problem solving skills middle school

Math Wheels for Note-taking?

5 Ways to Practice Problem Solving Skills in Middle School

If you’ve been teaching or around middle schoolers very long then it will not surprise you to hear that their brains are still developing. I’m not talking about being an on-going learner, I’m talking about the actual function of their brains is still in development. Because our middle schoolers are now “big kids” and independent, it is easy to forget that they are not done growing and developing. One area that our students are still developing is problem solving skills.

Critical thinking, analytical thinking, and deductive thinking will continue to develop over the next decade. But we don’t have to wait for our tweens to become early 20-somethings before tackling problem solving skills. We can help them begin to tap into this new level of thinking now. Whether it is problem solving in math class or helping them figure their way through middle school social drama, teaching and practicing problem solving skills is important.

Today, I’m thrilled to share with you five strategies I use with my middle schoolers to develop problem solving skills they can use in and out of the classroom.

Why Are Problem Solving Skills Important?

Life is filled with challenges, unexpected problems, and sticky situations we have to be able to think through. From a mult-step, multi-concept story problem in math class to navigating social situations, problem solving skills are key. That’s why I want to take a minute to chat about why problem solving skills can be one of the strongest tools our middle schoolers can have in their toolbox as they navigate the chaos of middle school!

If you think about it, middle school is their training ground for the real situations that take place where they might feel stuck or not motivated to keep going. It’s where they learn to juggle homework, navigate the social circus, and face unexpected challenges. In this crazy adventure called life, problem-solving skills can swoop in to save the day.

But here’s the plot twist: this isn’t just about making it through middle school, it’s about gearing up for success beyond the classroom. We know that the “real world” is full of job hunts, budgeting, time management, and adulting. What’s going to help them succeed? You’ve got it right- the ability to tackle problems like seasoned pros. Whether it’s negotiating a job offer, smoothing out conflicts, or fixing a leaky sink, those middle school honed problem solving skills guide them through the twists and turns of adulthood.

5 Problem Solving Skills for Middle Schoolers

One of the best ways for our middle schoolers to learn how to problem solve is through relevant activities or strategies. Not only relevant but also relatable. It’s that engagement and buy-in that makes them go, “Yeah, this makes total sense!” Incorporating relatable situations with you, the teacher, there to guide them through it creates a safety net for them. They get to witness the thinking process, see the actions in play, and hear the behind-the-scenes reasoning on how to tackle challenges.

1. Practice Critical Thinking Skills

Middle schoolers are like little detectives in the making, always asking all the questions before you can even get the whole scenario out! Use that to your advantage! Ask open-ended questions that get them thinking. Not every question or situation they encounter will be answered with a yes, no, or straightforward answer. They’ll need to think about the situation from different perspectives and consider various factors. Give them time to think and then {this is the hardest for most of us} wait and let them explain their thinking. Don’t just get an answer and move on. Even if there is uncomfortable silence – just wait. Give them the time to think so that you can take a deep dive into the thinking process.

We dive into scenarios, whether they are social or math-based, that require more than just a glance. For example, we will dissect word problems together or a math problem they may not have seen just yet to introduce the concept. We’ll explore various possibilities on how we could start off solving the math problem.

If a social concern about friend drama pops up, I will put a scenario together for us to work through by discussing the perspectives of who is included in the made-up scenario version. Why did they make the choices they did? What could they have done differently? Because they did one thing, what did that cause? It’s not about being in the know 100%, but more about becoming a thoughtful problem-solver.

As they navigate through these challenges, they’re not just finding solutions. They’re developing a knack for analyzing information, considering different angles, and crafting well-thought-out responses.

2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Middle school is undoubtedly a social whirlwind. It’s a mix of laughter, friendship dramas, and a dash of chaotic energy. So, why not use that energy for some problem-solving skill-building? Group projects can be a great way for students to learn to work together, listen to others, and share their thoughts. They have to assimilate information, process it with understanding, and figure out how to apply the group knowledge to find a consensus.

Group projects allow you to weave in problem solving with academics with the opportunity to develop social problem solving skills too. It’s about weaving a web of skills that extend beyond the assignment. While tackling an academic problem, students will learn to listen to others and analyze what is being said. Through these group endeavors, they learn to appreciate different perspectives. They can start to understand each team member’s strengths and, most importantly, navigate the beautiful chaos of teamwork. There’s going to be disagreements and standstill, so they’ll begin to figure out how to talk through those moments.

But the magic happens when it all comes together. A group solution to an academic problem is usually arrived at after putting those social problem solving skills to the test.

3. Real-Life Problems, Real-Life Solutions

Let’s shift our gears to the world of math. One way to bring math to life is by looking at the focused math skills in real-life math challenges or scenarios. Textbooks have their charm and can be helpful with some practice problems. There’s an unmatched thrill in solving problems that sync with what is happening or what could happen in the real world. Having my students look at real-life scenarios when studying math helps them to see that math is relevant and impactful.

When the time is available, I love challenging my students with a scenario that requires their math skills to solve. Whether it’s crafting solutions for a community-based math puzzle or planning a party while staying on budget, these challenges are the heart of the adventure of mathematical problem-solving. But why stop there? Dive deeper into your scenario for even more problem-solving fun.

You can go as deep as you see fit with your students. They can brainstorm an initial solution or go further. They can then think about the resources they will need, how much those will cost, and where to get them. What about time constraints? They’ll then have to think about a timeline for them to put their hypothetical plan into action to get to their end goal. Suddenly, problem-solving isn’t a mundane task. It fills your classroom with excitement, engaged conversations, and a sense of purpose!

Resources to Help You Get Started

This practice comes in handy as students work through word problems during classwork as well! Help remind them of the strategies you worked through with a visual aid such as these problem-solving bookmarks .

And. . . if you are not sure where to start, I have some free Problem of the Week resources are the perfect starting place. All of the Problem of the Week resources are in the Free Math Resource Center. You can get access by signing up here.

4. ABC’s of Problem Solving Skills – Analyze, Brainstorm, Choose

ABC is a popular acronym that has many variations to it. You can easily make it your own, but what works in my classroom is to analyze, brainstorm, and choose. I’ll walk you through how I explain each letter in my room and how it helps my students’ problem-solving skills.

A – Analyze

The first letter of our problem-solving alphabet is A for Analyze. It’s one thing to just glance at the problem. It’s a whole other thing to dissect it and understand the ins and outs. What happened? Why did it happen? What is being asked? What do I need to figure out? All of these are questions that help students analyze a problem. This is a great first step whether you are solving a math problem or a social problem.

After presenting the problem I like to have my students share some of the questions they are asking themselves during the analyze phase. Depending on the question it might sound like this: Did a peer take your snack, because they don’t have much food at home or because they were being mean? Did your friend snap at you because they didn’t get enough sleep or because they were mad at you? Do I need all of the numbers provided in the problem or was there unnecessary extra information?

It’s so important for middle schoolers to learn to ask these analysis questions. It helps them take a more objective view of the problem. In social settings, it helps them to widen their awareness of themselves to those around them.

B – Brainstorm

Next, B for brainstorming! We brainstorm possible methods of solving the problem, reasons for why words are said or actions are taken, and possible solutions. Then, we look at possible ways actions and words from all involved could impact others. This is the time that we focus on possible solutions.

In math, that will include identifying the math skills needed to solve the problem, recalling formulas, and applying strategies. In real life, this might include how can we fix or make this situation better now and in the future.

C – Choose

The C for Choose. It’s decision time. We evaluate our all of brainstormed ideas and possible solutions. Then it is time to put them into action. During this step, students may choose different things and that is okay. But don’t miss the learning opportunity that comes with that. As students are developing problem solving skills it is important to give them time to share their thinking. Here students can learn from each other as they hear about things they didn’t think about or see situations or problems from a different perspective. This process is a fun and in-depth way to practice problem solving skills with students!

5. Power of Perseverance in Middle School

I purposely saved this one for last because, without this skill or trait, it will be tricky for your middle schoolers to do the previous four. Problem solving is hard. It can get messy before it starts smoothing out into a solution. Your students will become defensive, moan, groan, or just go off and do their own thing. In those moments, I take a step back, take a deep breath, and work with them to learn perseverance. It’s a complete mindset shift, but once it happens it changes how our students approach any situation.

I make sure my students understand that setbacks aren’t roadblocks but rather detours on the path to success or achievement. I emphasize the importance of grit and resilience. We talk about how mistakes are still good to make because it shows that they are trying. The key to those mistakes or roadblocks is to not stop but to keep trying by trying to do something different.

To drive this point home, I weave in tales of legends who faced adversity head-on and emerged victorious. Whether it’s Thomas Edison’s journey to invent the lightbulb or J.K. Rowling’s story of persistence in getting Harry Potter published, these narratives become the fuel for their perseverance engine. I share some of my own stories with them about times I have had to persevere. I then turn the table and have them reflect on times they struggled but persevered until they had succeeded. Most of the time, they surprise themselves!

Give Your Middle Schoolers Problem Solving Skills to Succeed

And there you have the ultimate toolbox of my top five problem-solving skills tailored for your middle schoolers. This toolbox of skills will never go out of style. These skills are the building blocks for shaping the future for our middle schoolers.

As they master the art of critical thinking, through academic and social challenges, they’re becoming equipped with the skills to construct creative solutions and tackle whatever hurdles the future may throw their way. These aren’t just skills for the present. They’re the transformative forces that pave the way for a future filled with confident, creative problem-solvers ready to leave their mark on the world. The adventure begins in your classroom!

Interested in problem solving skills through a math lens? Read Help Middle School Math Students Improve Problem Solving Skills to learn more!

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Remember to save this post to your favorite math or teacher Pinterest board to return to for your middle schoolers’ problem-solving skills!

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Critical Thinking Activities For Middle Schoolers: PBL, Outdoor Ideas, Discussions, Games, And More

January 17, 2024 //  by  Lesa M.K. Bullins, EdS

Critical thinking is the process of using higher-order thinking skills in which students observe, conceptualize, apply, evaluate, and synthesize information that they learn in order to solve problems and make decisions effectively. Critical thinking is crucial for middle school students to be equipped to respond to academic, social, and emotional challenges successfully.

As an educator, developing critical thinking in students is paramount. Critical thinking skills are built through exploration, inquiry, questioning, discussion, and collaboration. Below are my top 20 classroom activities to transform your middle school students into critical thinkers!

1. Service Projects

Service projects support the development of global-mindedness in addition to building creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Service projects allow students the opportunity to engage their interests, apply learning to real-world situations, and actively problem-solve. Service projects could relate to classroom topics, holidays, or community areas in which students have concerns.

Learn More: Kid Activities

2. Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning builds creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving while creating opportunities for student motivation and engagement. You can learn about how to execute project-based learning here.

Learn More: PBL Works

3. Problem-Based Learning

The other “PBL” of education is problem-based learning. Problem-based learning activities are critical to the development of problem-solving skills. You can learn how to implement problem-based learning approaches here.

Learn More: Educators for Social Change

4. Get Outside the Classroom

Take learning outside the classroom. Applying learning to the world around them will support students in making crucial connections that build critical thinking. Check this video for ways to bring the outdoors to your classroom!

Learn More: Edutopia

5. Promote Inquiry

Inquiry-based learning is a cornerstone of critical thinking skills that creates in students an avid thinker of creative solutions. Instead of giving students the questions and then the answer, flip it! Give students information and have them build questions from their own thinking, or give students questions then allow them the space needed to find comprehensive solutions. Inquiry builds analytical skills.

Learn More: Taylor & Francis Online

6. Incorporate Turn and Talks

Turn and talks allow students to briefly share, review, and make connections to things they are learning. It is one of the top critical thinking resources when executed effectively in the classroom. Turn and talks allow for the exploration of an array of topics.

Learn More: Smekens Education and The Thinker Builder

7. Group Work Galore

While group work teaches cooperation, it also provides an opportunity for building critical thinking attributes like task deconstruction, planning, and explanation of thinking.

Learn More: Mrs. Spangler in the Middle

8. Bring Centers Back

Centers are not just for elementary students. Centers create a diverse learning interaction that allows opportunities for students to be more expressive in the learning process. Critical thinking skills come out of such active learning. It is also a great way to leverage resources, especially teacher one-on-one time!

Learn More: Rachel Mccollum

9. Revive Reader’s Theatre

Using a reader’s theatre gives students a more enriching reading comprehension experience due to the highly engaging and interactive approach. Read more here about why you should use this reading approach to support critical thinking.

Learn More: Mrs. Beers

10. Hold Debates

Debate is an opportunity for individuals to consider, discuss, and analyze a controversial topic. Middle school students have ideas that they want to express and discuss. Giving them healthy opportunities for expression not only builds their critical thinking but also their confidence and sense of self.

11. Provide Creative Choices

Choice prompts critical thinking because it allows students to practice in a safe learning environment. Student choice can enhance the learning environment through deeper interest and engagement as well. Providing choice is a very effective opportunity for differentiation, and can even support metacognitive development.

Learn More: The Modern Classrooms Project

12. Promote Invention and Innovation 

Creating inventions and innovations involved analyzing situations, considering outcomes, developing processes, and making connections to prior and related knowledge. Innovation and invention are essentially complete critical thinking activities.

Learn More: Invention and Education

13. Make Opportunities for Students to Teach

The deepest learning occurs when we teach others. Your kids will really be able to tap into their critical thinking skills in this exercise where you’ll invite them to play teacher! It’s a fantastic way to deepen their understanding of concepts as you’ll encourage them to reteach learning material to their peers.

Learn More: ASCD

14. Always Make Time for Reflection

Reflection is indispensable to the critical thinking process. Reflection empowers students as learners and prompts deeper thinking. Reflection allows students to tackle higher levels of thinking resulting in better consciousness of self and learning. You can provide opportunities for silent reflection, exit tickets, journals, etc.

Learn More: Responsive Classroom

15. Create Mysteries

Critical thinking hinges significantly on students interpreting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions. Mystery activities are exciting ways to engage these elements of critical thinking in a variety of subjects! Check out the example of a classroom mystery lesson here to inspire the use of mysteries in your own classroom subjects.

Learn More: Engaging Effective Teaching

16. Create Escape Rooms

It is not just mysteries that present logical thinking challenges and encompass the elements of critical thinking for practice in the classroom! Escape rooms are exceptional critical thinking activities. For some ideas on how to create escape rooms for different subjects in your class, check here.

Learn More: 23 Escape Room Games for Kids of All Ages

17. Prompt Class Discussions

Class discussions are the most naturally occurring critical thinking resources, so just harness the power by guiding and building skills for class discussion processes in your classroom. Class discussion fosters enhanced articulation, deep thinking, stronger connections to prior knowledge, deeper connections across content, and much more!

Learn More: University of Waterloo

18. Create a Job Board

Application of critical thinking skills in real-life scenarios like work is essential. Having classroom jobs is a practical way to put skills into practice. Classroom jobs can build a sense of community and responsibility in the classroom culture. I suggest using a job board approach and incentives for taking jobs such as free choice activities, extra time, etc. instead of assigned jobs. You can also make the job board a game similar to the popular Among Us game (minus the killing of course), to grab student interest.

Learn More: The Literary Maven

19. Encourage Habits of Mind

Habits of Mind are the same skills that make up the critical thinking concepts. Habits of Mind prompt analytical thinking, build strong learning habits, and sufficiently change patterns of thinking for students to truly become critical thinkers.

Learn More: Increasing Autonomy with Habits of Mind

20. Push a Growth Mindset

In conjunction with the skills of habits of mind, a growth mindset also presents students with an avenue to build lasting change in thinking patterns to become skillful critical thinkers. Students with a strong growth mindset have the power of resiliency.  Resilience is a crucial aspect of critical thinking as it helps us to manage stress and adapt to change. Analyzing and solving problems requires adaptability.

Learn More: In Control Middle School SEL

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20 Critical Thinking Activities for Middle Schoolers

• Middle School Education

Introduction:

  Critical thinking is vital for middle school students, as it helps them develop problem-solving skills, make informed decisions, and understand different perspectives. Integrating critical thinking activities into classroom learning experiences can greatly enhance students’ cognitive abilities. The following are 20 engaging critical thinking activities designed for middle school students.

1. Brain Teasers: Use age-appropriate puzzles to challenge students’ cognitive abilities and encourage them to find creative solutions.

2. Socratic Circles: Divide the class into groups and encourage them to participate in a philosophical discussion on a given topic, asking questions that stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding.

3. Compare and Contrast: Assign two similar but different texts for students to compare and contrast, analyzing similarities and differences between each author’s perspective.

4. What-If Questions: Encourage children to think critically about hypothetical scenarios by asking what-if questions, such as “What if the internet didn’t exist?”

5. Debate Club: Organize a debate club where students are encouraged to research and defend differing viewpoints on a topic.

6. Mind Mapping: Teach students how to create a mind map – a visual representation of their thoughts – to help them brainstorm complex issues effectively.

7. Mystery Bag: In small groups, give students a bag containing several random objects and ask them to invent an innovative product or story using all items in the bag.

8. Critical Thinking Journal: Have students maintain journals where they analyze their thought processes after completing activities, promoting self-reflection and metacognition.

9. Moral Dilemmas: Present students with moral dilemmas, requiring them to weigh pros and cons before making ethical decisions.

10. Fact or Opinion?: Give students various statements and ask them to differentiate between fact or opinion, helping them build critical thinking skills when handling information.

11. Research Projects: Assign project topics that require deep research from multiple sources, developing students’ abilities to sift through information and synthesize their findings.

12. Think-Pair-Share: Have students think individually about a complex question, then pair up to discuss their thoughts, and finally share with the class.

13. Art Interpretation: Display an artwork and ask students to interpret its meaning, theme, or message, pushing them to look beyond the surface.

14. Reverse Role Play: Assign roles for a scenario where students exchange positions (e.g., teacher-student, parent-child), fostering empathetic understanding and critical thinking skills.

15. Critical Evaluation of Media: Analyze news articles, commercials, or social media posts by asking questions about their purpose, target audience, and accuracy.

16. Six Thinking Hats: Teach students Edward de Bono’s “Six Thinking Hats” technique to improve critical thinking by exploring diverse perspectives when solving problems.

17. Analogy Building: Encourage students to create analogies from one concept to another, enhancing abstract thinking and problem-solving abilities.

18. Current Events Analysis: Keep track of current events and have students critically evaluate news stories or blog posts to encourage informed decision-making in real-world contexts.

19. Brainstorming Sessions: Hold group brainstorming sessions where students invent solutions for complex problems while practicing active listening and critical thinking.

20. Reflection Activities: Use reflective writing prompts at the end of lessons or activities to foster metacognition, self-awareness, and the development of critical thinking skills.

Conclusion:

Critical thinking activities are vital for middle schoolers as they foster intellectual growth and prepare them for future learning experiences. By incorporating these 20 activities into your classroom curriculum, you can help students develop essential critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their academic careers and beyond.

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Problem-solving skills are necessary in all areas of life, and classroom problem solving activities can be a great way to get students prepped and ready to solve real problems in real life scenarios. Whether in school, work or in their social relationships, the ability to critically analyze a problem, map out all its elements and then prepare a workable solution is one of the most valuable skills one can acquire in life.

Educating your students about problem solving skills from an early age in school can be facilitated through classroom problem solving activities. Such endeavors encourage cognitive as well as social development, and can equip students with the tools they’ll need to address and solve problems throughout the rest of their lives. Here are five classroom problem solving activities your students are sure to benefit from as well as enjoy doing:

1. Brainstorm bonanza

Having your students create lists related to whatever you are currently studying can be a great way to help them to enrich their understanding of a topic while learning to problem-solve. For example, if you are studying a historical, current or fictional event that did not turn out favorably, have your students brainstorm ways that the protagonist or participants could have created a different, more positive outcome. They can brainstorm on paper individually or on a chalkboard or white board in front of the class.

2. Problem-solving as a group

Have your students create and decorate a medium-sized box with a slot in the top. Label the box “The Problem-Solving Box.” Invite students to anonymously write down and submit any problem or issue they might be having at school or at home, ones that they can’t seem to figure out on their own. Once or twice a week, have a student draw one of the items from the box and read it aloud. Then have the class as a group figure out the ideal way the student can address the issue and hopefully solve it.

3. Clue me in

This fun detective game encourages problem-solving, critical thinking and cognitive development. Collect a number of items that are associated with a specific profession, social trend, place, public figure, historical event, animal, etc. Assemble actual items (or pictures of items) that are commonly associated with the target answer. Place them all in a bag (five-10 clues should be sufficient.) Then have a student reach into the bag and one by one pull out clues. Choose a minimum number of clues they must draw out before making their first guess (two- three). After this, the student must venture a guess after each clue pulled until they guess correctly. See how quickly the student is able to solve the riddle.

4. Survivor scenarios

Create a pretend scenario for students that requires them to think creatively to make it through. An example might be getting stranded on an island, knowing that help will not arrive for three days. The group has a limited amount of food and water and must create shelter from items around the island. Encourage working together as a group and hearing out every child that has an idea about how to make it through the three days as safely and comfortably as possible.

5. Moral dilemma

Create a number of possible moral dilemmas your students might encounter in life, write them down, and place each item folded up in a bowl or bag. Some of the items might include things like, “I saw a good friend of mine shoplifting. What should I do?” or “The cashier gave me an extra $1.50 in change after I bought candy at the store. What should I do?” Have each student draw an item from the bag one by one, read it aloud, then tell the class their answer on the spot as to how they would handle the situation.

Classroom problem solving activities need not be dull and routine. Ideally, the problem solving activities you give your students will engage their senses and be genuinely fun to do. The activities and lessons learned will leave an impression on each child, increasing the likelihood that they will take the lesson forward into their everyday lives.

You may also like to read

• Classroom Activities for Introverted Students
• Activities for Teaching Tolerance in the Classroom
• 5 Problem-Solving Activities for Elementary Classrooms
• 10 Ways to Motivate Students Outside the Classroom
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Career Readiness | Middle School | Critical Thinking

Problem Solving Lesson Plans Your Middle School Students Will Love

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July 11th, 2022 | 5 min. read

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Need resources for teaching problem solving in your middle school career readiness classes?

As a career readiness curriculum developer, middle school teachers often ask if we have resources to help teach problem solving.

While our digital curriculum includes content on critical thinking, decision making, and other 21st Century skills, our solution may not be the best fit for everyone.

Our Middle School Digital Literacy & Career Exploration curriculum is designed to teach dozens of skills such as professionalism, communication, digital literacy, and more.

However, some teachers are only looking for supplemental problem solving lessons and activities to add to their existing curriculum.

To help you teach these skills, we've found four popular providers of problem solving lessons and activities for middle school:

• TeacherVision
• Ed Creative

All of these resources have both pros and cons, so looking at each one individually is key when planning your problem solving lessons!

1. TeacherVision's Problem Solving Lesson

TeacherVision is a digital resource that offers free online lesson plans, including a problem solving lesson.

This problem solving lesson has two key objectives:

• Students will be introduced to a problem-solving procedure
• Students will participate in a structured practice of resolving conflict

Along with the lesson objectives, you'll find the materials list and the procedure for completing the lesson.

That makes TeacherVision a robust resource with an easy-to-follow lesson plan for introducing students to problem solving .

On the downside, the lesson is listed as appropriate for students between first and eighth grade.

That means you may want to bulk it up a bit in order to really be relevant and engaging to your middle school students .

2. Ed Creative's Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Lesson Plans

Ed Creative is a subdivision of Education.com that collects lesson plans from other online resources.

That makes Ed Creative one of the best lesson plan databases online.

It includes a variety of lesson plans and activities to teach creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.

Many of these lessons are intended for children up to eighth grade. That means you'll likely find resources that fit perfectly in your middle school classes.

In addition, some lessons overlap with other subjects you may need to teach in your career readiness classes . For example, one resource is entitled Thinking Critically About Advertising and would tie in well with lessons on media literacy .

The lesson encourages students to consider behind-the-scenes angles when presented with ads, encouraging them to think critically and logically about why the ad is what it is.

Still, these resources are a little disorganized which means it will take you time to review each option and decide if it's a good fit.

3. BrainPOP's Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Activities

BrainPOP is an educational resource provider with many teaching resources for every grade level.

In this case, their critical thinking and problem solving lesson plan is intended for any sixth to 12th grade student.

In this lesson, students will:

• Apply critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills to online gameplay and writing tasks
• Analyze situations from multiple perspectives and viewpoints
• Distinguish between facts, opinions, and solutions
• Demonstrate 21st Century skills such as global awareness, information literacy, communication, and collaboration

BrainPOP lays out the procedure, materials, and everything else you’ll need for the lesson — even time approximations!

That thorough approach to detail makes it easier to plan different tasks you’ll carry out throughout the lesson each day.

Even if the lesson takes a full week, you can still plan appropriately and stay on task.

Unfortunately, BrainPOP doesn’t have many downloadable resources you can print and use in the classroom.

4. TEDEd's Resources for Teaching Problem Solving Skills

TEDEd is an active advocate of education and learning materials. That’s why they have an enormous section of their website dedicated to problem solving skills .

In this section, you’ll find videos and interactive tasks that walk students through riddles, problems, and complications to find desirable results.

Every riddle and problem has an answer, so you don’t have to worry about figuring it out yourself. Even better, you can be sure there’s a practical solution to every issue.

Best of all, you leave students with the freedom to innovate their own solutions, potentially creating a new solution that a riddle maker hadn’t considered.

The varying complexity and length of these lessons make them ideal for various grade levels. However, you can choose to filter specifically for middle school.

On the downside, these aren’t literal “lesson plans.” TEDEd provides many resources, but they’re not contextualized for a classroom.

Instead, you’ll have to build your lessons around these resources to get the best results.

This makes TEDEd an excellent catchall whenever you need problem solving materials.

You’ll just have to do a little extra work to make it classroom ready.

Which Problem Solving Lessons Are Best?

Overall, there isn't a simple "best" option for teaching problem solving in middle school. It all depends on the needs of you, your course, and your students.

Each resource we've shared could be a great addition to your career readiness curriculum.

However, if you need a curriculum that includes problem solving skills among other career readiness topics, consider looking into iCEV’s career readiness and digital literacy curriculum.

Thousands of teachers like you use the curriculum to teach career exploration , personal financial literacy , communication skills and more.

Overall, it helps you save time with planning, assessing, and grading student work all while maximizing student understanding and information retention.

Wondering if iCEV could work for your middle school classroom? Check out our Middle School digital Literacy & Career Exploration curriculum :

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How to Teach Kids Problem-Solving Skills

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• Steps to Follow
• Allow Consequences

Whether your child can't find their math homework or has forgotten their lunch, good problem-solving skills are the key to helping them manage their life. 

A 2010 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy found that kids who lack problem-solving skills may be at a higher risk of depression and suicidality.   Additionally, the researchers found that teaching a child problem-solving skills can improve mental health . 

You can begin teaching basic problem-solving skills during preschool and help your child sharpen their skills into high school and beyond.

Why Problem-Solving Skills Matter

Kids face a variety of problems every day, ranging from academic difficulties to problems on the sports field. Yet few of them have a formula for solving those problems.

Kids who lack problem-solving skills may avoid taking action when faced with a problem.

Rather than put their energy into solving the problem, they may invest their time in avoiding the issue.   That's why many kids fall behind in school or struggle to maintain friendships .

Other kids who lack problem-solving skills spring into action without recognizing their choices. A child may hit a peer who cuts in front of them in line because they are not sure what else to do.  

Or, they may walk out of class when they are being teased because they can't think of any other ways to make it stop. Those impulsive choices may create even bigger problems in the long run.

The 5 Steps of Problem-Solving

Kids who feel overwhelmed or hopeless often won't attempt to address a problem. But when you give them a clear formula for solving problems, they'll feel more confident in their ability to try. Here are the steps to problem-solving:  

• Identify the problem . Just stating the problem out loud can make a big difference for kids who are feeling stuck. Help your child state the problem, such as, "You don't have anyone to play with at recess," or "You aren't sure if you should take the advanced math class." 
• Develop at least five possible solutions . Brainstorm possible ways to solve the problem. Emphasize that all the solutions don't necessarily need to be good ideas (at least not at this point). Help your child develop solutions if they are struggling to come up with ideas. Even a silly answer or far-fetched idea is a possible solution. The key is to help them see that with a little creativity, they can find many different potential solutions.
• Identify the pros and cons of each solution . Help your child identify potential positive and negative consequences for each potential solution they identified. 
• Pick a solution. Once your child has evaluated the possible positive and negative outcomes, encourage them to pick a solution.
• Test it out . Tell them to try a solution and see what happens. If it doesn't work out, they can always try another solution from the list that they developed in step two. 

Practice Solving Problems

When problems arise, don’t rush to solve your child’s problems for them. Instead, help them walk through the problem-solving steps. Offer guidance when they need assistance, but encourage them to solve problems on their own. If they are unable to come up with a solution, step in and help them think of some. But don't automatically tell them what to do. 

When you encounter behavioral issues, use a problem-solving approach. Sit down together and say, "You've been having difficulty getting your homework done lately. Let's problem-solve this together." You might still need to offer a consequence for misbehavior, but make it clear that you're invested in looking for a solution so they can do better next time. 

Use a problem-solving approach to help your child become more independent.

If they forgot to pack their soccer cleats for practice, ask, "What can we do to make sure this doesn't happen again?" Let them try to develop some solutions on their own.

Kids often develop creative solutions. So they might say, "I'll write a note and stick it on my door so I'll remember to pack them before I leave," or "I'll pack my bag the night before and I'll keep a checklist to remind me what needs to go in my bag." 

Provide plenty of praise when your child practices their problem-solving skills.  

Allow for Natural Consequences

Natural consequences  may also teach problem-solving skills. So when it's appropriate, allow your child to face the natural consequences of their action. Just make sure it's safe to do so. 

For example, let your teenager spend all of their money during the first 10 minutes you're at an amusement park if that's what they want. Then, let them go for the rest of the day without any spending money.

This can lead to a discussion about problem-solving to help them make a better choice next time. Consider these natural consequences as a teachable moment to help work together on problem-solving.

Becker-Weidman EG, Jacobs RH, Reinecke MA, Silva SG, March JS. Social problem-solving among adolescents treated for depression . Behav Res Ther . 2010;48(1):11-18. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2009.08.006

Pakarinen E, Kiuru N, Lerkkanen M-K, Poikkeus A-M, Ahonen T, Nurmi J-E. Instructional support predicts childrens task avoidance in kindergarten .  Early Child Res Q . 2011;26(3):376-386. doi:10.1016/j.ecresq.2010.11.003

Schell A, Albers L, von Kries R, Hillenbrand C, Hennemann T. Preventing behavioral disorders via supporting social and emotional competence at preschool age .  Dtsch Arztebl Int . 2015;112(39):647–654. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2015.0647

Cheng SC, She HC, Huang LY. The impact of problem-solving instruction on middle school students’ physical science learning: Interplays of knowledge, reasoning, and problem solving . EJMSTE . 2018;14(3):731-743.

Vlachou A, Stavroussi P. Promoting social inclusion: A structured intervention for enhancing interpersonal problem‐solving skills in children with mild intellectual disabilities . Support Learn . 2016;31(1):27-45. doi:10.1111/1467-9604.12112

Öğülmüş S, Kargı E. The interpersonal cognitive problem solving approach for preschoolers .  Turkish J Educ . 2015;4(17347):19-28. doi:10.19128/turje.181093

American Academy of Pediatrics. What's the best way to discipline my child? .

Kashani-Vahid L, Afrooz G, Shokoohi-Yekta M, Kharrazi K, Ghobari B. Can a creative interpersonal problem solving program improve creative thinking in gifted elementary students? .  Think Skills Creat . 2017;24:175-185. doi:10.1016/j.tsc.2017.02.011

Shokoohi-Yekta M, Malayeri SA. Effects of advanced parenting training on children's behavioral problems and family problem solving .  Procedia Soc Behav Sci . 2015;205:676-680. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.09.106

By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a psychotherapist, an international bestselling author of books on mental strength and host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. She delivered one of the most popular TEDx talks of all time.

5 Problem-Solving Activities for Middle School

“We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them….”

Problem-solving is an invaluable skill for middle school students to learn and experience, as it helps them hone their critical thinking abilities, build resilience , and become more independent. In addition, with each problem that crops up in front of them comes the opportunity to think outside the box and discover creative solutions.

When middle school children learn to assess situations from a different perspective, they can equip themselves with essential knowledge that will serve them in all areas of life, including academics, work, and personal relationships. 

Here are five problem-solving activities for middle school students that teach valuable independent learning skills and support them in their future success.

Five Problem-Solving Activities for Middle School:

1. cognitive growth detective games.

Enhance your middle schooler’s problem-solving understanding , critical thinking, and cognitive growth with this educational growth detective activity! First, gather five to ten items associated with a concept, such as an occupation, social trend, location, public figure, or animal. Then, place both natural objects and pictures of them in a bag. Next, ask the player to draw out two clues before giving their first guess – then have fun watching their deductions come together as each clue is revealed!

2. Decision-Making Case Studies

Through case study analysis, students can hone their critical thinking and decision-making skills by being presented with real-life situations and having to deduce an answer. To begin, compile a selection of various moral dilemmas your middle schoolers may face in life – write them on individual slips of paper and put each into a bowl or bag for easy retrieval. Then, encouraging each student to draw an item from the container and share their answer on how they would handle the situation can help improve their problem-solving and provide valuable insight into various perspectives.

3. Creative Problem-Solving on a Survivor Scenario

Paint a vivid picture of an imaginary situation to make students think outside the box and develop creative solutions. For instance, imagine they are stranded on a deserted island with limited resources—no help coming for three days! Stimulate collaboration among them to build shelter from supplies around the island and ration food and water accordingly. Make sure every child gets their chance to speak out loud about ways to best cope during this time without jeopardizing their safety or comfort levels.

4. Thinking Outside the Box with Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are a fantastic way to foster problem-solving skills in students, even if it’s just for fun! These immersive educational experiences provide an engaging and stimulating learning opportunity – let your students use their critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity as they attempt to tackle the various challenges that come with trying to “escape” from the room. Craft puzzles surrounding different subjects or abilities will reinforce those topics and give them real-life experience in finding practical solutions under pressure.

5. Foster Debate Clubs

Debate clubs represent a unique opportunity to hone problem-solving skills in students. They provide an environment where learners must consider different perspectives and assemble compelling arguments supporting their viewpoints. By engaging in debate , kids can benefit from improved critical thinking abilities, research techniques, and communication proficiency – all invaluable life tools for future success!

Beth Emet School is passionate about preparing students for academic success and life beyond the classroom. By emphasizing problem-solving and critical thinking skills, Beth Emet’s Middle School students are equipped with the tools to tackle obstacles and confidently navigate complex situations.

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Using Robotics to Spark Engagement in Middle School Math

An activity that combines coding and solving equations improves students’ math skills and helps them build persistence.

Mathematics can develop students’ creative problem-solving skills if teachers provide relevant and engaging problems. At the middle-grade level, when students are developing their abstract thinking abilities, the use of manipulatives supports student comprehension, focus, and engagement .

Teachers can directly impact learner motivation and persistence by centering engagement through embedding mathematics skills in exciting new contexts. This lesson cultivates mathematical and computational thinking skills through using robotics, specifically, Ozobots —small robots with sensors designed for screen-free, color-based coding or block-based programming.

Computational Thinking, Robotics, and Mathematics 

The Computer Science Teachers’ Association defines computational thinking (CT) as “the thought processes involved in expressing solutions as computational steps or algorithms that can be carried out by a computer.” CT skills and mathematics concepts require the undertaking of a systematic process to complete a task. Therefore, CT skills can support a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

Research supports the idea that engagement with robotics increases middle school students’ standardized math scores , self-efficacy, persistence , and CT skills and competency beliefs . 

When students have space to tinker and troubleshoot through robotics, they practice critical lifelong learning skills, highlighted in the Universal Design for Learning guidelines as affective learning networks that address interest, effort, persistence, and self-regulation. These skills support students in math courses and across the curriculum. We designed this lesson with affective networks of learning and the development of CT and math skills in mind.

This lesson on solving one-step equations with Ozobots spanned two days. A week prior, students began working with one-step equations using models to develop a foundational understanding. Integrating Ozobots was intended to give students an engaging way to solidify their skills.

Day One started with this introduction video from Ozobot that outlines materials and tips. Afterward, the class discussed calibrating Ozobots and coding techniques. Students were then placed in small groups and given a blank half sheet of paper, color coding sheet, calibration page, and color markers. Students had 10–12 minutes to experiment with Ozobots, which supported their work for the rest of the lesson.

After coding and testing their track, students participated in a think-pair-share, responding to the questions: What worked? What didn’t work? How can you fix it? Students noted the importance of consistent, thick lines; avoiding sharp turns; and clear codes. Next, students reviewed the maze , which was adapted from this Ozobot template and contained six one-step equations and solutions. 

To best tackle the maze, students proposed solving all the one-step equations before moving into the color-coding process. Students also suggested using a pencil to draw arrows or write directions for their Ozobots before using markers to ensure efficient coding. These conversations helped students think critically about the problem-solving processes involved.

To launch Day Two, students answered questions about their Day One experiences on Flip :

• How did using the Ozobots help with solving one-step equations?
• If you did a similar activity again, what should stay the same?
• If you did a similar activity again, what should change? Why?

Next, groups used a planning document to create six one-step equations and solutions. We approved correct equations and solutions that incorporated each operation at least once. Once approved, groups received a blank maze and coding materials.

The class discussed the placement of the equations and solutions. Students noticed that placing the connected equations and solutions too far away would make the maze very difficult to code, while placing them too close together would reduce the coding difficulty altogether. Students determined that they must be strategic when placing their equations and solutions.

Groups strategized their codes to successfully lead the Ozobot from equations to solutions. We were excited to see students persevere and actively engage with such a challenging task. By Day Two, students were more confident working with the Ozobots, which led to more complex equations and codes. For example, some students included multistep equations in their mazes or spread equations and solutions further apart to increase the coding challenge.

Student Reflections 

In reviewing students’ Flip reflections, almost all students described positive impacts of using Ozobots, including increased engagement, motivation, and focus. For example, one student shared, “Using the Ozobots was fun and helped me stay focused.”

Students also mentioned having increased confidence in their computational, critical, and strategic thinking and precision with checking work. A student said, “It helped me solve equations and made me actually want to do it and not be nervous.” Many students said that the interactive and hands-on nature of the activity led to having so much fun that they did not realize they were doing math.

Alternatives to Ozobots

While we used Ozobots in this coding activity, you could cultivate similar CT and math skills with unplugged activities or other types of robotics. For example, students could create life-size math mazes and provide verbal instructions to “code” the steps that a classmate takes from equation to solution.

Similarly, Spheros or LEGO Mindstorms could be used alongside block-based or typed lines of code generated by students to replicate this activity with learners who have prior experience with robotics and coding. Since our students did not have prior experience, we chose Ozobots to take advantage of the simplicity of color-based coding.

In this lesson, students collaborated to solve and write multiple one-step equations and develop and debug programs for their Ozobots. We were excited to see students demonstrate incredible persistence and tolerance for multiple correct pathways to achieve their goals.

Students told us in their Flip reflections that their excitement about working with the Ozobots helped them push through when they encountered challenges in the coding process. Therefore, this lesson supported students in developing skills to navigate challenging learning tasks in math class, and we see potential across the curriculum, beyond the math classroom.

Middle School SEL Curriculum

Supporting middle school social-emotional growth.

Tools to help your Middle School students with:

• Problem solving skills
• Self-regulation skills
• Exploring aspects of identity
• Resolving conflicts
• Increasing motivation
• Evaluating consequences of decisions

Curriculum Overview

The middle school sel curriculum is a customizable toolkit with strategies and resources for nurturing the skills students need to develop the personal and social awareness that enables them to understand differences of all kinds, make connections, and problem solve. resources range from lesson plans, book lists with discussion questions, video links with discussion questions, and more., sample resources, family newsletters in english & spanish.

The Middle School SEL Curriculum Includes:

• 65+ SEL Core Competency-Aligned Lessons (20-40 minute duration)
• 30+ Books & Discussion Questions
• 40+ Videos & Discussion Questions
• Student Pre and Post SEL Assessments
• 15+ SEL Check-ins
• Family Resources (in English and Spanish)
• Educator Implementation Resources

All student worksheets/assessments are bilingual (english and spanish)

Our Middle School curriculum resources are organized around, and aligned to, CASEL’s Core Competencies for Social-Emotional Learning .

Interested in our curriculum.

Changing Perspectives SEL and disability awareness curriculum resources are accessible through  an online platform that allows users to access an array of customizable curricular resources, family resources, educator implementation guides, and more.

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• Planners can be emailed and/or printed and electronic versions contain links to the curriculum.
• SEL assessments easily emailed to a class.
• SEL Assessment results accessible via the Educator Portal as completed.
• Designed for educator customization. 
• A precurated library of resources, with a variety of media and methods, that allow you to prepare content the way you need and that fit your teaching style.
• Changing Perspectives experts, and experts in the field of social-emotional learning, create new content which is added to the Educator Portal each summer.
• Social-emotional content is aligned with CASEL standards.
• Pre- and Post- SEL assessments for grades K-12.

Educator Support

• Family newsletters, aligned with each competency, are available in English and Spanish and can be distributed multiple ways (print, email, posted online).
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• A rich Resource Library of materials, for you and to share with others, is included and is regularly updated throughout the year.
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Why Social-Emotional Learning for Middle School Students?

Social-emotional learning, or SEL, is an essential component of every child’s growth. Once considered a “soft” skill set, SEL is now recognized as an integral factor in academic, career, and life success. SEL positions students for overall well-being and supports them in developing the resiliency, collaborative skills, and confidence needed to engage meaningfully in our increasingly diverse communities. 

CASEL’s Core Competencies for Social-Emotional Learning.

Self-Awareness

Recognizing one’s emotions, thoughts, and values. the ability to know your strengths and weaknesses and have self-confidence..

Self-Management

To control one’s emotions, thoughts and behaviors, manage stress and control impulses, and be self-motivated..

Social Awareness

The ability to relate to and empathize with others including those with backgrounds different than yours. the ability to understand and operate within ethical norms..

Relationship Skills

The ability to create and maintain healthy relationships including with those from different backgrounds. to communicate with others, listen, cooperate, and stand up to negative pressure. to work though conflict productively..

Responsible Decision-Making

The ability to make constructive and healthy choices about personal behavior and social interactions. to be aware of and responsive to potential consequences., ready to find out more.

Want to find out more about Changing Perspectives Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum? Contact us and schedule a complimentary conversation to see how we can help. 

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Home » Blog » General » Solve It: A Problem-Solving Game for Middle School Students

Solve It: A Problem-Solving Game for Middle School Students

Welcome to Solve It, a game where we solve problems by going through them step by step. At each step, we’ll talk about the problem, and how we can solve it. The steps we’ll go through are: Identify the problem – what’s wrong? Figure out how big the problem is. Think of possible solutions to the problem. Pick a solution. Try that solution and then reassess it. How did it work? If our solution works, our problem is solved! If our solution doesn’t work, we can try again. Problem solving is a process. We won’t always go straight to the solution. This video is all about problems we might have in our day to day lives. Whenever we see this icon in the corner, we can stop and talk about how everyone is feeling. Let’s get started!

Introduction

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is a crucial aspect of education that helps students develop essential life skills, such as problem-solving, empathy, and effective communication. In this blog post, we introduce an engaging activity called “Solve It,” designed to help middle school students improve their problem-solving abilities. This game encourages students to think critically, collaborate with their peers, and reflect on their emotions while navigating everyday challenges.

No-Prep Activity

Here’s a simple, no-prep activity you can use in your classroom to help students practice problem-solving skills:

• Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.
• Present a common, age-appropriate problem to the class. For example: “Your group has a big project due next week, but one of your teammates is not contributing. How will you handle this situation?”
• Give each group a few minutes to discuss the problem and come up with a step-by-step solution using the Solve It process.
• Have each group present their solution to the class, explaining their reasoning for each step.
• Encourage the class to provide feedback and alternative solutions to the presented problem.

This activity not only helps students practice problem-solving skills but also promotes teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to encourage further discussion and reflection on problem-solving skills:

• Why is it important to identify the problem before trying to solve it?
• How can understanding the size of a problem help you find the best solution?
• Why is it important to consider multiple solutions before choosing one?
• How can working with others help improve your problem-solving abilities?
• What is an example of a problem you faced recently, and how did you solve it using the Solve It process?

Related Skills

Problem-solving is just one of the many skills that students can develop through Social-Emotional Learning. Other related skills include:

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Active listening: Paying full attention to the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully.
• Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements and finding solutions that satisfy all parties involved.
• Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and adversity.

If you’re interested in exploring more activities and resources to help your students develop valuable Social-Emotional Learning skills, consider signing up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. These resources can provide you with additional tools to support your students’ growth and success in and outside the classroom.

Related Blog Posts:

Changing the channel on big emotions: a guide for educators.

Introduction Emotions and feelings are an inherent part of our daily experiences, and they can be both positive and negative. Sometimes, we encounter big, negative emotions like anger, frustration, or sadness, which can dominate our thoughts and impact our...

Teaching Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving Skills to Special Education Students

Introduction Conflicts are a normal part of life, and learning how to navigate them is an essential skill for students in Special Education. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of teaching students to handle conflicts with friends using the Problem...

5 Golden Rules of Play for Elementary Students: A Guide for Educators

Introduction Playing with others is an essential part of children's development, and establishing a set of guidelines can help ensure that everyone has a positive experience. The Five Golden Rules of Play are designed to help elementary students learn how to interact...

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Factors affecting middle school students’ information literacy in the internet plus education environment

• Published: 03 April 2024

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• Liang Yu   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1697-7775 1 ,
• Yuanyuan Zhang 1 &
• Meiqi Sun 1  

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Information literacy facilitates student learning and developing in the open education environment, while factors such as learning environment, technical support, and core competencies are critical to enhance the literacy. This study conducted a 2-year follow-up experiment with a sample of 2084 students to investigate how the Internet Plus education environment affect students’ information literacy in a middle school from west part of China. A two-level linear model was constructed to analyze the class and student factors affecting students’ information literacy. The results indicated that students’ collaborative skills, problem-solving ability, and daily online time significantly affected their information literacy. However, teacher’s gender, years of working, management style, and information literacy did not positively relate to students’ information literacy. Meanwhile, class size had an indirect effect on students’ information literacy via students’ problem-solving ability, collaborative skills, daily online time, and frequency of electronic device use.

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The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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This work was supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [grant number SWU2309108].

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Yu, L., Zhang, Y. & Sun, M. Factors affecting middle school students’ information literacy in the internet plus education environment. J. Comput. Educ. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-024-00316-z

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10 Best Problem Solving Activities For Middle School

Published on april 24, 2017 at 8:43 am by amber hewitt in lists , news.

If you’re a teacher or a parent looking to engage young students in a more interesting way, you might like this list of the best problem solving activities for middle school .

I wonder if middle schoolers could solve my life problems. Can they file my taxes or pay my rent? Those are some real problems that I have and I think they could be somewhat fun activities for middle schoolers. It’s interesting how problem-solving scenarios change as we age because I genuinely can’t identify with the struggle of theoretical problems involving trains or the alphabet, but I’m sure I enjoyed them when I was younger. I think my friends and I really used to love finding these things and solving them together, which is kind of a cute group activity.

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Problem solving is a great way to strengthen and train the brain for more difficult things as we age. They teach you teamwork, logic, and skill, which are all extremely important for developing minds. Even into adulthood you should continue solving theoretical problems like these because they’ll keep your brain strong and focused so your other issues like “how late can I sleep while still getting to work on time?” or “how much money will I have in my bank account if I order dinner every single night this week?” Those are obviously much more challenging than the fun problem-solving activities for preschoolers , or even this list with activities for kids in middle school.

In order to create this list, we used Concordia University and IceBreaker as some primary sources. We took the suggestions that were the highest ranked on both sources and averaged their rankings. If they were on both lists, they’re at a higher position on ours. Overall, each of these activities is well suited for middle school-aged children who need a little mental exercise.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best problem solving activities for middle school.

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