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Problem solving is a critical skill to develop within all science
students. The problem with problem solving is it is difficult to learn,
and difficult to teach. But it doesn't have to be. The
See-Think-Do-Check strategy breaks down the process of word problems
into four manageable pieces. Mention See-Think-Do-Check (STDC) in your
classroom every day, and even the most challenged science student will
be able to tackle word problems with confidence.
Every problem with numbers that a student does in science has a set procedure for completing it.
SEE
What are the KNOWN VARIABLES?
What are the UNKNOWN VARIABLES?
THINK
What FORMULAS do you know which relate the KNOWN VARIABLES to the UNKNOWN VARIABLES?
(Use your equation sheet)
DO
Work the problem. Rearrange the formula if necessary. Substitute values for the variables. Pay close attention to the units (DON'T LOOSE THEM!).
CHECK
Does the answer make sense?
Check to make sure you have the correct units.
This strategy is simple enough for students to catch on quick. Emphasize that when a formula sheet is available, they should reference it in the second step of STDC.
There are other methods for accomplishing the same thing. You may have learned the GUESS method for problem solving in your own science class:
G: Given
U: Unknown
E: Equation
S: Substitution
S: Solution
Either one will work. I've found See-Think-Do-Check to be an effective catch phrase. No matter which you decide to teach, make sure you apply it in every class. Whether this happens at the beginning of class as a catalyst, during whiteboarding activities, or for a mastery quiz, the students need to complete literally hundreds of problems using this method for it to be ingrained in their memory.
You can download a copy of the See-Think-Do-Check resource I hand out to my students from the Toolbox. Click here to download.
Tags: problem solving teaching strategy word problems formula variable critical thinking |
