When solving a problem it is important to define what the problem is and identify the goal that must be achieved to solve the problem.
In doing so we must identify the possible ways of achieving the goal using the information available. To determine the possible ways, it is useful to produce a list of conditions that must be satisfied for the goal to be achieved.
Class Practical 1
In class demonstration: (Game: Wolf, Sheep, Cabbage)
Teacher Draws and Discusses the game with students with no prior information.
Homework
- Create a list of conditions which must be satisfied when for solving the problem
- Produce all possible, solutions to this problem
Class Practical 2
In this class we shall observe some logic games.
Preparation
- Students are to divide their copybook page into two columns (page is folded vertically to quickly set up the scenario).
- The first column is given the heading “Steps”.
- The second column is unlabeled.
Wolf Sheep And Cabbage
- Display the game found here: http://www.softschools.com/games/logic_games/wolf_sheep_and_cabbage/
- Skip any instructions the game may offer.
- 1 student is chosen at random to perform the task of solving the problem in the game. We call this student the “actor”.
- All other students are instructed that they are not allowed to talk or assist during the exercise ( No blurting out “no” Prep students for self control)
- The game is explained to the actor.
- Discuss the first actions with the actor. Silent students must write their first action, the main student takes his own action.
- As consequences emerge, students and the actor write down the rules.
- Every reset, write down the steps.
Discussion
-Are there any students with a different solution?
-Are there any rules for the boat?
-Are there different ways to start the problem?
In class Exercise
Write the steps to solve the problem.
Homework
Visit http://www.softschools.com/games/logic_games/ and play some of the logic games.
Write down some of the rules for the games that you have played. Use the following format:
| Game name | Goal(s) | Rules |
| Wolf, Sheep and Cabbage. | Main goal: Get all items safely across the river
Secondary Goals: Do not lose any items to ‘eating’
| · Only one item is allowed in the boat
· The sheep and wolf should never be left alone · The cabbage and the sheep should never be left alone. |
In your notebook, complete at least 3 rows of the table. i.e the rules and goals for at least 3 logic games.
Updates to this post
22nd Apr 2024: Added “When solving a problem….” up to and including Class practical 1. This class practical is meant or use in a classroom with no lab .
The previous class practical was renamed to Class Practical 2 and is meant for use in a Computer lab.
© 2018 Vedesh Kungebeharry. All rights reserved
Island Class 