Hands-On Problem Solving is essential to learning mathematics. When actively engaged in problem solving, students use all the mathematical processes they need in order to achieve the goals of mathematics education and to support lifelong learning. In Hands-On Problem Solving, students are exposed to a wide range of problems in all areas of mathematics. They solve these problems by applying a combination of mathematical knowledge, tools, and strategies. They also explore a variety of methods for solving and confirming their solutions.

The ability to use mathematical knowledge to solve problems is the goal for all students. Hands-On Problem Solving is an easy-to-use resource that helps teachers plan and implement best practices to meet this goal. In this book, you will find

• problem-solving activities to incorporate into daily mathematics classes for an entire school year
• a correlation chart identifying the math concepts presented in each lesson
• tasks designed for specific outcomes and learning expectations from Canadian curriculum documents
• problems integrating other curricular areas such as language arts, science, and social studies
• materials lists, reproducibles, assessment suggestions, and much more!

Download the FREE digital resources that accompany this book by following the instructions printed on the first page of the Appendix.

Jennifer E. Lawson, PhD, is the creator of the Hands-On books published by Portage & Main Press. As senior writer and editor for the series, she has contributed to more than 50 publications for teachers and students. Jennifer provides professional development workshops for educators locally, nationally, and virtually, and is a Workplace Wellness Advisor. Her most recent book is a collective effort called Teacher, Take Care: A Guide to Well-Being and Workplace Wellness for Educators. She is also one of the founders of Mission to Mexico, an organization that supports schools in some of the most impoverished communities in Puerto Vallarta. Throughout her extensive career in education, Jennifer has worked as a classroom teacher, resource and special education teacher, consultant, principal, university instructor, and school trustee. She lives with her family in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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Leanna Crawshaw, BEd, is a grade 6 teacher in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has been teaching at the grade 6 level for 20 years, and has also taught various other elementary grades. Her goal in teaching is to encourage thinking in a variety of ways so it can be applied to any problem in life. She believes being active in one’s own learning and becoming engaged in the learning process is very important in mathematics, and that to be successful learners students must learn to explore and understand the math on their own. She says teaching provides her with an opportunity for continual learning and growth, and she hopes that her passion for teaching will help to transmit a love of learning to her students as well.

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Dianne Soltess, BA, PBDE, is a curriculum coordinator K–8 for the St. James-Assiniboia School Division in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has practised in the education field for more than 30 years, teaching grades 1–6 before becoming a math/science coordinator. Dianne has taught undergraduate and post-baccalaureate courses for the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has been involved in math and science curriculum development and document writing for Manitoba Education and has contributed to the Hands-On Math series.

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Meagan Mutchmor, BEd, PBCE, is the K–8 mathematics consultant for Winnipeg School Division. She provides professional learning workshops on a variety of topics including mathematics, assessment for learning, and reflective practice. Meagan has also contributed to several educational resources as an author, advisor, and consultant. As an educator for 25 years Meagan believes that successful learners are active participants in their learning. This belief guides her practice with all learners, including children and adults.

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Tina Jagdeo and Lara Jensen teach at Upper Canada College in Toronto, Ontario. In Tina’s role in the Wernham West Centre for Learning, she teaches students to develop a toolkit of learning skills and works with teachers to create inclusive learning environments. Believing that students should not pass school and fail life, she also spends time working on character education initiatives. Lara has been a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator and librarian at schools in Switzerland, Germany and Canada. Currently, she works with teachers and students to use technology as a tool to facilitate thinking. They both enjoy leading school-based workshops on best practices in many areas of teaching and learning. Lara and Tina find inspiration from their students, colleagues and a good cup of coffee!

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Lara Jensen, BEd, BA, BPHE, has been a classroom teacher, specialist teacher, ICT integrator, curriculum coordinator, and librarian for the past 18 years at K–8 schools in Canada, Germany, and Switzerland. She holds a certificate in Outdoor and Experiential Education and has worked to incorporate inquiry-based teaching and learning into every classroom. Lara has conducted teacher’s workshops on such topics as mathematics, literacy, international-mindedness, and inquiry.

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