lenny

Problem Solvers

user image

Lesson Plan

Solving Our Challenges Plan

Students will be able to identify problems, brainstorm solutions collaboratively, and evaluate the outcomes of their proposed solutions.

Problem-solving is a critical life skill that empowers students to overcome obstacles, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to their communities. This lesson fosters teamwork and critical thinking.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Structured group activities and guided reflection.

Materials

[[The Problem-Solving Path (slide-deck)|the-problem-solving-path]], [[Group Dilemma Cards (activity)|group-dilemma-cards]], [[My Solution Blueprint (worksheet)|my-solution-blueprint]], Markers or pens, and Whiteboard or chart paper

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-up: What's the Problem?

5 minutes

  • Display a common classroom problem on the board (e.g., "Too much noise during group work").
  • Ask students to quickly share one possible solution. (Brief whole-class share).

Step 2

Introduction to Problem Solving

10 minutes

  • Use The Problem-Solving Path slide deck to introduce the steps of problem-solving:
    • Identify the Problem
    • Brainstorm Solutions
    • Choose the Best Solution
    • Plan and Act
    • Evaluate the Outcome
  • Facilitate a brief discussion on why each step is important.

Step 3

Group Problem-Solving Activity

25 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups (pre-assigned or self-selected).
  • Distribute one Group Dilemma Cards to each group.
  • Instruct groups to follow the problem-solving steps using their assigned dilemma.
  • Provide each student with a copy of My Solution Blueprint to guide their group's process and record their individual thoughts/contributions.
  • Circulate among groups, providing guidance and facilitating discussion.

Step 4

Share and Reflect

15 minutes

  • Have each group share their dilemma, their chosen solution, and their expected outcomes.
  • Facilitate a class discussion:
    • "What was the most challenging part of the problem-solving process?"
    • "What strategies did your group use to come up with solutions?"
    • "How might you use these problem-solving steps in other areas of your life?"

Step 5

Cool-down: One Big Takeaway

5 minutes

  • Ask students to write down one key takeaway from the lesson on an index card or a quick digital response.
  • Collect responses as an exit ticket.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Problem Solvers: Your Path to Solutions!

Every day, we face challenges. Today, we'll learn how to tackle them together!

Welcome students and introduce the idea of facing challenges. Ask them what kinds of problems they encounter at school or home.

Step 1: Identify the Problem

What exactly is the challenge?

  • Be specific!
  • What, where, when, who, why?
  • Example: "We need to raise money for a field trip."

Introduce the first step: identifying the problem clearly. Emphasize that a clear problem statement is half the solution.

Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions

Think of ALL possible ideas!

  • No idea is too silly.
  • Write everything down.
  • Work together!

Explain brainstorming. Encourage wild ideas, no judgment, and building on others' suggestions. Emphasize quantity over quality at this stage.

Step 3: Choose the Best Solution

Look at your ideas. Which one is best?

  • What are the pros and cons of each?
  • What resources do you need?
  • Which one is most realistic and effective?

Discuss how to evaluate solutions. Talk about pros and cons, resources needed, and potential impact.

Step 4: Plan and Act!

How will you make it happen?

  • What steps do you need to take?
  • Who will do what?
  • Set a timeline!

Explain the importance of planning. What are the concrete steps? Who does what? What's the timeline?

Step 5: Evaluate the Outcome

Did your solution work?

  • What happened?
  • What did you learn?
  • What would you do differently next time?

Conclude with the importance of evaluating. Did it work? What did we learn? What could be improved next time?

Time to Be Problem Solvers!

Now it's your turn to put these steps into action with your groups. Good luck!

Transition to the group activity. Briefly recap the steps and explain that they will now practice.

lenny

Activity

Group Dilemma Cards

Cut along the dotted lines to create individual dilemma cards for each group.

Dilemma Card 1: The Messy Classroom

Problem: Our classroom is often messy at the end of the day, making it hard to find things and start fresh the next morning. It also takes away time from learning when we have to clean up.

Your Task: As a group, come up with a plan to keep the classroom consistently tidy.

Dilemma Card 2: The Playground Argument

Problem: During recess, there are often arguments about who gets to use the sports equipment or play in certain areas. This leads to hurt feelings and less fun for everyone.

Your Task: As a group, create a fair system or solution to reduce arguments and make playtime more enjoyable for all.

Dilemma Card 3: Homework Help Needed

Problem: Many students in our class struggle with their homework assignments and don't always know who to ask for help. This can make them feel frustrated and fall behind.

Your Task: As a group, develop a way to ensure all students can easily get the help they need with their homework, whether it's from peers, teachers, or other resources.

Dilemma Card 4: The Forgotten Supplies

Problem: Students often forget essential supplies like pencils, notebooks, or art materials, which disrupts lessons and means they can't participate fully. The teacher spends a lot of time sharing extra supplies.

Your Task: As a group, design a system or strategy to help students remember their supplies and ensure everyone has what they need for class.

lenny
lenny

Worksheet

My Solution Blueprint

Name: ________________________

Group Members: __________________________________________________

Our Group Dilemma (from the card):



Step 1: Identify the Problem (What's really the problem?)

  • Describe the problem in your own words:





  • Who is affected by this problem?



  • When and where does this problem usually happen?



Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions (No idea is too silly!)

  • List at least 5 different ideas your group came up with to solve the problem:















Step 3: Choose the Best Solution (Which one makes the most sense?)

  • Our group chose this solution:



  • Why did your group choose this particular solution? (What are the pros? What makes it the best?)











  • What are some challenges or cons of this solution? (How might it be difficult?)











Step 4: Plan and Act! (How will you make it happen?)

  • What are the first 3 steps your group will take to put this solution into action?









  • Who will be responsible for each step?



Step 5: Evaluate the Outcome (Did it work? What did you learn?)

  • How will your group know if your solution was successful?



  • What would your group do if the solution didn't work as planned?



lenny
lenny