Solving Everyday Problems is a four-page 2nd grade science sheet on NGSS K-2-ETS1-1. Students match five problems, such as a spilled drink, a book on a high shelf, and a sandwich that must stay cold, to tools like a sponge, a step stool, and a lunchbox with an ice pack. Two Define the Problem questions follow. One asks students to describe a picture, and the other asks for a classroom problem and the tool that would fix it.
K-2-ETS1-1
“Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.”
Question 6 asks students to name the situation a person wants to change, and question 7 asks them to define a classroom problem that a new tool could solve.
Students draw lines from five problems to pictures. The key pairs tangled computer cords with a cord clip and muddy rain boots with a boot tray.
Question 6 asks students to describe a picture, starting with The problem is that. Question 7 asks for a classroom problem and what a new tool would need to do.
Sentence starter
Post The problem is that... on the board. It keeps question 7 answers on the problem instead of jumping straight to a gadget.
Real objects
Bring in a sponge and a cord clip. Students match faster when they can pick the tool up.
Class design task
Collect the question 7 answers and choose one problem, such as pencils rolling off desks, for the whole class to solve.
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