Texas TEKS 2.17.B
The Standard
use problem-solving and decision-making processes to identify a problem, gather information, list and consider options, consider advantages and disadvantages, choose and implement a solution, and evaluate the effectiveness of the solution.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Social Studies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students recognize a classroom or community issue, learn about it, and compare possible fixes. They select one fix, try it, then decide whether it worked and what to change.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given a problem such as long lunch lines, a student gathers facts and names at least two possible solutions. The student explains each option’s benefits and drawbacks, chooses one, and describes how to check the result.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may choose the first idea they hear or confuse personal preference with evidence. They may list only benefits, ignore possible problems, or claim a solution worked without checking the outcome.
How to Assess It
- Use this exit ticket: “The playground has litter after lunch. Give two solutions, one benefit and drawback for each, your choice, and how you would test it.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups a messy supply bin, then have them study the problem, compare two organizing plans, try one, and check the result.
Ask students to write: “What classroom problem should we fix, and what facts would help us choose a fair solution?”
Play Option Sort with problem cards and solution cards, then have partners rank each solution by likely benefits and drawbacks.
Invite the custodian to describe a school problem, then let students propose solutions and explain how the school could measure success.
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Printable 2.17.B Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 2.17.B, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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