Problem Solving Work
130+ results
Filters
Grade
Subject
Format
Resource type
Standard
Theme
Language
Programs & methods
Supports
The Crane Design and Building Challenge -- STEM Problem Solving
A best practice lesson for the teaching of physical science or GATE talent pools:
In this lesson, students use the engineering process to build a working crane model that is strong enough to lift a stapler.
There are no set patterns, pre-cut materials, or teacher-led building instructions here! Students engage in the engineering process to design and build their own working models of cranes. The teacher sets guidelines and limitations, provides feedback and monitors progress, instructs the
4th - 8th
Engineering, Physical Science
Also included in: Creativity Bundle for GATE Gifted and Talented and ALL
Solving Real world Problems BIG UNFAIR Science Game - No Prep Grade 3 Review
This game is UNFAIR and the kids love it! 8 teams answer every question!The Big Unfair Game is a No Prep Science review game where students earn points for answering questions, but the points can be positive or negative! The goal is to have the score the closest to zero at the end of the game.The game is playable with the whole class together, or you can play it as small groups. All questions and answers are included. This version is Elementary Science, Grade 3, Solving Real world Problems. It
2nd - 4th
Engineering, General Science
Solving Real world Problems QUIZ SHOW Science Game - No Prep Grade 3 Review
Quiz Show is a No Prep Science review game where teams/students score points by answering questions correctly! These games are playable with the whole class together, or you can play them as small groups. There are 20 questions & answers included. This version is Elementary Science, Grade 3, Solving Real world Problems. They are digital resources, no printouts required. How It Works: The games run entirely on PowerPoint, and you can edit the questions and answers if you like.Start the presentati
2nd - 4th
Basic Principles, Engineering, General Science
IB PYP Provocation Concept Story Mats | How the World Works Grades K-3
LOOK and WONDER Discussion Mats for IB PYP | Inquiry-Based Provocations for Early YearsLooking for engaging IB PYP provocation tools that spark curiosity, support inquiry-based learning, and develop oral language and thinking skills in young learners? These LOOK and WONDER Discussion Mats are your ready-to-use solution! Perfect for Pre-K to Grade 3, these printable mats feature high-engagement images that help you introduce concept-based inquiry, project-based learning, and student-led th
K - 3rd
Basic Principles, Earth Sciences, General Science
Also included in: IB PYP Provocation Concept Story Mats | For Every Theme Grades K-3
Work Hardening in Copper DBQ/CER | Materials Science Aligned GATE Middle School
📘 Full Length NGSS Aligned DBQ CER Style Worksheet - Claim Evidence Reasoning | Work Hardening in Copper Worksheet | Evidence-Based Reading Engage your students in high-level critical thinking and evidence-based analysis on the subject of Materials Science, with this Full Length DBQ CER Style Worksheet. This resource is designed to help students analyze real-world topics, interpret informational texts, and support answers with evidence—all while staying accessible for gifted & talented mid
3rd - 6th
Engineering, Informational Text, Physical Science
Work Energy and Power Mini DBQ | Physical Science | GATE Middle School
📘 Mini DBQ - Data Based Questions | Work Energy and Power Worksheet | Advanced Middle School Evidence-Based Reading Engage your students in high-level critical thinking and evidence-based analysis on the subject of Physical Science , with this Mini-DBQ (Document-Based Question) worksheet written at an advanced level perfect for gifted & talented middle school learners. This resource is designed to help students analyze real-world topics, interpret informational texts, and support answers wit
3rd - 6th
Chemistry, Informational Text, Physical Science
Da Vinci Parachute Prototypes -- Hands-on STEM
In this lesson, students solve geometry problems and learn background physics concepts as they build a working model of Leonardo Da Vinci’s parachute. Logic, critical thinking, a bit of Renaissance history, writing and supporting conclusions with details from a source—it’s all here too!
Make this extended lesson a cross-curricular, standards-based mini-unit, or just make it a cool building activity. Pick and choose the level of commitment right for you and your students. With the suggested e
4th - 8th
Engineering, Geometry, Physical Science
Light Exploration Science Activity
A brief science experiment that works through the scientific process
1st - 4th
General Science
Darts STEM Math & Reading Activity | BASIC OPERATIONS | LOGIC
Darts STEM Math & Reading Activity – Real-World Problem SolvingBring real-world strategy and excitement into your classroom with this Darts-themed STEM activity pack that combines reading comprehension, mathematics, logic, and personal reflection. Using the familiar context of the sport of darts, students practice essential math skills while developing strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. The tasks gradually build in difficulty, making this resource suitable for guided practice, ind
4th - 8th
Basic Operations, Computer Science - Technology, Reading
Forces & Motion Inquiry Unit Plan x - Science - Engineering/Design - IB PYP
Let STEM come alive with this comprehensive How the World Works unit plan. It can be easily adapted to suit your own class and school and includes: transdisciplinary theme, central idea, lines of inquiry, key concepts and questionsapproaches to learning (ATLs) and learner profile focusagency and action ideasassessment - before views, formative, summative, self-assessment and peer.detailed learning experiences and provocationsscience experiments and engineering/design tasksresources and some l
1st - 6th
Science
52 STEM Activities with Spring, End of School Year & Summer STEM Challenges
Super-charge your STEM class with 52 high-engagement, critical thinking, problem-solving, NGSS-aligned challenges to take you through the entire year! Modifications are included to make these activities engaging and challenging for students in grades 2 - 8. The basic idea: Students work in partners or groups against criteria & constraints lists and use a combination of science, engineering, math, and technology skills to design and build solutions to problems. Each challenge includes a video wa
2nd - 8th
Engineering, General Science, Social Emotional Learning
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-2
+7
Materials & Matter Inquiry Unit x - Science - Engineering/Design - IB PYP
Let STEM come alive with this 6-7 week How the World Works inquiry unit. Easily adapted to suit your own class/school, it includes: transdisciplinary theme, central idea, lines of inquiry, key concepts and questionsapproaches to learning (ATLs) and learner profile focusagency and action ideasassessment - before views, formative, summative, self-assessment and peer.detailed learning experiences and provocationsscience experimentsresources and some linkslearning goals and assessment criteria ex
1st - 6th
Science
Marshmallow Catapult Lab
In this project based learning lab, using the engineering design process, students work in cooperative groups to create a marshmallow launcher that can shoot a marshmallow 3 meters and land within 20 cm of the target. This takes precision and team work.
4th - 7th
Engineering
February STEM - Valentines SEL, Science, Math & Measurement Candy Box Activity
Looking for February STEM activities that blend Valentine’s SEL, math, and hands-on problem-solving without turning into a craft or party filler? The Candy Box Valentine STEM activity is a meaningful, low-prep way to keep kids engaged while practicing measurement, math, and design thinking. Kids design and build the smallest possible candy box that still meets specific criteria and constraints, making this a high-interest Valentine science and math activity that feels like a challenge but de
2nd - 8th
Engineering, Other (Math), Social Emotional Learning
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-2
+7
STEM Humpty Dumpty Challenge
This STEM challenge is a fun and engaging way to get your students to work as a team to solve a problem. They will test out their idea and discuss what worked and way to improve their ideas.
PreK - 3rd
Engineering, Reading
Forces & Motion Inquiry Plan & Engineering Tasks - Science - Design - IB PYP
This bundle includes: A 13 page 6-7 week inquiry unit plan How the World Works which integrates science and engineering/design. Easily adapted to suit your own class/school, it includes: transdisciplinary theme, central idea, lines of inquiry, key concepts and questionsapproaches to learning (ATLs) and learner profile focusagency and action ideasassessment - before views, formative, summative, self-assessment and peer.detailed learning experiences and provocationsscience experiments and e
1st - 6th
Engineering
After Winter Break Winter STEM Challenge Activity - Print & Digital Bundle
Winter STEM challenges are a powerful way to channel student energy into focused, hands-on problem solving. The Frosted Forest STEM Challenge blends geometry, engineering, and critical thinking into an engaging design task that works for a wide range of grade levels. In this challenge, students work in partners or small groups to design the iciest tree possible using triangular icicles and a clear set of criteria and constraints. The result is a highly engaging STEM activity that feels playful
2nd - 8th
Engineering, Geometry
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-2
+7
Back to School STEM Challenges 3rd-5th | Scratch Coding & Tinkercad 3D
First week with a brand-new class and you need an activity that gets them working together instead of bouncing off the walls? These back to school STEM challenges drop your 3rd-5th students into 16 hands-on coding and 3D design projects — collaborating and problem-solving from day one. What's inside: 16 challenges total (8 Scratch Coding + 8 Tinkercad 3D Modeling), 49 slides, digital journals for student reflection, both color and B&W printable versions, menu-board OR single-project delivery for
3rd - 5th
Computer Science - Technology
Also included in: Monthly Digital STEM Challenges HOLIDAYS
STEM or STEAM Structure Challenge
All you need is masking tape, straws, and paperclips for this engaging and fun activity! Students work in groups to create the tallest structure for the cheapest price. All materials are priced out for you, there is a jobs sheet included, there's a money tracking sheet and a task sheet outlined. This is a great way for kids to participate in a hands on learning activity. It's an integrated activity so students will learn math and engineering concepts.
4th - 9th
Basic Operations, Engineering
Spider Web STEM Spooky Science Halloween Activity for Stations & Early Finishers
The Creature Catcher Spider Web STEM Challenge is the perfect blend of spooky science and hands-on engineering. Students work in teams to design a device to capture as many “creatures” as possible. Many choose to build spider webs, but when left open-ended, you’ll see creative designs that go far beyond webs! This resource includes both printable handouts and a digital Google Slides™ version, making it easy to use for in-person classes, sub days, or paperless classrooms. And if your school d
2nd - 8th
Engineering, General Science
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-2
+7
Brain House
This is helpful for teaching kids about their brains and how to control their emotions. If the brain is working without stress, the top and the bottom brain (thinkers and feelers) work together beautifully but if we Flip Our Lid, then the feelers take over!
2nd - 6th
Science
Spring STEM Activity - Bean Bind Print and Digital Bundle
Looking for an Easter or spring STEM / STEAM activity sure to keep your kids engaged in collaborative, fun critical thinking & problem solving? The basic premise:Due to equipment malfunctioning at the bean factory, several types of beans are all mixed-up, putting the Easter Bunny in a bind! Individually or in partners/groups, students will design and build a device to sort the jelly beans from the mixed-up beans. (You can skip the story if it's too cutesy for your kids, or if you want to avoid E
2nd - 8th
Engineering, Social Emotional Learning
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-2
+7
Shoe Sculpture Challenge - Beginning of Year Group Project - PPT + Instructions
The best beginning of Year/Semester project! Everyone raves over this assignment and it is such a joy watching students collaborate and problem solve with just cardboard, masking tape, and glue. This Shoe Sculpture Challenge allows students to work in a group to build a shoe of any style with basic materials. They must figure it out together and the shoe must fit a group "Cinderella"! Finished shoes are voted on for Most Creative and Best Craftsmanship. This is sure to be a hit in your classro
4th - 12th
Classroom Community, Engineering, Visual Arts
Engineering Challenge — Design a Smart Device | STEM Presentation & Activity
In this hands-on STEM design challenge, students step into the role of engineers as they design their own smart device to solve an everyday problem. Students explore what makes a smart device “smart,” how sensors and data allow devices to respond automatically, and how smart devices can connect to the Internet of Things (IoT). Using guided planning tools, students brainstorm ideas, define their device’s purpose, and create a labeled blueprint that explains how their smart device works. ⭐️ Did Y
5th - 8th
Coloring Pages, Computer Science - Technology, Robotics
Also included in: Engineering Design — 4 Art Projects - Robots, Drones & Smart Devices
Showing 1-24 of 130+ results
TPT is the largest marketplace for PreK-12 resources, powered by a community of educators.
IXL family of brands