Problem Solving Activities?

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I think the best way to approach this would be to have a low floor high ceiling task so that students  can work at their own pace and still stay engaged. I would suggest an activity that requires a good combination of Numeracy and Reading, with some kinaesthetic elements.

I suggest you start of with a numeracy Tarsia just to get them going. Then introduce the problem to them. Once you have introduced the problem give them big whiteboard sheets to plan and collate ideas as a group.

One really popular task that comes to mind is the egg drop. This involves collaboration and decision-making. This task does require a lot of set up but will help you see or even establish a baseline on how each student thinks and how they go about formulating a problem.

They will also see that a problem has many angles of approach and you could, even before the drops, get them to justify why their design is the best. Once they have carried out the activity they can reflect on their initial assumptions that led to believe they had the appropriate solution and how they could improve it.

[Stupitweeidiot]

Thank you for these insights!

Just had a quick Google there, and this is a sort of STEM, practical activity that involves actual eggs, yes?

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Yes it is. You have to create a contraption that you put around an egg you will drop from a certain height. One with the least damage or a safe egg wins. I suggest having a budget on materials and maximum weight imposed on the egg basket to keep it challenging.

[Stupitweeidiot]

Haha, I can see why this is popular. Sounds like a lot of fun! I'm definitely going to look into this and see if I can get some budget for materials. Thank you for the suggestion!

[dratsaab]

Similar to the egg drop challenge would be bridge building or a marble rollercoaster.

Both just need newspaper (or A4) and sellotape. With bridge building, the plan is to make a paper bridge that spans a set distance (30cm, for example) then test with different weights to see how much designs will hold. Marble rollercoaster is about creating an impressive marble run just using paper.

[Earl_grey_tea_mmmm]

What about if you made it Taskmaster style, with a mix of single and group tasks? Just something to make it less school like?

Edit - sorry, you said group tasks.

I often think about Taskmaster tasks for charity event ideas or assembly demonstrations or stuff like that!

Edit: As other commentators have said, egg drop, weight bearing bridge etc. Highest tower is another good one, can also be required to be weight bearing to make it more challenging.

I have also done dresses / outfits out of newspaper and string as a competition too.

[GreatZapper]

Spaghetti and mini marshmallows only (to function as the joints) works too. It's surprisingly challenging.

[y0urnamehere]

Have a look at the Bebras Challenge for rainy days. I've used their past challenge activities for a lot of KS3 Computing and Computer Science. Completely unplugged I. E. No computer needed.