Creative Problem Solving Task using ChatGPT - Prompts to create a Lesson Plan

Updated by Michelle

As educators continually seek innovative methods to enhance learning, ChatGPT emerges as a revolutionary tool in the realm of education, particularly in mathematics. This Generative AI-driven platform offers unique opportunities to transform traditional teaching preparation into interactive, engaging, and personalized learning experiences.

Here's an example of 2 sequential prompts you could use to help create a lesson plan for a Creative Problem Solving Task.

ChatGPT Response: STUDENT TASK

Imagine you've been given the task to design a new park in your city. The park is to be laid out on a plot of land that's shaped like a trapezoid. The longer base of the trapezoid measures 200 meters, the shorter base measures 150 meters, and the height from one base to the other is 100 meters. You want to include a circular fountain with a radius of 15 meters right in the center of the park and a straight walking path that divides the park area into two equal halves.

Your challenge is to:

  1. Calculate the total area of the park before adding the fountain.
  2. Determine the area of the park that will be left after the fountain is installed.
  3. Design a walking path that splits the park into two areas of equal size, taking into account the space the fountain will occupy. Describe how you would position this path.

This task will require you to apply concepts of geometry, including calculating the area of a trapezoid and a circle, and creatively thinking about space and design. How would you go about solving this problem?


Prompt 2: Can you turn this into a lesson plan with explicit teaching instructions including what pre-requisite knowledge is required and step by step hints to help students unravel this task?

ChatGPT Response:

Lesson Plan: Designing a Park - A Geometry Challenge

Grade Level: 9th Grade Subject: Mathematics Duration: 2 x 50-minute sessions

Objective: Students will apply their knowledge of geometry to solve real-world problems by designing a park layout, calculating areas, and implementing creative thinking for spatial design.

Materials Needed:

  • Graph paper
  • Rulers
  • Calculators
  • Colored pencils

Pre-requisite Knowledge (Assign Mangahigh activities to review pre-requisite knowledge):

  • Calculation of areas of trapezoids and circles
  • Understanding of geometric shapes and properties
  • Basic principles of symmetry and division

Lesson Introduction (10 minutes)

  • Engage: Pose a question to the class, "How can mathematics help us in designing spaces like parks?"
  • Introduce the Problem: Present the park design challenge as outlined in the ‘student task’, emphasizing the real-world application of geometric concepts.

Instruction (20 minutes)

  1. Review of Geometric Formulas:
    • Quickly review how to calculate the area of a trapezoid and a circle.
    • Discuss how these formulas will be crucial in solving the park design problem.
  3. Understanding the Problem:
    • Break down the problem statement with the class, ensuring understanding of the task.
    • Highlight key points: dimensions of the trapezoid, size of the fountain, and the goal to divide the park into two equal areas.

Guided Practice (40 minutes)

  1. Step-by-Step Hints for the Task:
    • Hint 1: Start by calculating the total area of the trapezoidal plot. Remember the formula for the area of a trapezoid.
    • Hint 2: Calculate the area of the circular fountain to understand how much space it will occupy.
    • Hint 3: Subtract the fountain's area from the total area of the park to find the remaining usable space.
    • Hint 4: For the walking path challenge, think about how the path can run through the park to divide the space evenly. Consider drawing this out on graph paper.
    • Hint 5: Use the concept of symmetry and the properties of trapezoids to guide your walking path design.
  3. Collaborative Work:
    • Have students work in small groups to tackle each step of the problem.
    • Encourage them to discuss their strategies and reasoning with each other.

Independent Practice (30 minutes)

  • Task: Each student designs their version of the park on graph paper, applying the calculations and design principles discussed.
  • Creativity Encouraged: Students can add additional features to their park design, considering the geometric implications of each.

Closure (10 minutes)

  • Share and Reflect: Allow a few groups to share their designs and thought processes.
  • Discuss: What challenges did they face? How did they overcome them? What creative solutions were proposed?

Assessment:

  • Evaluate students' calculations and designs based on accuracy, application of geometric concepts, and creativity in solving the design challenge.

Extension:

  • Challenge students to consider how they might incorporate other geometric shapes into their park design for different features (play areas, gardens, etc.), calculating the area and impact on the overall design.

This lesson plan not only reinforces geometric concepts but also fosters creativity, problem-solving, and the practical application of mathematics in everyday life.

Conclusion

Incorporating ChatGPT into math education offers a wealth of benefits, from personalizing learning to making mathematics more accessible and engaging. By following these simple steps, teachers can easily gather inspiration and effectively integrate this powerful tool into their teaching arsenal, ultimately enriching the educational experience for their students and paving the way for a new era of creative mathematics learning. As we navigate this digital age, embracing AI tools like ChatGPT in educational settings becomes not just advantageous but essential in preparing students for the future.

Platforms like MangaHigh serves to simplify revision or learning of pre-requisite knowledge to ensure students are successful in completing the Creative Problem Solving activity.

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