Do you ever have a weird chunk of time to fill? Social studies went faster than you thought but it's not time for lunch yet? An awkward 15-minute gap between anouncements and music? Of course you do. That's a great time to have your students engage in a bit of problem solving. This mini-packet introduces students to a simple 4-question method to problem solving.

This packet contains three problems, however, because they are written to be intentionally misleading it will take students longer than you might expect to correctly complete each question. (Anticipate approx. 15-20 minutes per question) I recommend starting students off with a general discussion of problem solving, allowing several days for students to work thorugh the problems at their own pace during downtime, then closing with a discussion about the strategies they used

Decimals can be a really frustrating topic for students,  you may find that students benefit from a small change of pace, such as working on their Chromebooks or with manipulatives (check out these free virtual manipulatives!).  If you enjoy this product with your students, please check out my other decimal lessons and activities:

-Decimal Multiplication Guided Notes: Grid Method

-Decimal Multiplication Guided Notes: Partial Product

-Using Models and Mental Math to Add and Subtract Decimals (bundle)

-Review Multiplying Decimals and Whole Numbers

-Decimal Multiplication Quiz & Review

If you have any questions about this activity/lesson or how to use it (or if you just need a helping hand with getting through decimals!) please feel free to reach out!