Bridges Math: Problem Strings

In math class we often do what are called Problem Strings. Problem Strings are a group of problems, that start at a base problem, and then work to harder problems that are connected to one another. Problem Strings maintain a brisk pace and tight focus, emphasize a specific computational strategy or model, prompt students to make connections between problems in the sequence to develop the strategy or gain a particular insight about an operation, and promote the collection of efficient computational strategies. Math in these PS is not like the math you or I were taught in school. They are meant to teach mathematical strategies around number sense and connections, not just a machine to plug in numbers and spit out an answer (like an algorithm). They really are meant to make math easier, and allow the individual math student to have strategies that work for them.

Here are a few examples: