Views on Problem Solving
Mathematics is a subject that when taught properly, it not only provides students with insight into the field, but also allows them to develop skills essential in life. Through the guise of a class project, students enhance their problem solving, team building, and critical thinking skills. By working with classmates, verbalizing their thinking, and developing strategies to solve the problem, students are developing their knowledge beyond the world of mathematics. As a future teacher, I will use problem solving activities whenever applicable because of the variety of benefits they provide for the students. Below is an example of a problem solving activity that I would use with my classes. A solution and hints are also linked below.
Check Mate!
Directions: Use problem solving skills and your knowledge of probability to solve the problem below.
Two different squares are randomly chosen from an 8x8 chessboard. What is the probability that two queens placed on the two squares can attack each other? Recall that queens in chess can attack any square in a straight line vertically, horizontally, or diagonally from their current position.