Case 10 of 20 ยท Problem Solving
Puzzlebeginnerโญ 30 XP๐ Mars Colony 2089Real World Problem: Reduce Plastic Waste
You read something online about applied problem solving but you're not sure if it's true.
๐ฏ Your mission
Find the pattern.
โก The twist
Break the problem in half before you pick.
What You'll Learn
Key Concept: Applied problem solving
Think About This
You read something online about applied problem solving but you're not sure if it's true. What steps would you take to check?
Thinking Steps
๐ Understand
Read carefully. What is the question about applied problem solving really asking?
๐ Gather Info
What facts and clues do you have? List what you know.
๐ก Think of Options
Come up with at least 2 possible answers. Don't pick the first one yet!
โ Choose & Explain
Pick the best option. Say: 'I chose this because...'
๐ช Reflect
Was your reasoning solid? What would you do differently next time?
Key Points
Understand applied problem solving
Apply problem solving to daily life
Practice this skill through puzzles
Key Vocabulary
Strategy
A plan for solving something
Troubleshoot
Finding what went wrong and fixing it
Decomposition
Breaking a big problem into smaller parts
Why This Matters in Real Life
Every invention in history started with someone solving a problem. The wheel, electricity, the internet โ all solutions to problems people faced.
Talk About It
Discuss these questions with a friend, parent, or classmate.
- 1How could you use applied problem solving outside of school this week?
- 2What would happen if everyone was really good at this skill?
- 3What question do you still have? Write it down and try to find the answer.
Solve the Case
Case 1
1 of 3What is the main idea of applied problem solving?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Ask a grown-up about a problem they solved this week.
For the dinner table
โWhat was the hardest problem you solved this week โ and how?โ
Next Smart Case
We'll pick a case that matches exactly how well you're thinking right now.
Challenge a friend
Can they solve this case? Share it on IG, TikTok, or WhatsApp.
