Incomplete Problem Statements

Problem statements
Identify/Generate the principle
Time: 20 minutes

Choose some sample problem statements (See Sample Problem Statements). Click here for a list, or, if you have time, write some problem statements that relate to your theme.

Delete one or more parts from each problem statement. (Build up in difficulty, so that at first only one part is missing, then more than one part.) You may choose to indicate which section is missing by filling in blank lines ( _____________________ ), or you may want students to decide where the missing part should be.

Pair students with a partner. Ask them to label the parts of the problem statement that appear. Share results as a class. Next, ask pairs to generate the missing element(s) of each problem statement. Share results.