Crack the Code: Problem Solving

Robert Conceison

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Problem Solving Lesson Plan

Students will apply a step-by-step problem-solving process to real-world scenarios by identifying problems, brainstorming and evaluating solutions, and reflecting on outcomes.

Teaching problem-solving equips students with critical thinking and decision-making skills they can use in academic tasks and everyday challenges.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided, hands-on practice with real scenarios

Materials

Paper and Pencils, Problem-Solving Process Chart, Real-World Scenario Cards, Solution Brainstorming Worksheet, Reflection Exit Ticket, and Timer or Stopwatch

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Review the Problem-Solving Process Chart
Print and cut the Real-World Scenario Cards
Make copies of the Solution Brainstorming Worksheet and Reflection Exit Ticket
Set up a visible timer or stopwatch

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Display the Problem-Solving Process Chart
Explain the four steps: Identify, Brainstorm, Evaluate, Reflect
Share an example scenario (e.g., missing homework) and walk through each step briefly

Step 2

Identify the Problem

7 minutes

Distribute one Real-World Scenario Card to each pair
In pairs, students read their scenario and write a clear problem statement on the worksheet
Circulate and prompt with questions: What’s happening? Who is affected?

Step 3

Brainstorm Solutions

8 minutes

Students use the Solution Brainstorming Worksheet
Encourage at least three possible solutions per scenario
Remind them: no idea is too big or small
Monitor pairs and prompt deeper ideas as needed

Step 4

Evaluate Solutions

7 minutes

Students rate each brainstormed solution for pros and cons
Ask: Which solution is most realistic? Which has the fewest downsides?
Have pairs select their top solution and prepare to share reasoning

Step 5

Reflection & Wrap-Up

3 minutes

Distribute the Reflection Exit Ticket
Individually, students answer: What step was most helpful? How will you use this process later?
Collect exit tickets and thank students for participation

Slide Deck

Crack the Code: Problem Solving

An engaging 4-step process to tackle any challenge
Grade 6 • 30 minutes • Tier 1 Classroom Lesson

Welcome, everyone! Today we’re launching into a fun 30-minute lesson on solving problems step by step. Get students excited about learning a strategy they can use anywhere—school, home, or with friends.

Today's Agenda

• Learn the 4-step Problem-Solving Process
• Practice with real-world scenarios in pairs
• Evaluate solutions and share your best idea
• Reflect on how you’ll use this process in real life

Read the agenda out loud and let students know what to expect. Emphasize that they’ll practice each step with partners.

Problem-Solving Process

Identify: Define the problem clearly
Brainstorm: List as many solutions as you can
Evaluate: Weigh pros and cons of each idea
Reflect: Decide what you learned and next steps

Display the Problem-Solving Process Chart on the board or projector. Walk through each step with a quick definition.

Example: Missing Homework

Scenario: You can’t find your homework folder before class.

Identify: “My homework is missing, and I need to turn it in.”
Brainstorm: Ask a friend, check backpack, ask teacher for an extension, search lost-and-found.
Evaluate: Checking backpack first is fastest; asking teacher has risk of losing points.
Reflect: I’ll organize my folder so this won’t happen again.

Share this example as a guided walkthrough. Ask students to help you define the problem and suggest ideas.

Step 1: Identify the Problem

• In pairs, read your scenario card.
• Write one clear problem statement on your worksheet.
• Ask: What’s happening? Who does it affect?
• Use precise words—avoid ‘stuff’ or ‘things.’

Distribute the Real-World Scenario Cards and Solution Brainstorming Worksheet. Explain how to write a clear problem statement.

Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions

• List at least three possible solutions on the worksheet.
• Encourage wild, realistic, and in-between ideas.
• Share ideas with your partner—build on each other’s thoughts.

Remind students: no idea is too wild. Circulate and nudge them toward creative or practical solutions.

Step 3: Evaluate Solutions

• For each solution, list Pros 👍 and Cons 👎
• Ask: Which solution solves the problem fastest?
• Choose your top solution and be ready to explain why.

Show an example of a pros/cons chart. Remind pairs to be honest about feasibility.

Step 4: Reflect & Wrap-Up

• Complete the Reflection Exit Ticket:
– Which step helped you most?
– How will you use this process later?
• Hand tickets to the teacher as you exit.

Remind students to answer both reflection questions fully. Collect exit tickets as they leave.

Great Work!

You now have a proven 4-step toolkit for any challenge:
Identify, Brainstorm, Evaluate, Reflect.
Use it for homework, group projects, or everyday problems—crack the code every time!

Congratulate the class and reiterate how they’ve unlocked a strategy to tackle challenges all year long.

Worksheet

Solution Brainstorming Worksheet

Use this worksheet to organize your ideas after reading your scenario from the Real-World Scenario Cards.

Part 1: Write the Problem Statement

In the space below, write a clear and concise statement of the problem.

Part 2: Brainstorm Possible Solutions

List at least three different solutions to the problem.

Part 3: Evaluate Your Solutions

For each solution above, list Pros 👍 and Cons 👎.

Solution 1: __________________________________________________

Pros 👍	Cons 👎

Solution 2: __________________________________________________

Pros 👍	Cons 👎

Solution 3: __________________________________________________

Pros 👍	Cons 👎

Part 4: Select and Explain Your Best Solution

Which solution will you choose? Explain why this is the most effective option.

Activity

Real-World Scenario Cards

Print and cut along the lines. Distribute one card to each pair of students.

Card 1: Lunch Line Mix-Up

You’re in the lunch line when another student accidentally steps in front of you. They didn’t notice, and now you might get your tray late and lose time to eat or talk with friends. What’s the problem? How could you solve it?

Card 2: Lost Library Book

Last week you checked out a popular library book. Today you can’t find it in your backpack or locker. The library needs it back tomorrow or you’ll be fined. What’s the problem? How could you solve it?

Card 3: Group Project Disagreement

Your group of classmates needs to choose a topic for a science project. Two members want one topic, and two others want something different. You can’t agree, and the deadline is tomorrow. What’s the problem? How could you solve it?

Card 4: Missing Sports Equipment

Before PE class, you discover the soccer ball you need for a game is gone from the equipment closet. Without it, your class can’t play the game you planned. What’s the problem? How could you solve it?

Warm Up

Problem-Solving Warm Up

Objective: Activate prior knowledge about everyday challenges and set the stage for structured problem solving.

Materials:

Sticky notes or index cards
Pens or pencils
Whiteboard or chart paper

Time: 5 minutes

1. Think & Write (2 minutes)

• On a sticky note or index card, write one small problem you faced in the last week.
Examples: Forgot lunch, lost a pencil, disagreement with a friend.

Your Problem:

2. Pair Share (1 minute)

• Find a partner and quickly tell them your problem.
• Listen to their problem in return.

3. Class Poll & Categorize (2 minutes)

Share: Volunteers stick their notes on the board or chart paper and read theirs aloud.
Group: As a class, look at all the problems and group them into categories (e.g., school materials, friends, time management).
Discuss: Which category had the most entries? Why do you think that is?

Bridge to Lesson
Notice that every challenge has a clear need and context. Later today, we’ll use the Problem-Solving Process Chart to tackle these kinds of problems step by step—starting with identifying exactly what’s going on, then brainstorming, evaluating, and reflecting.

Cool Down

Reflection Exit Ticket

Please complete the questions below before leaving:

Which step of the problem-solving process (Identify, Brainstorm, Evaluate, Reflect) was most helpful to you today? Explain why.

How will you use this problem-solving process in the future? Give a specific example.

Thank you for your thoughtful responses!

Reading

Problem-Solving Process Chart

Use this chart to guide your thinking at each step. Keep it visible as you work through real-world scenarios.

Step	Icon	Key Question	What to Do
Identify	🔍	What is the problem?	• Define the issue clearly.
• Ask: “What’s happening? Who is affected?”
Brainstorm	💡	What are possible solutions?	• List at least 3–5 ideas—no idea is too big or small.
• Encourage creative and practical options.
Evaluate	⚖️	Which idea works best?	• For each solution, list Pros 👍 and Cons 👎.
• Ask: “Which is most realistic? Which has fewest downsides?”
Reflect	📝	What did you learn?	• Think about what worked and why.
• Plan how you’ll use this process again or prevent future issues.

Tip: Refer to Real-World Scenario Cards when practicing these steps in pairs.