together to create a published book, with each student contributing a page for writing and a page for illustration. Lay out each step of the process and give them timelines and due dates that are appropriate for their grade level and your class schedule.

Brainstorming Ideas : The class begins by discussing possible book topics, like “Our Dream Jobs” or “Our Favorite Animals.” Here are some sample book topic ideas to get you started! 

Outlining Their Page : Each student creates a simple outline of what they want for their page, helping them organize thoughts before writing. 

Writing and Revising : Students draft and revise their pages, learning to improve their work through editing and feedback. This is a great time to introduce peer editing ! 

Creating Illustrations : Each student draws an illustration to accompany their page, adding a personal touch to the book.

Final Assembly and Submission : The class comes together to assemble the pages and submit the book for publishing! 

By managing each step on a timeline, students practice setting deadlines and tracking their progress, skills that help them manage both time and tasks effectively. They will experience the need to prioritize in order to get their contribution to the book completed. The finished, published classbook is a rewarding outcome that reinforces the importance of planning and teamwork. It is an activity that your students will look back on for years to come!

Problem-Solving Teaching Strategies

Having teaching strategies on hand can help foster success as you plan activities and problem-solving lessons for students . 

Model Problem Solving with Think-Alouds

Model problem-solving by verbalizing your thought process as you work through a problem. Describe each step you’re taking, why you’re making certain choices and what you’re considering at each stage. This technique helps students see how to break down problems, evaluate options and make decisions.

Example Problem: Sarah has 15 apples and gives three apples to each friend. We need to find out how many friends got apples. Since she’s splitting the apples equally, this sounds like a division problem.

Example Think Aloud Solution: I’ll take 15 and divide it by three to see how many groups of three fit into 15. I know that three times five equals 15, so dividing 15 by three gives me five. This means Sarah gave apples to five friends. To double-check, I’ll multiply three by five, which equals 15—just like the original total. So, the answer is five friends.

Adapt the Scientific Method to Teach Problem Solving

The scientific method is a structured approach to teaching problem-solving that helps us investigate questions, test ideas and arrive at reliable conclusions. It’s widely used not only in science but also in everyday problem-solving because it offers a logical way to approach and understand challenges. Below are the steps of the scientific method adapted for problem-solving. We will use our Egg Drop Challenge activity above as an example.

Identify the Problem : Start by clearly defining the problem you want to solve. This helps focus your efforts and ensures that the solution addresses the specific issue. “We need to create something that protects the egg from breaking when we drop it.”

Gather Information : Research or gather information about the problem. Understanding the background or context can help identify potential causes and solutions. “If the egg is dropped in a box without enough cushion, it will shake around and break.”

Form a Hypothesis : A hypothesis is an educated guess about the solution. It’s a proposed answer to your problem based on the information you’ve gathered. “If we put the right material around the egg, like cotton, then it will not break.” 

Test the Hypothesis : Design a way to test your hypothesis. Problem-solving often involves trying to find a solution and observing the outcome. 

Analyze Results and Draw Conclusions : Record and review the test results. Did the solution work as expected?

Refine or Try Another Solution : If the initial solution didn’t fully solve the problem, go back to the information gathered, adjust your hypothesis or try a different solution. Each attempt brings you closer to understanding and solving the problem.

Share Results : In group settings, sharing findings can help others facing similar problems. Discussing what worked or didn’t work adds to the group’s collective knowledge and may provide new insights.

Encourage a Growth Mindset

Teaching a growth mindset involves showing students that learning is a process and that effort, persistence and resilience are just as important as getting the correct answer. Emphasize that mistakes and setbacks aren’t failures; they’re valuable learning opportunities. By praising effort, problem-solving strategies and persistence, you help students understand that their abilities can improve with practice and perseverance. 

Harnessing the Power of Problem Solving

Harnessing the power of teaching problem-solving in your classroom means guiding your students to empower themselves by gaining confidence in their abilities to think through and solve common problems successfully. By incorporating problem-solving lessons into your teaching, you can help students learn about conflict resolution, gain independence and promote a deeper understanding of subject matter.

By implementing the activities and lessons above, you’ll be able to create a more engaging and active learning environment where students are excited to solve problems together. Providing problem-solving activities for students gives them a lifelong skill set that will help them throughout their academic careers and lives. 

Don’t forget to order your FREE classbook kit ! This fun and engaging project allows students to create a memorable keepsake that will always remind them of when you helped them build problem-solving skills for many years to come! 

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Problem-solving skills are necessary in all areas of life, and classroom problem solving activities can be a great way to get students prepped and ready to solve real problems in real life scenarios. Whether in school, work or in their social relationships, the ability to critically analyze a problem, map out all its elements and then prepare a workable solution is one of the most valuable skills one can acquire in life.

Educating your students about problem solving skills from an early age in school can be facilitated through classroom problem solving activities. Such endeavors encourage cognitive as well as social development, and can equip students with the tools they’ll need to address and solve problems throughout the rest of their lives. Here are five classroom problem solving activities your students are sure to benefit from as well as enjoy doing:

1. Brainstorm bonanza

Having your students create lists related to whatever you are currently studying can be a great way to help them to enrich their understanding of a topic while learning to problem-solve. For example, if you are studying a historical, current or fictional event that did not turn out favorably, have your students brainstorm ways that the protagonist or participants could have created a different, more positive outcome. They can brainstorm on paper individually or on a chalkboard or white board in front of the class.

2. Problem-solving as a group

Have your students create and decorate a medium-sized box with a slot in the top. Label the box “The Problem-Solving Box.” Invite students to anonymously write down and submit any problem or issue they might be having at school or at home, ones that they can’t seem to figure out on their own. Once or twice a week, have a student draw one of the items from the box and read it aloud. Then have the class as a group figure out the ideal way the student can address the issue and hopefully solve it.

3. Clue me in

This fun detective game encourages problem-solving, critical thinking and cognitive development. Collect a number of items that are associated with a specific profession, social trend, place, public figure, historical event, animal, etc. Assemble actual items (or pictures of items) that are commonly associated with the target answer. Place them all in a bag (five-10 clues should be sufficient.) Then have a student reach into the bag and one by one pull out clues. Choose a minimum number of clues they must draw out before making their first guess (two- three). After this, the student must venture a guess after each clue pulled until they guess correctly. See how quickly the student is able to solve the riddle.

4. Survivor scenarios

Create a pretend scenario for students that requires them to think creatively to make it through. An example might be getting stranded on an island, knowing that help will not arrive for three days. The group has a limited amount of food and water and must create shelter from items around the island. Encourage working together as a group and hearing out every child that has an idea about how to make it through the three days as safely and comfortably as possible.

5. Moral dilemma

Create a number of possible moral dilemmas your students might encounter in life, write them down, and place each item folded up in a bowl or bag. Some of the items might include things like, “I saw a good friend of mine shoplifting. What should I do?” or “The cashier gave me an extra $1.50 in change after I bought candy at the store. What should I do?” Have each student draw an item from the bag one by one, read it aloud, then tell the class their answer on the spot as to how they would handle the situation.

Classroom problem solving activities need not be dull and routine. Ideally, the problem solving activities you give your students will engage their senses and be genuinely fun to do. The activities and lessons learned will leave an impression on each child, increasing the likelihood that they will take the lesson forward into their everyday lives.

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