The document outlines a 4-step problem solving plan for students to follow: (1) understand the problem, (2) develop a plan, (3) solve the problem, (4) look back. It then provides an example of using this plan to solve a problem about the number of handshakes at a party with 9 people. Different problem solving strategies are also listed.

1. Learning Target:Students will learn the 4-step problem solving plan to solve many kinds or problems.Students will learn a number of different problem solving strategies.

2. 4-STEP PROBLEM-SOLVING PLAN:(1) UNDERSTAND the Problem(2) Develop a PLAN(3) SOLVE the Problem(4) LOOK BACK

3. (1) UNDERSTAND the ProblemWhat do you know?What do you need to find out?

4. (2) Develop a PLANHave you ever solved a similar problem?What strategies can you use?Estimate an answer.

5. (3) SOLVE the ProblemDo you need to try another strategy?What is the solution?

6. (4) LOOK BACKDid you answer the right question?Does your answer make sense?

7. Kitty Litter Kitty Litter had 9 people come to her party. Everyone there shook hands one time with every person. How many total handshakes were there at the party?

8. (1) UNDERSTAND the ProblemWhat do you know?9 people came (10 total)Everyone shook hands with each otherWhat do you need to find out?Total number of handshakes

9. (2) Develop a PLANHave you ever solved a similar problem?Not that I can rememberWhat strategies can you use?Write a numerical equationEstimate an answer.A two digit number less than 90 ( 9 X 10 = 90 but I know there are repeats)

10. (3) SOLVE the Problem9+8+7+6+5+4+3+2+1 = 45Do you need to try another strategy? No, I feel confident about my answerWhat is the solution?45 handshakes

11. (4) LOOK BACKDid you answer the right question?Yes, I found the total handshakesDoes your answer make sense?Yes, it is a two digit number less than 90

12. Now I want you to solve this exact same problem using a different strategy. Notice that you already have the solution so I want you to focus on is the process. It is just as important as the solution.Before I let you go lets generate a list of possible strategies you could use that you might have used in the past.

13. StrategiesLook for a PatternGuess and CheckSolve a simpler ProblemDraw a picture/use a modelMake an organized list/tableWork backwardAct it out/use objectsUse logical reasoning (if… then…)(hints/clues) *Problem Solving Handbook pg. 761*

14. Can you recall the 4-step problem solving plan and the different problems solving strategies we talked about today?