File Cabinet: Math Problem Solving

Laura Candler's Math Problem Solving page is where you'll find great resources for teaching problem solving as well as a variety of math problem activity pages. Many of the items on this page are free and do not come with directions. For complete problem solving lessons, check out the Daily Math Puzzlers, a series of four leveled books that include information on how to teach problem solving as well as mixed-problem activity pages for students.

Math Problem Solving Webinar Recording

If you missed the live Problem Solving webinar, you can watch the recording using one of the options on this page. The option below requires a good internet connection and does not include a view of the chat window, but it's the easiest one to watch on a mobile device. Below the media player you'll find links to your other viewing options.

Math Problem Solving Webinar Mp4 Version

Other Options for Viewing the Math Problem Solving Webinar

• Full MMF Webinar in Blackboard Collaborate - This is an unedited version and will open in a Java application. It's the entire Math Problem Solving webinar including the chat window, the whiteboard area, and list of participants. It's as if you were right in the room with us during the live webinar. To skip the Blackboard Collaborate walkthrough, use the slider at the bottom to scroll across to about 12 minutes into the webinar to where the actual program begins. Unfortunately, you can't watch it on a mobile device.
• Chat Transcript - You can also download a PDF file of the messages that were typed into the chat box during the recording. This is a long file but it does contain some useful suggestions and links to helpful websites.

Free Problem Solving Printables

If you have problems viewing or printing the files below, please read the Helpful Hints on my Adobe Acrobat Reader Help Page.

Problem Solving Assessment ebook (Free to Subscribers)

Use the simple pretests in this ebook to learn how skilled your students are at solving problems and where to start them in the Daily Math Puzzler program. Even if you don't use the Daily Math Puzzler program, you'll gain valuable insights as to HOW your students attack word problems and solve them. Learn more ....

Sample Daily Math Puzzler Problem Pages

• Level A Problems
• Level B Problems
• Level C Problems
• Level D Problems

Seasonal Daily Math Puzzler Pages (Levels Vary)

• Halloween Puzzlers
• Fall Math Puzzlers (Two variations - Level B and Level C)
• Pilgrim Problems
• Christmas Puzzlers 1
• Christmas Puzzlers 2
• Valentines Day Puzzlers
• St. Patrick's Day Puzzlers
• Spring Puzzlers (Primary)
• Spring Puzzlers (Elementary)

Math Problem Solving Instructional Strategies

• Differentiating with Daily Math Puzzlers
• Music-Mix-Math
• Math Chat

Math Problem Solving Printables for Written Explanations

• Problem Solving Practice #1
• Problem Solving Practice #2
• Problem Solving Practice #3 - Spring Problems

Weekly Math Challenge Activities

1. The Ribbon Problem
2. Fertilizer and Fencing Problem
3. Airplane Arrival and Departure
4. Carpet Installation
5. Saving to Buy a Camera
6. Range, Mode, Median, and Mean
7. Calculating the Phone Bill
8. Ant and Caterpillar Race
9. The Rental Car Problem
10. Coin Weights
11. Template (Create Your Own)