Problem-Solving Scenario Cards

Cut along the lines to create individual scenario cards for small groups.

Scenario 1: The Missing Lunchbox

It's lunchtime, and you open your backpack, but your lunchbox isn't there! You remember putting it in your backpack this morning. Now you're hungry, and all your friends are eating. What's your problem, and how will you solve it?

Scenario 2: A Friend Is Sad

Your best friend comes to school looking very sad. They usually love to play at recess, but today they just sit by themselves. You want to help your friend feel better, but you don't know why they are sad. What's your problem, and how will you solve it?

Scenario 3: The Broken Toy

You borrowed your sibling's favorite toy, and accidentally, it broke. Your sibling loves this toy, and you know they will be very upset. You feel bad, but you're also a little scared to tell them. What's your problem, and how will you solve it?

Scenario 4: Group Project Trouble

You are working on a group project, and one of your group members isn't doing their share of the work. The deadline is coming up, and you're worried your group won't finish in time or get a good grade. What's your problem, and how will you solve it?

Scenario 5: Playground Argument

You and a classmate both want to use the same swing at recess. You both got to the swings at the same time, and now you're arguing about whose turn it is first. Other kids are starting to watch. What's your problem, and how will you solve it?

Scenario 6: Homework Challenge

You are stuck on a homework problem and don't understand how to do it. You've tried a few times, but you keep getting it wrong. You're starting to feel frustrated and want to give up. What's your problem, and how will you solve it?

My Problem-Solving Journey

Name: ____________________________

Work with your group to use the problem-solving steps. Pick one scenario from the Problem-Solving Scenario Cards to work on.

Our Scenario:

Step 1: Identify the Problem

What is the main problem in your scenario? Try to describe it clearly in your own words.

Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions

Think of at least three different ways you could solve the problem. Don't worry if they seem silly at first!

Step 3: Evaluate Consequences

For each solution you brainstormed, think about what might happen. What are the good things? What are the not-so-good things?

Solution 1:

Good things that might happen:

Not-so-good things that might happen:

Solution 2:

Good things that might happen:

Not-so-good things that might happen:

Solution 3:

Good things that might happen:

Not-so-good things that might happen:

Step 4: Choose the Best Path

Which solution do you think is the best one? Why is it the best? Remember to think about what is fair, safe, and most helpful.

Pathways to Solutions Game

Objective: Be the first player to successfully navigate through a problem by applying the four problem-solving steps.

Materials:

• One game board (can be drawn on a large piece of paper or whiteboard with spaces labeled: Start, Identify Problem, Brainstorm Solutions, Evaluate Consequences, Choose Best Path, Finish)
• Small markers for each player (e.g., erasers, coins, paper clips)
• One die or spinner
• Problem-Solving Scenario Cards (one per game, chosen at the start)
• Paper and pencil for each player/team to jot down ideas

Players: 2-4 per game

How to Play:

1. Setup: Each player chooses a marker and places it on the "Start" space. Select one Problem-Solving Scenario Card for all players to use during this game. Read the scenario aloud.

2. Taking Turns: Players take turns rolling the die (or spinning the spinner) and moving their marker forward that many spaces.

3. Landing on a Space:

   • Start: Read the chosen scenario again to refresh your memory.
   • Identify Problem: When you land here, you must clearly state the problem from the scenario in your own words. If you can, you stay on the space. If not, go back to "Start" (teacher discretion or peer vote).
   • Brainstorm Solutions: When you land here, list at least three different solutions to the problem. The more creative, the better! If you can, you stay on the space. If not, go back one space.
   • Evaluate Consequences: When you land here, choose one of your brainstormed solutions and explain at least one good consequence and one not-so-good consequence that might happen if you chose that solution. If you can, you stay on the space. If not, lose your next turn.
   • Choose Best Path: When you land here, select what you believe is the best solution from your list and explain why it is the best, considering fairness, safety, and helpfulness. If you can, you stay on the space. If not, go back to "Brainstorm Solutions."

4. Winning the Game: The first player to land exactly on (or pass) the "Finish" space after successfully completing the "Choose Best Path" step wins the game! They are the ultimate Solution Seeker for that scenario!

Teacher Tips:

• Before playing, review the four steps with the class.
• Encourage discussion and peer feedback when students are explaining their answers.
• The teacher can act as a judge for the quality of responses or empower students to vote on the best explanations.