'Problem solving with addition and subtraction' tutor notes

This module can be used as a starting point for: practising problem solving using addition and subtraction.

Please let us know what you think of the factsheets, worksheets, quiz and games at skillswise.feedback@bbc.co.uk

Students may find it useful to look at the Mental addition and subtraction and Written addition and subtraction sections of the site before tackling this module.

How does this tie in with the new curriculums?

• England N1/E3.9 - Use and interpret +, -, x , ÷ and = in practical situations for solving problems.
  N1/L1.3 - Add, subtract, multiply and divide using efficient written methods.
• Wales
  As England.
• Northern Ireland
  As England.
• Scotland
  See www.aloscotland.com for details of the Scottish curriculum.

In the Skillswise module you'll find:

Problem solving with addition and subtraction factsheets
There are six sheets in this section which can be printed out and kept.

• Factsheet 1 - Problem solving method.
• Factsheet 2 - Single stage problems.
• Factsheet 3 - Two stage problems.
• Factsheet 4 - Three stage problems
• Factsheet 5 - Addition Glossary.
• Factsheet 6 - Subtraction Glossary.

Problem Solving Conveyor Belt Games

In these games, the learner can solve maths problems by answering questions relating to items which appear on a conveyor belt.

There are two games: one for addition, and another for subtraction.

At the start of the game, the learner can choose whether to answer questions by clicking on one of three choices, or by typing in their answers. If they answer any question incorrectly, they get the choice of a second chance or just to see the correct answer. At the end they are given a summary of the questions, the answers they gave and their score.

If they get 8 questions or more correct, they get a bonus game - 'Monkey tennis'!

TOP TIP! To see the game completely full screen, press the F11 key on the keyboard. This takes away the distraction of the top browser bar. To bring the browser bar back, just press F11 again!

Problem solving with addition and subtraction quiz
The learner can choose their level. Level A is the easiest, level C the hardest.
Students can print out a certificate if they score 50% or more in the quiz. This will appear as a link on the results page - click on the link and the certificate will appear in a new window. Students can write their name on the certificate once it's printed.

Problem solving addition and subtraction worksheets
There are three printable worksheets in this section, for learners to carry on the work done online.

• Worksheet 1 - 3 addition and subtraction problems.
• Worksheet 2 - 3 more addition and subtraction problems.
• Worksheet 3 - Another 3 addition and subtraction problems.

Technical help:

To get the most out of this topic area you need the following 'plug-ins':

• Flash
  The game in this topic section uses Flash. This is free to download and should only take a few minutes. You can follow the BBC WebWise instructions to download it to your machine.
  Find out more.

If you don't have Flash the same learning points are covered in the quiz and in the worksheets and factsheets.
If you are new to the web, why not try the BBC WebWise online course, Becoming WebWise? It's free, you can do it in your own time from any computer and it will take you through everything you need to know to use the web successfully in your teaching.
Get WebWise.

You can find out more about the technical requirements for Skillswise in our Help - Technical Information section.

Taking it further:

Here's a few suggestions of other places on the web that you might find useful resources that you can adapt for teaching problem solving with addition and subtraction.

• BBC KS2 Bitesize Maths
  Bitesize is aimed at children at the end of Key Stage 2, but it still has useful activities you can try with your students.
• Efficient written methods
  Another resource from the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre, this one mapped to curriculum point N1/L1.3. Some downloadable PDFs and on-line quizzes for practising written maths.
• AAA Math - addition
• AAA Math - subtraction
  An American site with many pages demonstrating different addition and subtraction skills, with interactive activities and games.
• Abiator - problem solving
  This site from from New Zealand has lots of problem solving puzzles. The site is fully interactive, tempting the user to take the 'Problem Solving Challenge'.

Please note that the BBC is not responsible for the content of other websites.

Don't forget to visit Lesson plans and Teaching inspirations for more ideas for teaching problem solving with addition and subtraction.

Do you know of any great online resources for practising problem solving with addition and subtraction? Tell us about them!