Working 'Round A Problem (W'RAP)

$75.00 call 1-800-799-8111 or email crdg@hawaii.edu

Overview
The Working ’Round A Problem (WRAP) set contains 250 thought-provoking problems designed to complement any mathematics program in grades five through high school algebra and geometry. The problems come from three projects of the Curriculum Research & Development Group at the University of Hawai‘i: Reshaping Mathematics for Understanding, Hawai‘i Algebra Learning Project (Algebra I: A Process Approach, 2nd Edition), and Geometry Learning Project.

Each of these projects focuses on problem solving as the basis for developing student understanding. The problems in WRAP were selected because they
• engaged a diverse group of students;
• encouraged students to use multiple solution approaches;
• represented important topics in grades five through high school algebra and geometry; and
• presented mathematical ideas in novel or unique ways.

The problems in WRAP encourage students to go beyond getting a ‘correct’ answer. They can serve as springboards to have students reason mathematically and can prompt discussions of solution strategies. Some problems have more than one possible solution, which can lead students to assess the reasonableness and appropriateness of an answer as well as to generalize patterns found across possible answers. Many have more than one solution path, giving students opportunities to choose strategies they prefer.

WRAP Content

WRAP cards are organized into five strands: Number & Operations; Algebra; Geometry; Measurement; and Data Analysis & Probability. Within each strand, the cards are numbered consecutively to make identification and record keeping easy, but they need not be completed in that order. The letter before the number indicates the strand. You may select problems based on your needs or the interest of your students.

Suggested answers appear on separate cards in each strand.

Suggestions for Use

WRAP cards can be used with individual students, small groups, or a whole class. You may decide to
• assign individual problem-solving tasks to be completed during class time;
• have students prepare a description of their solution method (a problem- solving write-up), allowing extended time to complete it;
• use a problem as a warm-up for your class;
• select a problem to introduce a new topic or to apply previously learned concepts or skills;
• engage students in small group activities with students describing their
solution techniques either orally or in writing;
• introduce problem-solving strategies using one or more WRAP cards; or
• review skills through problem solving.

Cards can be given to individual students or reproduced on a transparency to use with the whole class. Individual cards may also be photocopied for use in small group or whole class settings.

Download W'RAP flyer >>